Chapter 61


    Dustin was back, and it was as much a surprise as him remembering that oldndline number of my dad''s.


    Herschel and Jacqueline were just as shocked, staring at Dustin for what felt like forever without uttering a single word.


    Dustin had been gone for four years, not onceing back home during that time. His sudden return caught me off guard, but it was a pleasant surprise too.


    "What''s the matter, Mom, Dad? Don''t you wee me back?" Dustin asked with a smile as he approached.


    Dustin was the kind-hearted soul everyone knew him to be. During my decade with the Wagner family, Dustin was the source of warmth in this house before he left.


    But unlike Conrad, who was all about grand gestures, Dustin preferred actions over words, and his kindness was not always in the spotlight.


    "Dustin," I called out to him.


    That seemed to snap Herschel and Jacqueline back to reality. Jacqueline let go of me and walked to Dustin, giving him a few gentle smacks, "So, you finally remember your parents, huh?"


    Herschel added, "Couldn''t you have given us a heads-up?"


    Dustin nced at me, offering a soft smile. "Wanted to surprise you all."


    Tears welled up in Jacqueline''s eyes as Dustin hugged her. "Mom."


    That word made Jacqueline gently hit Dustin again before pulling him into a tight embrace, mumbling, "We thought we did something wrong, that you were holding a grudge for noting back all these years."


    "Mom, what are you talking about? I''ve just been busy overseas," Dustin exined, his gaze still fixed on me. His intense look sent my heart racing. Was he back because of me?


    Dustin''s arrival swiftly changed the subject from me and Conrad. Although Herschel seemed toe around, Jacqueline was still hesitant. With Dustin and Herschel''s persuasion, I believed she would eventually ept it.


    Dustin mentioned he was hungry and was longing for some


    homemade food. That instantly got his parents bustling into the kitchen, insisting I join them for the meal, too


    Left alone in the living room with Dustin, and having said everything over the phone, we were at a loss for words.


    Breaking the silence, Dustin said, "I was starting to think you wouldn''te here anymore."


    "What are you talking about? Here is my home. I cane whenever I want," I replied, my thoughts drifting to packing my things.


    Seeing the busy figures in the


    kitchen, I realized it was the perfect I


    moment to pack my stuff and move


    it to the car, avoiding further


    sadness or persuasion from


    vel.n


    Herschel and Jacqueline when it was time to leave.


    "Dustin, I''ll help you with the luggage," I offered, getting up.


    "No need!" Dustin immediately protested, reaching out.


    Our hands touched, and I quickly pulled back, a jolt running through me.


    Dustin hesitated, "I''ve never let you carry my bags, and I''m not about to start now."This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    It was true. Dustin always ensured I never had to lift a finger when we were together.


    "Dustin, you always treat me well," I said, smiling at him like I used to.


    "I thought you might have forgotten," he replied.


    At a loss for words, I reached out my hand. "Let me help with your bag."


    This time, he didn''t resist. Together, we headed upstairs with his luggage.


    His room was next to mine and Conrad''s, tucked away at the far end, with mine in the middle and


    Conrad''s closest to the hallway. Que to some renovations, Conrad''s room


    was still a work in pus feel


    reminder of the ongoing changes in our lives.