No More Waiting, She Chooses Love



As the ceremony came to a close, I stood up and made my way towards Master Mathew, and that's when I saw Conrad.

It was Conrad who had first introduced me to these gatherings. Initially, I found them rather dull, but once I understood that attending could bring blessings to him, I started accompanying him regularly, listening intently each time. Gradually, I grew to enjoy the sermons, even joining in the chants on occasion. However, Conrad and I had gone our separate ways, and though I continued attending on my own, when we crossed paths now, we were nothing more than strangers to each other.

He acknowledged me with a nod a simple greeting-before we both approached Master Mathew to receive a special blessing, a rare ritual that I was fortunate to experience today. This ceremony, akin to wiping away misfortunes and illnesses, was more of a symbolic hope for many, yet it was cherished by all.

After the ceremony, Conrad and I left the chapel together. "Didn't expect to see you here," he commented softly.

"I came seeking peace," I confessed, not wanting to hide my reasons from him. There were things Conrad should be aware of; his silence didn't mean ignorance.

"Do you need any help?" he offered.

Under the moonlight, I could see his face had grown thinner, almost sickly, since our last encounter. I wanted to express my concern, but given our current relationship, I chose to keep my worries to myself.

"No, thank you," I declined, but felt compelled to add, "I don't want to drag you into this anymore."

Conrad smiled faintly. "Are you trying to protect me?"

I smiled back, lightly. "If you wish to see it that way."Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

"I'll do everything in my power to protect you. So, go ahead and do what you must," he encouraged me. Although I didn't want him involved, he clearly wasn't keen on staying out of it.

"Thank you," I expressed my gratitude, knowing well my politeness was something he found uncomfortable and unlike him.

"Have you been attending the sermons often?" I asked, attempting to lighten the mood.

"Yeah, and it's not just me. There's been a surge in attendance lately. I've run into several acquaintances Oh, and Mrs. Clark has practically moved in here," Conrad shared understanding what I was hinting at.

swne

On my way here, I had contemplated seeking her out. Despite Lord Clark's numerous affairs, Mrs. Clark's unwavering status spoke volumes of her significance to him. I almost thanked him again for the valuable information, but remembering his aversion to formalities, I held back.

"If you're staying overnight, you might run into her," Conrad continued, ever the good Samaritan.

Seeing him here made me wonder if his presence had a purpose, perhaps even meant to pave the way for me. In that moment, a whirlwind of emotions enveloped me, like

wrapping around my sensor

"Conrad..."

"It's getting late; I should head back," he interrupted before I could say more. As he walked away, his slender silhouette under the moonlight seemed to carry a hint of serenity.

I couldn't help but call out, "Conrad, have you been losing weight?"

He paused, acknowledging with a soft hum before continuing on his path, his steps calm and measured, radiating a peaceful aura.