No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

Chapter 848
I never imagined that the person who filled my youthful days would end up donning the robes of a monk, choosing a life of
solitude and spiritual dedication.
Perhaps he had seen through the illusions of the world, perhaps he had let go of worldly desires, or maybe he had simply
severed all ties of affection, leaving no room for yearning.
After returning from the Silent Wisdom Temple, I fell sick with a fever that just wouldn't break. I drifted in and out of
consciousness for two whole days, dreaming of my childhood, of my parents, and of Herschel, Jacqueline, and Conrad Dustin.
In those dreams, I felt trapped, like something was holding me back, preventing me from waking up.
In my haze, I thought I heard Conrad's voice, and maybe Ernest's too, murmuring something I couldn't quite catch.
When Conrad left, the dreams finally ceased.
When I finally awoke, the sun outside was brilliantly warm, almost blinding. I raised a hand to shield my eyes from the glare, only
to find it was being held.

Looking over, I saw Ernest slumped beside the bed, his dark hair glinting with a golden sheen under the sunlight, his whole
presence radiant.
"Ernest," I whispered softly.
He didn't stir. I remembered how he used to be such a light sleeper, waking at the slightest noise. He must have been utterly
exhausted to sleep through my voice
now.
I let him be, watching him as the sunlight seemed to fuse with him.
Not long after, his eyelids fluttered, and when his gaze met mine, clarity returned to his eyes in an instant. "Licia, you're awake?"
"Yeah, I'm awake," my voice croaked slightly.
"Want some water?" Ernest asked, bringing my hand up to his lips before I could respond.

Seeing the dark circles under his eyes, I realized he must not have slept for nights on end.
"Yes, please," I admitted, feeling parched.
He got up to pour me some water, supporting me gently as I sipped.
As I drank a sudden thought struck me, and quickly asked, "The doctor didn't give me any wrong meds, right? Did you tell them
I'm

nov
pregnant?"
Ernest wiped the corner of my mouth with a soft smile. "I didn't mention it."
"What?" I exclaimed, alarmed. "What if the medicine harms the baby?"
"It won't harm the baby," Ernest
reassured me, his eyes twinkling et Ant of amusement that missed in my worry. Co that.
"No, I need to talk to the doctor," I insisted, attempting to swing my legs over the bed.
Just then, a voice came from the doorway. "What do you need to ask the doctor?"
I turned to see Fanny, standing there with a grin, her white coat crisp and professional. "Fanny? You're back?"
"With you in this state, how could I not come back?" Fanny teased, pinching my cheek like it was a piece of dough.
I let her, feeling grounded by the reality of her presence and her safe return.
"All your medications were prescribed by me, they won't harm the baby," Fanny assured, calming my anxiety.
I grasped her hand, wanting to speak but finding myself at a loss for words.
Understanding as ever, Fanny smiled, "Get well soon, and then we can have a proper heart-to-heart."
"Alright, I'll get better."

"Whether you're better or not is up to
me," Fanny declared with her
authoritative doctor tone. "We'll monitor you for another two days. If the fever doesn't return, you can be discharged."
"Dr. Willis," a nurse called from the door, "The director wants to see you in the conference room."