Looking in the mirror, I tried hard to smile, reminding myself that I needed to be happy and cheerful, aiming for happiness every day. As I descended the stairs, Jacqueline had whipped up breakfast and swapped the living room’s décor to the festive ones we only use for Christmas. *Felicia, come right back once you and Conrad finish the paperwork. Well celebrate properly and hash out the wedding details,” Jacqueline seemed more excited than I was. “Sure!” I replied. Jacqueline looked at me. “You look stunning today. A white coat would have been more striking. ” “I’m wearing a white dress already,” I explained. Don’t sweat her old–school tips. Times have changed–colors aren’t a big deal now. Felicia, just wear what you feel great in. Ignore Jacqueline’s advice. Herschel interrupted, changing his tune for me. I smiled, feeling a warmth in my heart. Jacqueline pulled me to the dining table, and besides the usual lavish breakfast, there were two eggs and a sausage arranged in a way that made my cheeks flush. Before I could ask, Jacqueline whispered, “This is an old family tradition, meant to wish you and Conrad a child soon. It’s not about preferring boys over girls, just hoping you two will have kids quickly, regardless of gender. “W My face turned red, and looking a Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates… t the eggs and sausage on the table, I found them hard to eat. “Just symbolically eat a bit,” Jacqueline said as she sat down, peeling an egg for me and handing it over. I couldn’t refuse her expectation, so with flushed cheeks, I took a bite of each and buried my head in my cereal. I didn’t realize Conrad wasn’t there until I almost finished. “Jacqueline, where’s Conrad?” “He didn’t come down yet?” Jacqueline said as we heard footsteps from the stairs. Conrad came down then. I couldn’t be sure, but it looked like his gaze just kind of fell A sudden heaviness dropped in my heart as he approached. “Felicia, I consulted with Master Mathew about the timing. He said 10:58 am would be the best for us to do the paperwork, so we don’t need to hurry” “Oh,” I replied softly, the joy in my heart fading. I knew of Master Mathew, Conrad’s spiritual advisor. Jacqueline and Herschel quickly agreed, “Best to listen to the master. ” Conrad sat down to eat, quickly finishing the hearty breakfast. While he wasn’t devouring his food, he ate faster than usual 8 Jacqueline passed him the remaining eggs and sausage without a word, and he ate them without question. ! *Felicia, wait for me at home, I need to prepare something,” he said mysteriously. B Jacqueline winked at me, hinting it was a surprise for me. Thinking of the reward he mentioned the night before, I watched him leave, then headed upstairs. § But no sooner had I taken off my coat than my phone rang. It was Ivan, “Moming. Hudson, congratulations. ” It seemed Ivan knew Conrad and I were getting married. I smiled, “Moming, Ivan. What’s up?” “Ms. Hudson, I’ve sent you an address. Can you come over? I’m waiting here. Wagner has a gift for you,” Ivan said, his tone laced with mystery R “Sure!” I replied and hung up. Arriving at Crystal Bay Villas, Ivan was there waiting for me. Without a word, he handed me a set of keys, and I realized Conrad’s gift was a house X He understood me and knew I yeamed for my own space no matter how good things were with the Wagner family. My heart was enveloped in sweet, warm, and slightly tangy emotions as if bitten by a tiny bug. I unlocked the door with a joyful heart, and the bright interior dazzled me. Stepping in, one foot in the door, a familiar figure emerged from the bedroom. X Seeing Haley in her pajamas, I froze on the spot.