No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

"Hmm, something's going wrong with the lights," I explained as Jacqueline approached the scaffold where Ernest was working.

"Sir, shouldn't you be wearing a safety harness? Seems a tad risky, doesn't it? Safety first, always," Jacqueline was quick to spot the issue.

Actually, Ernest always wore his harness, but he had taken it off momentarily when he climbed down earlier. It was an impromptu decision to climb up, hence the oversight.

"Yes, of course, safety first," I quickly agreed before calling out to Ernest, "Why on earth did you go up without strapping on your harness? Come down this instant."

Ernest came down and sincerely admitted, "My mistake, I'll be more careful next time. It won't happen again."

His demeanor was reminiscent of a schoolboy caught in a misstep, earnestly promising not to repeat his mistake.

Oddly, I felt a twinge of guilt, as if I was being too harsh on him.

Jacqueline observed him, saying, "Safety is about protecting yourself, being responsible for your well-being. You can only care for others if you first care for yourself, right?"

Despite not being in the workforce, Jacqueline, as the director's wife, spoke with a certain philosophical depth and instructional intent.

Yet, her words left me pondering deeper meanings.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

"Yes, Mrs. Wagner," Ernest responded respectfully.

"You must be famished after working all morning. I've brought lunch; have a bite," Jacqueline suddenly transformed into a benign figure. Ernest expressed his gratitude and headed off to eat, while Jacqueline watched him go, noting, "The lad seems strong and capable."

I understood her insinuation, likening Ernest to just another laborer, much like how Conrad had dismissed him the night before. Now, it was Mrs. Wagner's turn.

It dawned on me why Jacqueline had come today; she likely heard something from Conrad and wanted to assess Ernest herself.

"He's an engineer, responsible for the lighting adjustments," I clarified, aiming to correct Jacqueline's impression of Ernest.

But as the director's wife, accustomed to mingling with the upper crust, she simply offered a polite smile.

"Hungry, aren't you? Let's head to the office for lunch. We can chat more comfortably there," Jacqueline proposed with a gentle warmth. "Sure," I couldn't refuse.

By the time we reached the office, the chauffeur has already arranged all the dishes, exactly to my taste.

I was certain this was a different arrangement than what Deborah and the others were having.

"Thank you, Jacqueline," I said, genuinely touched and pleased.

"If you won't come home, this is the least I can do," Jacqueline gestured for me to sit, "Eat up before it gets cold."

I wasted no time, diving into the meal.

"Easy there," she chuckled, seeing my eagerness.

"It's just so delicious," I played along.

It wasn't pretense; after years with the Wagner family, it had become second nature.

After all, if it makes everyone happy, why not?

"Felicia, is there really no chance for you and Rad?" Jacqueline eventually broached the subject.

I paused, then nodded.

Jacqueline sighed. "Then it's his loss, and ours too."

"Jacqueline, if anyone's lacking, it's me." I felt a pang of sadness.

Their affection over the years was real; I felt it deeply. Leaving Conrad was one thing, but parting from

harder.

those who cared for me, trong

no

"Ah well, can't force affection. Since you've

up your mind, I won't

"Jacqueline's words

some relief.

I feared she might insist, but thankfully, she didn't.

As I sipped my soup, Jacqueline

added,

Nerelicia, even if y

and

and Rad

aren't to be, I still hope you find someone good."

Sw

My grip tightened around the spoon, recalling Dustin's words from the previous night.

She wouldn't want me to be with Dustin, would she?

"Jacqueline, I'm not looking to start anew," I blurted out, preempting any further suggestions.