No More Waiting, She Chooses Love
Chapter 692

Living just a stone's throw away from Phipps, I found my voice took on a soft tone when speaking to him, a deliberate choice to see how he'd react. There's an old saying, "Men can hardly resist a tease," and I was curious to test Phipps's resolve. "Let's head over to your place," Phipps suggested, his expression unchanged as he subtly put some distance between us.

Watching him, I couldn't help but recall those early days with Ernest. He too had seemed impervious to flirtation back then.

I brought Phipps to my place, where he went into the kitchen while I sat outside, observing him. He wore the same apron Ernest used to wear, moving with calm efficiency as he washed and chopped vegetables. For a moment, it felt like Ernest had come back to me. In that instant, Phipps seemed to become Ernest.

My thoughts on whether Phipps was Ernest or not kept flipping back and forth, acceptance followed by denial and then acceptance again.

Lost in thought while staring at Phipps, I was jolted back to reality by a call from Susie.

"Hey, you're not asleep, are you?" Susie asked cautiously.

"Not yet, just waiting for dinner," I replied, my gaze still fixed on Phipps in the kitchen.

"Still haven't eaten? Did you cook or order in?" she inquired.

"I cooked," I said, shifting into a more comfortable position, lying on my side.

"If my brother were here, he'd never let you cook," Susie paused, "Have you heard from him lately? I still can't get through to his phone, and it's making me anxious."

"Yeah, we've been in touch," I said, still watching Phipps. He stirred the pot on the stove three times, just like Ernest used to. It was a habit, not just once or twice, but every time he cooked porridge.

Was this just a coincidence?

I was stunned, momentarily losing track of Susie's words as I stood up and walked towards the kitchen, "Ernest..."

Phipps turned around, "Hmm?"

"Were you calling my brother? Is he back?" Susie sounded excited.

I looked into Phipps's puzzled eyes, then turned away towards the balcony, "No."

"But you just called his name," Susie teased.

"I was just missing him," I offered as an explanation.

Susie sighed, "I miss him too. When is he coming back?"

I had lied to her too much already; another lie wouldn't make her

believe more. I glanced back apnét

Phipps's reflection in the kitchen window, "Soon."

"When is soon?" Susie pressed for a definite answer.

I bit my lip, "In the next couple of days!"

"Really? Then I'll come with you to pick him up," Susie was overjoyed.

It was a spur-of-the-moment lie; where would I take her to meet him?

"Don't trouble yourself. Once he's here, we'll both come see you," I tried to pacify her.

"Alright, but make sure you come early," Susie instructed.

I hummed in agreement, just as Phipps finished cooking.

"I'm going to have dinner now. You should get some rest too, don't stay up too late," I advised Susie before hanging up.

Phipps brought out the dishes and

porridge, filling the room with a delicious aroma. I had dined on exquisite meals before, but they lacked the warmth of a

home-cooked meal.

The scent of the porridge and the sight of Phipps's cooking brought a tear to my eye. It wasn't just the meal + cherished, but the long-missed warmth and feeling of home.

Especially with Phipps, who bore such a striking resemblance to Ernest, it felt as though my Ernest had truly returned.