No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

I was genuinely surprised when Ernest agreed, but his consent tugged at my heartstrings even more.

He clearly didn't want to, yet he honored Susie's wishes all the same.

Susie, perhaps fearing Ernest might back out, immediately took out her smartphone to register online. Watching her seriously fill out the registration, a realization hit me - this girl was a powerhouse of positive, grateful energy.

"Ernest, let's sign up too," I found myself deciding on the spur of the moment.

Ernest looked at me, and even Susie paused her application. "Licia."

"Alright," Ernest readily agreed, pulling out his phone.

"Bro, Licia, you guys..." Susie was visibly moved and a bit worried.

It's funny how when it's something we decide on our own, we dive in headfirst, but the moment someone else does the same, we hesitate to accept it.

But Susie didn't try to stop us. Instead, she transformed her concern into a smile. "Licia, bro, let's do this together and hope we all stay healthy for many years to come, never needing to use this application."

Ernest and I couldn't help but laugh at her comment, and I teased her, "So, your grand gesture of love is just for show, huh?"

Susie played along perfectly. "Licia, some things are better left unsaid, right bro?"

What started as a tense situation turned into a joyful one once Ernest and I joined in.

"Bro, Licia, come on, let's celebrate our love and hope for a lifetime of peace and health," Susie raised her cup of milkshake. Ernest and I lifted our cups to clink with hers.

"It's so good, so sweet," Susie remarked after taking a sip.

Seeing how easily pleased she was, I silently prayed for her surgery to be successful and for her to remain safe and healthy.

Ernest whipped up some delicious snacks for Susie, but fearing she might feel lonely eating by herself, we decided to stay and share a bite.

"No, don't. If you eat now, you won't have room for dinner. That would be such a waste," Susie explained her little scheme without making it seem annoying at all.

"Bro, Licia, go have dinner. Don't worry about me. I've been eating alone for years," Susie's words made us relent.

But her words also revealed her

loneliness, much like the void I felt losing my parents. Even in the midst of the lively Wagner family, a part of my heart felt empty. NôvelDrama.Org content rights.

Ernest and I then headed to the restaurant recommended by Grant. Throughout the drive, Ernest remained silent.

I knew Susie's decision weighed heavily on him. Even though he agreed, it clearly pained him.

"Why agree if you didn't want to? If you had objected, Susie probably wouldn't have insisted," I questioned Ernest.

He stared ahead at the road, "I had no reason to refuse. Why should she accept help from others but not be able to give back when it's her turn?" Love given is love received; blessings shared are blessings doubled.

I grasped Ernest's hand, understanding his mindset. We shared a knowing smile.

As the car pulled up, I eyed the

restaurant's logo. "Mr. Smith's inviting us to Seabreeze City's finest dine Hope this isn't some kind of trap."

Ernest chuckled softly, "Licia, don't always assume the worst."

"Then, assuming the best, I'm basking in the glory of some VIP," I teased without looking at Ernest.

"Maybe," he surprisingly played along.

I no longer expected him to admit his high-profile status openly. If he wanted to play cosplay, I'd play along.

Without Grant's room number, I knew that in such a ritzy place, mentioning the name of the person who made the reservation would suffice.

True enough, upon stating Grant's name, a waiter led us to a private room.

Before we could even push the door

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open, Grant, as if he had radar attached to us, came over to

welcome us in with utmost politeness. "Please, come in."

The room was empty except for him.

Looking at the large round table, my first thought was extravagance and waste.