No More Waiting, She Chooses Love



As the ceremony came to a close, I stood up and made my way towards Master Mathew, and that's when I saw Conrad.

It was Conrad who had first introduced me to these gatherings. Initially, I found them rather dull, but once I understood that attending could bring blessings to him, I started accompanying him regularly, listening intently each time. Gradually, I grew to enjoy the sermons, even joining in the chants on occasion. However, Conrad and I had gone our separate ways, and though I continued attending on my own, when we crossed paths now, we were nothing more than strangers to each other.

He acknowledged me with a nod a simple greeting-before we both approached Master Mathew to receive a special blessing, a rare ritual that I was fortunate to experience today. This ceremony, akin to wiping away misfortunes and illnesses, was more of a symbolic hope for many, yet it was cherished by all.

After the ceremony, Conrad and I left the chapel together. "Didn't expect to see you here," he commented softly.

"I came seeking peace," I confessed, not wanting to hide my reasons from him. There were things Conrad should be aware of; his silence didn't mean ignorance.

"Do you need any help?" he offered.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

Under the moonlight, I could see his face had grown thinner, almost sickly, since our last encounter. I wanted to express my concern, but given our current relationship, I chose to keep my worries to myself.

"No, thank you," I declined, but felt compelled to add, "I don't want to drag you into this anymore."

Conrad smiled faintly. "Are you trying to protect me?"

I smiled back, lightly. "If you wish to see it that way."

"I'll do everything in my power to protect you. So, go ahead and do what you must," he encouraged me. Although I didn't want him involved, he clearly wasn't keen on staying out of it.

"Thank you," I expressed my gratitude, knowing well my politeness was something he found uncomfortable and unlike him.

"Have you been attending the sermons often?" I asked, attempting to lighten the mood.

"Yeah, and it's not just me. There's been a surge in attendance lately. I've run into several acquaintances Oh, and Mrs. Clark has practically moved in here," Conrad shared understanding what I was hinting at.

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On my way here, I had contemplated seeking her out. Despite Lord Clark's numerous affairs, Mrs. Clark's unwavering status spoke volumes of her significance to him. I almost thanked him again for the valuable information, but remembering his aversion to formalities, I held back.

"If you're staying overnight, you might run into her," Conrad continued, ever the good Samaritan.

Seeing him here made me wonder if his presence had a purpose, perhaps even meant to pave the way for me. In that moment, a whirlwind of emotions enveloped me, like

wrapping around my sensor

"Conrad..."

"It's getting late; I should head back," he interrupted before I could say more. As he walked away, his slender silhouette under the moonlight seemed to carry a hint of serenity.

I couldn't help but call out, "Conrad, have you been losing weight?"

He paused, acknowledging with a soft hum before continuing on his path, his steps calm and measured, radiating a peaceful aura.