No More Waiting, She Chooses Love
Chapter 204

Yes, everyone gets older, but to age overnight, it truly breaks the heart.

Herschel still made me a cup of black tea, but it tasted bitterly in my mouth.

"Take this black tea with you. You can brew it yourself at home. It's great for beauty and health," Herschel carefully packed the leftover tea leaves for me.

He really treated me like his own daughter, and now there seemed to be even more guilt in his kindness.

I couldn't refuse; it would only make him feel worse.

"Alright, once I've finished it, I'll ask you for more," I replied with a light and easygoing tone, trying to ease his mood.

"Yeah, ask for anything you want, Felicia. You're like a daughter to me, you know?" Herschel shared his heartfelt thoughts with me.

I nodded vigorously. "In my heart, you're also my father."

Back when I was in school, it was mostly Herschel who attended the parent-teacher meetings. Sometimes when Jacqueline wanted to go, Herschel would say his presence meant more, ensuring that the principal and teachers would think highly of me.

Though my parents passed away early, Herschel never let me feel orphaned in front of my classmates.

Herschel nodded deeply, and as I thought about Jacqueline's worries, I glanced at his hair, "Herschel, Jacqueline is really worried about you. If she sees you like this..."

"I still look pretty handsome, don't I?" Herschel ran his fingers through his hair.

That made me laugh, tears swirling in my eyes as I agreed, "Yes, very handsome. Mr. Wagner, no matter what, you're the best looking."

Just as we were laughing, we heard footsteps coming upstairs. Jacqueline's voice reached us before she appeared, "I swear, no one can handle you like Felicia does, you old rascal."

When Jacqueline reached the doorway, her teasing smile was still on her lips. But as soon as she saw us, that smile froze.

She stared at Herschel in disbelief, her eyes trembling, and soon tears began to fall.

Herschel and I both stood up, and I quickly stepped closer to her. "Jacqueline..."

But Jacqueline wasn't looking at me; her gaze was fixed on Herschel's hair.

Herschel also moved closer, gently wiping away her tears, "What's wrong, you think I'm ugly now?"

Jacqueline's eyes, locked on Herschel's gray hair, took a while before she shakily raised her hand, "Your hair..."

"I've got gray hairs too, even more than you. No need to worry anymore, right?" Herschel teased as he wiped the tears from her face.

But Jacqueline couldn't stop crying, even trembling with grief.

This was the first time I'd seen Jacqueline cry like this.

She had always been pampered by Herschel, rarely shedding tears, but today her sobs were heartbreaking as her hands kept touching Herschel's hair. Watching this, I quietly went downstairs.

Dustin looked at me, "What's wrong? I heard my mom crying."

"Herschel... he's gone gray overnight," My words left Dustin staring in shock.

After a moment, he lowered his head, falling silent.

I didn't know how to comfort him. Although I had a reason for coming today, at this moment, my heart wasn't in it.

"I should head back," I told Dustin.

Dustin glanced upstairs, "I'll walk you out."

I got into the car and tried to start it, but it just wouldn't fire up.

I remembered, before coming over, I had tampered with the car hoping to ride with Herschel.

"Car trouble?" Dustin noticed.

Feeling guilty, I barely nodded.

"I'll have someone fix it. Let Luke drive you home," Dustin offered.

Luke was Herschel's driver.