No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

Back when I was Conrad's constant shadow, I'd always nudge him to mingle more, to knock off that aura of being untouchable. He had gotten somewhat better, but now, he's back to standing out like a sore thumb.

"Ever since you two split, Conrad's been walking around with that gloomy face, like everyone owes him money or something," Jefferson grumbled to

me.

I offered a faint smile, not really biting at his bait, instead, I tossed in my own request, "Jefferson, I need a favor."

I knew he was swamped with the upcoming football finals, but he was the only one I could turn to.

"Let's hear it," Jefferson didn't immediately commit.

I bit my lip, hesitating, "I need you to dig into the real cause behind my parents' car accident."

His eyebrows knitted in concern the moment I laid down my request, and as I shared my suspicions and the accident report with him, I added, "Jefferson, you're the only one who can help me."

"Felicia, what's the point in digging all that up?" he challenged.

I glanced down at my feet, "I know it won't bring my parents back, but I need closure. I need to face the truth about what happened to them."

He was silent for a moment, then, "You sure you want to go down this rabbit hole? Consequences be damned?"

"Yes, dig!" I was resolute.

"Alright,"

," Jefferson finally agreed, and I could almost feel the weight lifting off my shoulders.

"Jefferson, I'll cover the costs," I offered, knowing well that he'd have to pull some strings and that there's no such thing as a free lunch.

"Sure," he responded without burdening me, but added, "We'll settle it after everything's done."

When Jefferson and I returned to the party, the crowd was already buzzing with excitement. "Hey, come over here, you're the man of the hour... And Felicia, playing favorites, huh? Always sticking close to Jefferson."

"Jefferson's got a soft spot for me," I joked, though it was partly true.

Jefferson had always been on my side, especially regarding my issues.

The room erupted into cheers and laughter.

"That's our girl. Take good care of her, guys Jefferson chimed in, and someone threw in, "Hey Felicia, why not make it official and join our gang? Drop the formalities and become one of the bros?"

The suggestion was ludicrous. Me, switching from Conrad's girlfriend to just one of the guys?

I was about to deflect the topic with a joke when a phone ringtone cut through the noise.

I glanced over to see Conrad, staring at his phone screen, not answering or hanging up.

His action brought a sudden silence

to the room, making the person who

suggested I 'join the gang'

awkwardly scratch his nose and

backtrack, "Just kidding, Felicia. You

looked so stressed."

As the person finished, Conrad's phone stopped ringing, only for it to start again moments later, with him swiftly disconnecting each call.

I had a hunch who might be calling him.

Conrad's expression was sour,

perhaps due to my presence. Butet

was here to seek Jefferson's help, and having done that, it was time for me to leave.

Just as I was about to say my goodbyes, my phone rang.Content is property © NôvelDrama.Org.

Seeing the caller ID, I frowned at Conrad, catching his gaze on me.

His attention had been on me all evening, especially noticeable when I mentioned Jefferson's care for me. I saw his hands clench into fists. So, his moodiness was because of me.

Haley's name flashed on my screen, calling me after Conrad had rejected her calls. The implication was clear.

I glanced at the others, still engaged in their conversation, and decided to answer, "Guys, give me a sec, I've got a call."

Everyone's attention shifted to me as I put the call on speaker and laid my phone on the table in front of me—