No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

I stood still, watching as Ernest made his way onto the elevator platform, calling out to me with a hint of excitement, "Come on, join me up here." Clutching a lollipop in my hand, I eyed him skeptically, especially when he added, "There's some fine-tuning that needs your eye."

It was the same line he used to lure me up there before. And what had I seen then?

"Ernest, it's work hours. Don't mix personal favors with business, okay? Don't try to trick me," I warned him.

He let out a subdued "Oh," but stayed where he was, obviously waiting for me to make a move.

Reluctantly, I approached the elevator. As I was about to step onto it, Ernest reached out to help me, but I dodged his hand.Content is © by NôvelDrama.Org.

Just as my foot touched the platform, it suddenly jerked, throwing me off balance. Instinctively, I reached out, grabbing his arm for support.

My cheeks flushed with embarrassment at the awkward contact, but Ernest was already scanning the area, muttering, “Need to get someone to check this elevator. Why's it shaking all of a sudden?"

Silence followed his question.

Ernest wasn't playing games this time. Once we were on the elevator, he began the adjustments while I observed, ready to suggest any changes. But not even half an hour into our task, my phone buzzed with a call from Conrad. Seeing his name, a sense of dread washed over me. This call wasn't about work. More likely, it was because Haley had complained about something to him.

Since he was my boss, I couldn't just ignore the call.

I stepped a little away and answered, "Mr. Wagner."

“Felicia, that was a low blow," Conrad accused right off the bat.

I didn't need him to elaborate to know what this was about.

His favorite had obviously tattled on me.

"Mr. Wagner, I believe I've handled things appropriately. If there's an issue, it's on your end," I paused, "for scheduling them both at the same time. It was only logical how I arranged it."

Conrad seemed taken aback by my response, falling silent. Seizing the opportunity, I added, "Mr. Wagner, I'm quite busy. If there's nothing else, I'll be hanging up."

"Rearrange your schedule to accompany Haley personally," Conrad commanded abruptly.

"Conrad, have you lost your mind?

Why should I babysit her? What

supposed to be fixing?" I shot bet

about the park's lighting we're

not mincing my words.

“I'm ordering you to do so. Don't worry about the rest," Conrad asserted, pulling rank.

My grip on the elevator rail

tightened, "You can play the tyrant all you want, act out of spite for your favorites, but I won't join you in this madness."

"Then consider yourself relieved from your duties at the park. Report back to the office," Conrad's decision caught me off guard.

I paused for a moment, "Are you serious?"

"Do I sound like I'm joking?" Conrad retorted coldly, "Felicia, don't think the park can't operate without you."

Hearing his words, I realized he wasn't bluffing.

Standing high above the ground, looking over the amusement park, a sense of sadness overwhelmed me.

After Conrad's betrayal, I swallowed my pride and stayed on just to finish this project and fulfill a dream. Yet, it seemed I was destined not to. Perhaps this was the regret people talked about.

Like how my parents wanted to see me grow up, to see me married, but were taken too soon.

If complete satisfaction in life is an impossible goal, why bother forcing it?

“Alright,” I conceded to Conrad, "I'll head back to the office."

Ending the call, a slight tremble took over my body, only ceasing when Ernest positioned himself beside me.

He didn't ask any questions, probably having overheard my conversation with Conrad.

We stood in silence for a while

before I finally spoke up, "Ernestet

need to return to the office. I can't continue with the adjustments, but I hope you can complete them."

He furrowed his brows, his concern evident. I had a feeling he might leave too, not out of arrogance, but because he gave me that impression. "This park is my dream. I wanted to see it perfectly completed," I murmured softly.

After a moment, Ernest simply said, "Okay."