No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

"Felicia, don't get it twisted," Haley said, and I almost burst out laughing. I recalled moments ago when Haley assumed her boyfriend was Conrad while picking out the bedding.

"Is that for Conrad?" I eyed the bedding she chose, a sleek combo of blue and gray, Conrad's old preference. But that was before. Under my influence, his taste has brightened considerably.

Haley bit her lip, hesitating for seconds before shaking her head. "No, it's not what you think. It's for my brother."

I didn't bother to argue with her and went straight to the point. "So, Conrad's moving in with you?"

Conrad had mentioned he couldn't let anything happy to Haley's child. Being around 24/7 seemed like the logical solution.

"How can you say such a thing?" Haley burst out.

"You're buying him beddings. How can I not say that?" I countered, laced with sarcasm.

"Felicia, you're getting jealous. Conrad hate that," Haley said. Her words made me laugh.

"What's so funny?" She looked at me, eyes wide with innocence yet tinged with caution.

I tucked a stray of hair behind my ear. "No matter how much Conrad likes me, he can't resist someone else's seduction."

"Felicia, don't talk like that," Haley snapped back, her cheeks flushing red.

"Isn't it true? Ms. Perez, you went to the company yesterday under the guise of explaining things to me, but you wanted to see Conrad, didn't you?" | had slept well, but it dawned on me when I woke up this morning.

Haley showed up at the company and deliberately got hit by a car as Conrad emerged, forcing him to hold her in front of everyone. It was all her plan. Haley feigned shock, shaking her head. "How can you think that of me?"

"Then explain why Conrad showed up at the coffee shop yesterday?" I pressed.

Caught off guard, Haley fell silent, a flash of embarrassment crossing her eyes.

"Haley,

be wad. Don't ever step one

skills if you want to

meConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

there. And..." I paused,

I

d and I have broken up."

"What?" Haley looked genuinely shocked.

"Thanks to you. By the way, I paid for the foie gras dinner the other night. If we're splitting the bill, you owe me a third, or you could cover Conrad's share, too," I said, extending my phone toward her.

Haley's face soured. "I don't have money now."

I didn't believe her yet was stunned.

"Felicia, since Aiden's incident, no one's given me money. I wouldn't have used Conrad's card otherwise," Haley said, sounding pitiful.

Whether true or not, insisting she pay would make me seem heartless.

"Never mind," I withdrew my phone.

But Haley stopped me. "How about this? I'll add you on WhatsApp and transfer it to you later."

I turned her down. "No need!"

"I insist," Haley persisted, pulling out her phone and opening the app.

Seeing her determination, I had a thought and let Haley add me. As she sent the friend request, I said, "Haley, you want to add me on WhatsApp only to annoy me with your status updates, don't you?"

A flash of cunning crossed Haley's eyes before dimming. She said, "Felicia, don't think so lowly of everyone."

"I hope you prove my suspicions wrong." I pocketed my phone, turned, and walked away.