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Chapter 63

Chapter 63

“Hey, girl, don’t forget about me.” Dustin’s voice broke through the silence, his large hand gently patting my head before letting go.

I hadn’t shed a tear until then, but they suddenly started flowing, unstoppable.

I tried to swallow them back, fearing they’d betray my feelings, but it was in vain. The more I tried, the harder they fell. I had to turn away, not wanting Dustin to see me like that.

Dustin’s hand landed on my head again, gently messing up my hair. “Crying before me is nothing to be ashamed of, get it?”

He’d said it before. And there he was, repeating it. But it felt like a blow to my already fragile pride. I turned away, hastily wiping my tears.

He seemed to understand, picking up my suitcase. “I’ll put this in the car for you.”

He left, and I covered my face, letting the tears flow freely.

When I went downstairs, Herschel and Jacqueline were still bustling in the kitchen, their joy at their son’s return overshadowing their sorrow at losing me, their daughter–in–law. I couldn’t bear to say goodbye, not wanting them to see my red, swollen eyes, afraid of their pleas for me to stay.

Dustin was waiting by the car, lost in thought. Seeing me, he put on a slight smile. “Need a ride?”

I shook my head, forcing a smile. “You’ve been gone four years. The city’s changed. You might get lost.”

A faint smile played on his lips. “Really?”

I looked down, not meeting his gaze, not wanting him to see the pain in my eyes. “I’ll go now. Let’s catch up over dinner sometime.”

He didn’t reply. As I opened the car door and sat down, ready to drive off, he rested his hand on the window. “Where will you be staying? Can you tell me?”

I gripped the steering wheel tighter, silent.

He let out a rueful laugh, pulling his hand back. “Drive safe.”

And with that, I drove off, tears streaming down my face as I left the place I’d known for ten years behind.

Goodbye to my home. Goodbye to my love. Goodbye to the person I used to be.

It seemed Dustin had spoken to Jacqueline. She hadn’t called.

Back at my place, I unpacked, tidied up a bit, and went to bed. I woke up the following

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Chapter 63

morning, promising that it marked a new beginning.

I had made a pact with Conrad and would spend more time at the amusement park, conveniently avoiding any run–ins with Dustin. Deborah was also gearing up for a busy month with the project deadline looming.

“Let’s confirm the arrival times for the two contractors tomorrow,” I instructed Deborah.

“Felicia, it’s all set. One team at 10 a.m., the other at 2 p.m. They’re staying at the hotel close by,” Deborah confirmed, her organizational skills impeccable.

“Book another room,” I added.

“Expecting someone else?” Deborah inquired.