No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

Big trouble? How serious could it be?

Without panicking, I called her, "Take it easy. what happened?"

Deborah laid it out. "The lighting was completely off from the design drafts. Either there was a quality issue with the manufacturer's lights or an installation problem."

"If you've pinpointed the issues, contact the relevant people to get it fixed. I'd be doing the same if I were there," I said, my tone casual.

"Felicia, please come back. I'm begging you. I can't handle it by myself. I don't know what's gotten into Mr. Wagner lately. He's been running off to the carnival every day. Every time he returns, a new problem pops up. I'm about to lose my mind," Deborah's voice was on the verge of tears.

Thinking about Conrad's text message, I couldn't help but wonder if he was deliberately making things difficult for Deborah to force my hand. After all these years, he knew me well enough to know I wouldn't stand seeing others in trouble because of me.

"Just handle it yourself for now," I still wasn't agreeing to come back.

It wasn't that I was cold-hearted this time, leaving Deborah to fend for herself. I wanted her to grow. One may improve and level up through constant learning and taking responsibility.

With my plans to resign, Deborah would have a chance to step up, but she needed to be capable enough for that role.

"Felicia, I can't manage this by myself. You know the lights are the heart and soul of the whole carnival," Deborah continued to plead.

I thought for seconds. "Send me the report, and let's video call when you're on-site. Turn on all the lights in the evening so I can get a better look."

Sensing my reluctance to return, Deborah added, "Felicia, I know you don't want to face Mr. Wagner right now. I wouldn't ask you to return if it was unnecessary."

She paused before adding, "I'm on your side."

Her words warmed my heart but also left a bittersweet taste.Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

"Just do as I said for now," I hung up and opened my email to review the carnival's lighting designs and effect plans.

In the evening, Deborah's video call came through. "Felicia, I'm at the site, and all the lights are on. How do you want to do this?"

From the video, I could only see

parts of the lighting. "Head to the highest point of the carnival. I want

to see the overall effect first, then do

a drone flyover of each area,

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focusing on the problematiendo

sections."

"Okay, give me a second," Deborah said, and the video shook as she moved, followed by her huffing and puffing as she ran.

But after a few steps, she abruptly stopped. I heard her exclaim, "Mr. Wagner, what are you doing here?"

"Why are you running?" Conrad's familiar, cold voice came through.

I gripped my phone tighter, my heartbeat quickening. Despite the heartache, a decade of emotions wasn't easy to wash away. Conrad and even his voice alone still could stir my heart.

I wondered what Conrad would say if Deborah mentioned she was talking to me. Would he take the phone to speak to me?

"I, uh, I'm trying to find a higher spot for the video," Deborah replied to Conrad.

Conrad didn't respond immediately, humming in acknowledgment after a while, followed by his footsteps fading away.

"Felicia, I didn't say it was you. I was

toe

worried Mr. Wagner might want talk to you, and I figured you wouldn't want that," Deborah considerately asked.

I let out a mocking laugh. "You did great."

"Heh, I knew you'd feel the same way. I'd do the same if I were you," Deborah continued running and boarded the Ferris wheel.