No More Waiting, She Chooses Love novel Chapter 167

Herschel froze in his tracks so suddenly I thought he might stumble.

I quickly reached out to steady him. “Herschel...”

He turned to me, a shadow crossing his face. “Felicia, why would you ask something like that out of the blue?”

I wanted to mention what Ernest had told me but couldn't bring myself to share it with Herschel. I brushed it off, “Just a random question, that's all.”

The usual warmth had drained from Herschel's face, leaving him solemn and, quite frankly, a bit intimidating.

“Felicia, your parents' accident was just that—an accident. I was there, I saw it all. There are police reports and everything to prove it,” Herschel said heavily.

I hadn't been to the scene of the accident. Herschel had spared me from it, not wanting me to see something so grim. But that choice had left me with a lifetime of unanswered questions.

“If you're having doubts, or you don't believe me, you can check the records for yourself,” Herschel's complexion turned ashen, the joviality gone from his voice.

I knew how close he had been to my father, almost like brothers. Bringing up my parents' death must have reminded him of the tragedy, causing him pain.

I linked my arm through his. “No need, I believe you. It was just a question.”

Herschel looked into my eyes, searching for something. For a moment, I thought he might say more, but he didn't.

After a heavy sigh, he said, “Felicia, why don't you go on ahead? I need a moment to myself.”

He had planned to come downstairs with me but suddenly changed his mind. My heart felt heavy. “Herschel...”

“I'm fine, really. Go on,” Herschel gestured for me to leave.

I left the study but didn't go straight downstairs. Instead, I leaned against the wall, lost in thought.

Something about Herschel's reaction didn't sit right with me, though he spoke with such candor.

Reaching the bottom of the stairs, both Jacqueline and Ernest turned to look at me. For a moment, none of us spoke.

Finally, Jacqueline broke the silence. “Where's Herschel? Didn't he come down with you?”

Thinking of Herschel's demeanor earlier, I replied, “He wanted to stay up for a bit longer.”

Jacqueline seemed to read something in my expression. “Felicia, Herschel loves you as if you were his own.”

“Yeah, I know,” I said, feeling a bit downcast.

Ernest stood up, took my hand, and looked at me with concern. My hands were cold, and I could see the worry in his eyes intensify.

“Do you have anything else you need to discuss with Jacqueline? If not, maybe we should head back. Let's not keep Jacqueline and Herschel from their rest,” Ernest suggested, providing a graceful excuse for us to leave.