No More Waiting, She Chooses Love novel Chapter 88

"Ernest, what's your game here? Blackmailing me with our past and last night's events, is that it?" I confronted him.

"No," he muttered, avoiding my gaze.

His evasion was a clear indication of his guilt. I clenched my fists, feeling a sudden urge to give him a piece of my mind, physically.

"I'm a stranger in these parts, what's wrong with asking for a little help? I've had your back before," Ernest spoke up again, his voice tinged with vulnerability.

It felt as though by not helping him, I'd be the one betraying a debt of gratitude.

Debts, whether of money or of favors, always come due.

I sighed. "Alright, Mr. Collins, where would you like to go today? Got any shopping to do? Just tell me, and we'll head out."

"I was thinking of apartment hunting," he said, catching me off guard.

"Apartment hunting? I thought you were just here temporarily?" I asked, puzzled.

"I might not be going back, so I thought I'd look around in advance," Ernest's words felt like a punch to the gut.

I couldn't place the feeling, but it was definitely unsettling.

"Your job isn't even here," I reminded him.

"I could resign!" he said.

I was speechless.

"Actually, I'm looking to rent. I can't afford to buy right now," Ernest confessed without a hint of embarrassment about his financial situation.

It was refreshing, honestly. In a world where so many guys put on a show, flaunting what they don't have to keep up appearances, Ernest was an open book about his financial constraints.

"And you're considering quitting your job?" I mumbled, more to myself.

He didn't respond, probably lost in thought.