No More Waiting, She Chooses Love



"I'm fine, just felt a bit queasy all of a sudden," I said, looking at him.

Even though he was genuinely concerned about me, his concern somehow annoyed me. It's strange how not loving someone can turn their care into something burdensome.

"Good to hear you're okay. Maybe have some water when you get back," Dustin replied, still showing his concern.

I had just walked out of the restroom and was heading towards the office when I noticed a familiar figure approaching from the elevator.

"It's Mr. Collins!"

"Mr. Collins, you're back?"

"Everyone's been missing you."

Seeing the employees mistaking him for Ernest, Phipps didn't correct them. He simply nodded slightly at them and made his way towards me.

I could feel the tension in the air. It was clear that Dustin was not pleased.

"What brings you here?" I asked Phipps, unable to mask the annoyance in my voice.

After all, he wasn't Ernest. His sudden appearance and the misunderstanding it caused would only complicate things later on.

Phipps nodded at Dustin and then held up the lunch box he was carrying, "I brought lunch for you."

I had to admit, I was actually hungry since I skipped breakfast.

"You're quite responsible," I said, taking the lunch box and glancing at Dustin, "Dustin hasn't had the chance to try your cooking yet. It's quite good, just a tiny bit less amazing than Ernest's."

I deliberately said that. Honestly, I was also worried about Phipps. Last night, the intimidation from the 'fat guy' was orchestrated by Dustin. He must have been probing Phipps, and by extension, me.

"Really?" Dustin replied indifferently. "Is it trendy now for men to woo women with their culinary skills?"

His comment had a hint of machismo, reminding me that Dustin had never cooked before. Not when he was with the Wagner family, and certainly not around me.

Conrad, on the other hand, was always more hands-on. Curious and eager, he'd often whip up dishes for me to try.

Some things are just ingrained, and despite Dustin's outwardly gentle demeanor, he was anything but.

"It's not about conquering," I

retorted. Haven't you heard the

saying You can tell a man love

if he's willing to make you soup'?

you

The scent alone is inviting.

Phipps joined in smoothly, "You hardly ate last night, so I made you braised pork meatballs with a side of refreshing salad. Let's see if you like it." The mention of braised pork meatballs darkened Dustin's gaze further.

"Braised pork meatballs?" I turned to Phipps.

He nodded, "Don't you like it?"

I loved braised pork meatballs, especially my dad's version when I was a kid. But after my parents passed away, I couldn't bring myself to eat it again, missing the unique taste only my dad could create.

swn&

"She doesn't eat braised pork meatballs," Dustin interjected, assuming my disinterest meant I disliked it.

Phipps's expression remained unchanged, his gaze still fixed on me, "Just because you didn't eat it before doesn't mean you won't enjoy it now. Try it, then decide."Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

The tension between the two men was palpable, and knowing Dustin's ruthless nature, I feared he might harm Phipps. Not just for the

challenge Phipps posed, but a

because Phipps's resemblance to Ernest was enough to provoke Dustin's wrath.

"Alright, I'll try it later. You can go now," I somewhat coldly dismissed Phipps, attempting to diffuse the brewing storm between him and Dustin. Phipps handled the dismissal without any awkwardness, naturally replying, "Will you be coming home for dinner? If so, I'll cook something special in advance."