No More Waiting, She Chooses Love novel Chapter 789

"Wrap it up nicely, put it in a gift box. It’s a present," Jacqueline instructed the store clerk before turning around and spotting me.

“Felicia!” she exclaimed, her face lighting up with excitement.

“Aunt Jackie,” I replied, walking over to her.

Jacqueline's eyes glistened with unshed tears, “Felicia...”

She just called my name, unable to say anything else. I understood the whirlwind of emotions she was feeling, caught between wanting to express them and holding back.

I took a good look at her. It had only been a few months since we last met, but her hair had more streaks of gray, and her face seemed worn, especially her eyes, which lacked their usual sparkle.

There was no need to ask how she was doing; it was clear. Mr. Wagner was ill, and her two sons were at odds, each going their own way.

Their family was falling apart, and it seemed to have started when Conrad and I had our falling out.

It’s true what they say: a harmonious family prospers in everything.

“Are you doing okay?” Jacqueline finally managed to ask after a pause.

“I’m doing well.”

Jacqueline nodded, “That’s good, that’s good.”

I didn’t ask how she was because I could already tell.

"Are you here to pick out a painting to gift someone?" she asked, trying to keep the conversation going.

“Aunt Jackie, it’s my grandpa’s birthday,” Fanny chimed in for me. “Felicia wants to get him something special.”

“Oh, you’re going to Rodney’s place! That’s wonderful. Rodney always liked you, Felicia. He mentioned you before,” Jacqueline said, her voice catching as she looked away to compose herself.

I didn’t know how to comfort her and hated to see her so upset, so I said, “Aunt Jackie, I’m going to pick something out.”

“Ah,” Fanny sighed beside me.

We continued to browse through the paintings, picking one out just as a store clerk approached with two small boxes.

“Candied apples,” the clerk explained with a smile.

“Oh, do you guys have this as a customer perk?” Fanny teased.

The clerk smiled without explaining further. I glanced at the candied apple and then towards the door, catching a glimpse of Jacqueline disappearing into the distance.

These weren’t from the store; Jacqueline had bought them for me, knowing how much I loved them.

Suddenly, I felt a lump in my throat.

As we waited for the paintings to be wrapped up, nibbling on the candied apples, Fanny’s phone rang. It was a call from Yates.