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Chapter 129

Chapter 129

So there we were, standing awkwardly as Jacqueline, despite any reservations, seemed to agree to my suggestion with a nod. “Felicia, in my heart, you’re as good as my own

daughter.”

The words felt hollow. If that were truly the case she wouldn’t entertain the thought of me and Dustin being an item. But then again, it might have been Dustin’s idea since he’s already made his feelings for me crystal clear.

“Sure, let’s plan for a little get–together with Dustin and Conrad when they’re free. We can have a small ceremony, kind of like an informal adoption,” I proposed, noticing Jacqueline’s eyes flickering with something unreadable.

Clearly, she wasn’t thrilled with the idea of officially considering me her daughter. However, with the decade of kindness she’s shown me, I didn’t want to overthink it.

“Okay,” she agreed, her voice barely above a whisper.

After dropping her off, I ran into Conrad, who was the epitome of casual with a baseball cap and jersey, a far cry from his usual CEO demeanor. He reminded me of the vibrant him once fell for.

I remembered those high school days when he’d sneak out on his motorcycle, the thrill of it my life all. The time he took me for a ride, I was terrified yet exhilarated, clinging to him like depended on it. It was the closest I’d ever been to him.

He’d teased me afterwards, “Holding on so tight were you trying to cop a feel?”

Eventually, he swapped the motorcycle for suits, transforming from the carefree youth to the imposing CEO.

Seeing him now, in his old attire, stirred something within me, though I knew he wasn’t the

same person anymore.

The baseball cap he is wearing now is just to cover up the injury on his head.

“What, didn’t get enough of a fight yesterday? You’re here for round two?” Conrad joked, breaking the silence.

Before I could respond, Jacqueline slapped him. You still have the audacity to say? Even if she didn’t kill you, it’s because Felicia’s heart softened.”

“Jacqueline, even if you have two sons, you can’t be so cruel and let her beat me to death. Am I born to you or is she born to you?” Conrad is a serious boss in the company, and at home he sometimes looks like a child.

“As if I wouldn’t wish Felicia was my actual daughter. You just had to show up, didn’t you?” she said, her humor shining through despite the tension.

“Fine, next life she can be your daughter, and I’ll keep my distance,” Conrad retorted,

09:22

Chapter 129

wrapping an arm around Jacqueline in a rare display of affection.

Watching their close relationship, I couldn’t help but feel envious. If only my parents were here, I’d be just as carefree and spoiled with them.

But life is devoid of ifs.

Feeling suffocated by their closeness, I turned to leave. “Jacqueline, I should go.”

“Wait,” Conrad called out, “I need to talk to you.”

“We have nothing to talk about,” I replied, fearing my patience might snap if he provoked me further. I was starting to realize fighting had its addictive thrill.

“I do,” he insisted, stubborn as ever.

Jacqueline gave him a warning pinch. “Don’t make me regret letting you talk to her.”

“Mom, relax. She is my woman,” Conrad blurted out with a grin, showing a side of him I hadn’t seen in years, far removed from the aloof Mr. Wagner I was accustomed to at work.

“Get inside, mom. You’re interrupting our private conversation,” Conrad said, half–jokingly shooing her away, though Jacqueline looked back at us worriedly as she left.