No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

At the pool hall, Conrad took a shot and missed everything.

Jefferson shook his head lightly, rubbing his cue stick as he said, "Has Felicia not texted you back yet or made any contact?"

Conrad stayed silent while Jefferson aimed for the most awkwardly placed ball on the table, sending it flying in a beautiful arc straight into the pocket with a solid crack.

"It doesn't make sense, right? She didn't even take it to heart when you spoke about her like that and didn't hold a grudge. What's got into her this time?" Jefferson was puzzled.

Conrad recalled when Felicia had come there to shoot some pool. "What did she ask you that time?"

Jefferson sunk another ball, then nonchalantly leaned on the edge of the pool table, lined up his next shot, and with another sharp crack, that one went in too.

"Didn't I tell you? She asked if there was anything among you, Haley, and Aiden at school. I told her straight up, no. So, her running away has nothing to do with me," Jefferson clarified, absolving himself completely.

"I didn't say anything. Why are you getting defensive?" Conrad's tone was sharp.

Jefferson eyed the last ball on the table but didn't immediately take the shot. Instead, he looked at Conrad, "Do you not know why she left? Why she didn't even bother to pick up the marriage license with you?"

"I have no idea. Maybe Felicia's throwing a fit. I've always spoiled her over the years!" Conrad said, sounding frustrated.

Not having gotten the marriage license, Conrad had faced nothing but frowns from his parents at home, and even people at the office knew about it, with rumors flying that he had cheated and got caught by Felicia. People said whatever they wanted with their mouths.

"You spoiled her?" Jefferson chuckled. "Honestly, Rad, it never seemed you pampered her, but rather..." He paused, "Rather, you got used to Felicia being your shadow, thinking she couldn't leave you. That's why you could say you weren't interested in her and haven't looked for her even after she's been gone this long."

"How am I supposed to find her? Put up missing person posters all over the world?" Conrad was still mad.

Jefferson shook his head, too tired to argue, and sank the last ball with a swift stroke.

It was a clean sweep, showcasing the pool hall owner's skill.

Conrad huffed, not convinced, "Another round."

"Rad," Jefferson started again as Conrad lined up his next shot, "Felicia loves you, but her love has dignity. If she left without a word

this time, it must be because you did something that deeply disappointed her."

"What did I do?" Conrad was irritated.

"That's for you to figure out," Jefferson pursed his lips. "Some people pass by each other, and for a lifetime. When free, ask yourself if you love Felicia or have become too familiar with her to feel anything?"

"Even if no more passion left more

between you, she's been part of your family forten years. You should at least care for her as a brother does. If something happened to her, you'd never forgive yourself," Jefferson's words made Conrad miss his shot. ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

He threw the cue stick on the table in frustration and stormed out. Even a game of pool couldn't go right.

"Did you hear? The Collins family's long-lost son was found after twenty years and is returning soon," Conrad heard Jefferson say as he was about to leave.

Conrad frowned slightly, and Jefferson added, "They say this guy is something else. If you planned on doing business with the Collins family, you'd better move fast to avoid complications."

"And about Felicia, if you can't let her go, drop the pride and make the first move," Jefferson called out to Conrad, who had left.

Watching him leave without a word, Jefferson snorted, "You'll regret it."

It was three in the afternoon.