LOGINShare
Chapter 12: The Suspicious Man
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56After Conrad and Alfred had enrolled in the Institute of Culinary Education, they stopped at Taco Bell before going back to their apartment. They decided to eat inside since the drive-thru has a long line. Conrad parked the car, just across the entrance.
As they went inside, Conrad told Alfred that he’ll just use the restroom. He walks there and felt something strange as if someone was watching him from behind. He checks his surroundings to see if someone was watching him, but there was no one watching. He suddenly thinks of why would someone watch him. He sees the restroom and goes in there.
After a while, Conrad was washing his hands and a man suddenly comes in. He suddenly realizes that the man who just came in was the same man he bumped into before. He was wearing the same clothing as before. He rushes in washing his hands and leaves the restroom immediately.
As he goes back, he sees Alfred still hasn’t ordered. He approaches him and as Alfred se
Related chapters
The City of Dreams and Love Chapter 13 Part 1: He's Back
“Conrad, what are we going to do about the man?” Alfred asks sacredly. “First, you guys bump into each other, then he watched back at Taco Bell, and now he followed us into our apartment and left a note for you.” He said worriedly. “I know you want to know who it is, but this is scaring me.” He added.“I’m sorry Alfred for pulling you into this, even if it was unintentional.” Conrad replied. “But don’t worry, I think I know who it is already.” He added.“You think?!” Alfred shouted. “Why isn’t it a ‘you know’ situation?” He asked.“Alfred, relax…” Conrad said as he tries to calm Alfred down.“How can I relax in a situation like this?!” Alfred shouted. “I’d never imagined myself in this kind of situation.” He said anxiously. “What if that guy breaks into our apartment and holds us hostage?!
The City of Dreams and Love Chapter 13 Part 2: He's Back
“Conrad, what are you talking about?” Conrad’s father said as he continues the fatherly act. “I’m here to bond with my only son, who’s very special to me.” He added.“As far as I remember, I didn’t have a father for a year.” Conrad replied trying to keep a straight face. “He left me and I felt neglected by him for a year.”“I’m here, can’t you see that?” Conrad’s father asked.“You are here, but I know my dad.” Conrad answered. “He would never act all nicely.” He said. “He also said that he would never leave us, but little did I know he left after my special day.” He added. “I’m sorry but you need to go because I don’t know you anymore.” He said sadly as he closes the door.Conrad’s father was left speechless after all that. He was expecting Conrad to forgive him, but he realizes that he ha
The City of Dreams and Love Chapter 14 Part 1: Conrad's Past
Conrad’s POV January 17, 2001, the day where I was born, and the day where my parents became the happiest. I can still remember the warm environment that my parents gave to me after I was born. That time was also the first time they called me, “Our Little Bundle of Joy”.Our stay in the hospital may not be the best, since I cried a lot, but my father did everything to let my mother rest as much as possible. He would feed me, burp me, then rock me to sleep. But, every time he would rock me to sleep at night, I would fall asleep in his arms until morning. That was the time I knew that my father loves me so much.By the time we arrived home, I could hear my father insisting my mother take a rest while he takes care of me. But, my mother insisted instead they should take turns instead. Father agreed and both brought me to the nursery that soon became my room.As we enter
The City of Dreams and Love Chapter 14 Part 2: Conrad's Past
Conrad’s POVAs I entered middle school, My mother started working after being recruited from a well-known event planning company. With both of them working, my grandparents volunteered in taking care of me during their stay there. I had fun with them every time I got home from middle school, but sometimes I just wish that we can all have fun as a family. Since both of my parents come home late after a busy day at work. They have their day-offs, but most of those day-offs don’t fall on weekends. So most of the time, we would have movie nights or go out and have dinner in a restaurant. Then sometimes, I would just lie down and miss the times when we went for a hike, have picnics beside the lakes, and sometimes the beach.During my grandparents' last night in the house, my grandfather went into my room and had something special in my mind for us to do.“Conrad, are you busy?” Conrad’s grandfather asked.“
The City of Dreams and Love Chapter 14 Part 3: Conrad's Past
Conrad’s POVI woke up feeling excited since today is the day where I’ll be graduating from high school. But I’m also feeling sad, knowing that my friends and I will be moving on and will be separated for a long time. Since all of us will be attending different colleges. Some of us will be attending college here in Philadelphia, while others will move out and stay in a different state. But even if we’re separated, we promised each other to meet up in Philadelphia during the holidays.As I was preparing for my special day, my parents suddenly walked into my room and surprised me with a party popper.“Geez!” I startled. “You guys know that I don’t like surprises with a party popper.” I said to them. “I get easily startled, remember?”“We know that’s why we wanted to do it for the last time before our son moves out.” My mother said sadly.“C&rsqu
The City of Dreams and Love Chapter 14 Part 4: Conrad's Past
Conrad’s POV Things were going great so far. I was surprised by my new car since I didn’t expect them to buy a car that I like so much, which is a Honda Civic Type-R. And what’s better is that they got it in my favorite color, which is blue. I loved it so much that I ended up hugging them tightly and crying in their arms, knowing that they paid attention to me as I was growing up. Dad reminds me that I’ll be driving so that we can test out my new car. I agreed and got excited to drive it. Mom lets dad sit in front while she stays at the back since she needs to work some on things for her upcoming event. While we’re on our way to my school, we talked about my plans for the future. “After culinary school, what’s your plan?” Dad asked. “Well, I’m planning to continue to live in New York after culinary school, find a stable job there in the culinary industry, of course, and work my way up until I’m famous like Chef Gordon Ramsay.” I answe
The City of Dreams and Love Chapter 14 Part 5: Conrad's Past
Conrad’s POVIt was quarter to six, and I was getting ready for the celebratory dinner. I decided to wear my white shirt, brown pants, and the denim jacket that Jaiden had given to me as a gift for my eighteenth birthday. I washed my face, fixed my hair, and wore the watch that my dad gave me earlier. I was about to wear my white sneakers when mom suddenly came into my room.“You ready to leave?” Mom asked.“Almost, just wearing my shoes.” I answered.“Is that the silver watch that your father gave to you?” She asked as she noticed the watch I was wearing.“Yeah, it is.” I answered. “Why did you ask?” I asked.“Nothing, it just looks great on you.” She answered. “Just between you and me, you look more handsome than your father.” She said.“Thanks,” I replied. “Did dad texted or called you about later?” I a
The City of Dreams and Love Chapter 14 Part 6: Conrad's Past
Conrad’s POVHours have passed and our celebratory dinner has been great. Our tummies were filled with delicious food, probably got tipsy from all the champagne I drank, and had fun with our time together as best friends. This night has been special for the three of us but sadly, we won’t be seeing each other for a long time since all of us will be moving out from Philadelphia.By the time our celebratory dinner ended, we group-hugged for the last time and went on with our lives. But when Connor left first, Jaiden held my hand unexpectedly and told me that we should go to a nearby park. I told my mom and she agreed immediately. She also told me that she will be waiting back in the open bar. We left and walked to a nearby park.Minutes later, we arrived at Rittenhouse Square and walked around there. The park looks beautiful as it was lighted by the post lights and the light from the city itself. While we’re walking there, I noti
Latest chapter
The City of Dreams and Love Chapter 52: I'm Glad We're Still Friends…
For the two of them, touring Madison Square Garden was enjoyable. They get to see more than what is shown to the public; they get to experience the greatest moments that occurred there, even if it is just in virtual reality. They get to snap a lot of photos there, some of which are perfect for publishing on social media. Some were also ideal for changing their profile images. Despite this, Conrad is able to make Jaiden happy and enjoy her day, despite the fact that something is bothering her mind. He's simply hoping she'll open up before the day is done. After their tour of Madison Square Garden, they headed to Brooklyn, where Conrad had one more surprise in store for Jaiden. Since it was a little early for his surprise, he recalls how much she enjoyed Frozen Yogurt. So he decided to take her to a frozen yogurt shop he knew. Fortunately, the business was nearby, so there was no need for him to second-guess himself or rush their rendezvous. They h
The City of Dreams and Love Chapter 51: I Want To Tell You, But I Can't...
Conrad has finished prepping for their New York tour. He was dressed in a white shirt and jeans with a Philadelphia-themed blazer.He was astonished to see Jaiden waiting by the doorway when he opened it.“Jaiden, everything okay?” He asked worriedly.“Yeah, I just kind of wanted to see what your room looks like.” She chuckled softly. “Hey, it’s the jacket I gave you.” She said as soon as she noticed the jacket. “It looks better on you in person than in the picture you sent me.”She holds onto Conrad’s shoulder and feels the fabric through as her hands caress his arms. She holds onto his hands and intertwines them.After a while, their foreheads stick to each other and they can feel each other’s warm breath. Jaiden gives out a smile as she reminisces the last time she felt comfortable and safe in Conrad’s arms. But now, she doesn’t feel it. It’s like the feeling she felt once, was long gone.“So… You’re going to let me in your room?” She asked as she let go.“Yeah, if you really want
The City of Dreams and Love Chapter 50: Surprise!
Conrad felt upbeat as soon as he woke up on Saturday morning. He took out his phone and checked to see if he had any texts, which he did. Jaiden texted to inquire about tonight's movie night.He jumped out of bed, realizing he had forgotten it was movie night with Jaiden. He should have been panicked by this point, yet he was actually cool. It's not the calm before the storm, but rather the serenity of being ready for anything.After yesterday night, he thought he'd finally regained his confidence. But, he still has second thoughts about telling her the truth.He responds to her text and asks when they can video talk. He walks into the bathroom to brush his teeth and wash his face while he waits for her response. Jaiden had not responded by the time he was through. He knows she doesn't typically take this long to respond, so this was unusual for him. He exits the room and keeps his phone nearby in case Jaiden responds.Moments later, as Conrad was about to eat breakfast, Alfred emerge
The City of Dreams and Love Chapter 49: Enchanted Night
The stars and moon shone brightly in the night sky, creating a lovely atmosphere. The couple was walking through the park, hands clasped and a smile on their cheeks.This hasn't transpired in New York since the couple met. The universe seemed to want them to meet and be together. Nothing went wrong on their date, and they intuitively felt like they could face the universe's challenges together.Walking along the park, they came across a huge fountain that seemed like where all the couples hang out. Some are throwing coins into the fountain wishing their love would last, some are sharing an ice cream cone by the side, and some just happened to make their relationship official.Looking around for a place to hang out, an outdoor cafe caught Conrad’s eye.“Want to hang out here for a while?” Conrad asked.“You go on ahead. I think I’m just going over the fountain.” She walked on over there immediately with a bothered look, leaving Conrad behind.Conrad noticed her troubled expression and
The City of Dreams and Love Chapter 48: The Start of a Sparkling Night
Friday night, the night where Conrad and Olivia had been waiting for. Both planned an extravagant night for their first date. And by means of making it extravagant, they both wanted it to be perfect. But little did they know, destiny has other plans for them.Conrad arrives at Olivia's apartment at exactly 7 pm as planned. As he was about to knock on the door, his hand stopped before his fingers could even touch it. He asked himself again if this was the right decision as anxiety is creeping up on him.He overthinks that maybe wearing a royal blue long sleeve polo, jeans, and white sneakers was a bad idea. He also thought that maybe he was making a bad decision.He takes a step back, shakes his hands, and takes a deep breath. He tells himself that he looks great tonight, his decision was right and nothing wrong was done as he reminds himself that he’s doing this for love. He regained his confidence and felt ready for their date again.He knocks on the door and patiently waits for Oliv
The City of Dreams and Love Chapter 47: Unsureness
Back at the apartment, Conrad was lying down on his bed. After today’s events, he couldn’t stop thinking about it. It got stuck to his mind like sticky notes on a book. However, even though Olivia was acting a bit weird today, he didn’t realize during those moments that she was turning head over heels over him. He asked himself full of hope, “Is she the right person that will fit my future life?” But then, Jaiden suddenly pops into his head out of nowhere. He knew that Jaiden is also the right person, but he was having second thoughts wherein maybe having a long-distance relationship won’t work between them. They might be great for each other, but there will come a time when you will find someone else, and sooner or later, you’ll love that person more than the one you loved first. Alfred knocks on the door as he enters Conrad’s room and stands by the doorway. “Hey, you’ve been quiet for the past couple of hours… You okay?” Alfred said in a worried tone. “Yeah, it’s just that… I’ve
The City of Dreams and Love Chapter 46: Turning Head Over Heels
It’s finally Friday! However, it’s not the usual Friday where the day isn’t tiring nor relaxing.Today’s the day when Conrad and the others returned to school after a short break. Yet, they still have no clue about Chef Austin’s plan for today’s class. They clearly haven’t prepared for it and everyone is scared of what’s in store for today.As soon as Chef Austin enters the room, the room became silent and everyone was preparing themselves for whatever was coming their way. Chef Austin puts down his stuff on his desk and was confused why his students are quiet and being so serious.“Is everything okay class?” Chef Austin asked confusingly. “You haven’t looked this serious since our first day of classes.”Conrad stands up from his seat and answers Chef Austin. “With all due respect Chef Austin, everyone is actually preparing themselves for your plans today.”“What plans?” He became more confused by Conrad’s answer. “Am I forgetting something for today?”“Well, from your announcement th
The City of Dreams and Love Chapter 45: Best Friend
Conrad was relieved when they arrived at a nearby café that wasn't overcrowded. Going to crowded places makes him nervous. He believes he is being judged by strangers, despite the lack of clear proof that they are. Let's just say that when he's depressed, he tends to avoid going to crowded places.Conrad smelled something aromatic as soon as they stepped inside. It wasn’t the freshly made pastries that the employees are putting inside the case nor the freshly brewed coffee. He takes a look around to see where the fragrant scent is coming from. Then he noticed one of the employees making fresh crepes in front of the customer on the same counter as the coffee machines. However, just in front of the pan, the counter has a glass divider. Perhaps the cafe's manager or owner decided to install a divider to protect customers from injury.Alfred then told him that this is his favorite place in New York. The reason is that the crepes they made give him a warm feeli
The City of Dreams and Love Chapter 44: Dear Conrad
The next morning, Conrad decided to open up his dad's journal once more, while drinking his coffee. He hasn't gotten to read its contents after reading the first page. He didn't expect his dad to leave so suddenly. It was heartbreaking for him, knowing he bid his final farewell. He won't be able to see his dad again, and he won't be able to do the things he wanted to do with him. But he told himself if they were able to cross each other's paths sometime, he would just put a smile on his face and act as if they were once strangers. But even if he left so suddenly, he still wants to find answers in the journal he left, the answers to his sudden disappearance, the key tied to the journal, and the envelopes. Opening up the journal, he gathers the courage to prepare himself for any painful statements inside the journal. The second page read; Dear Conrad, If I were given a wish to be granted immediately, I wish that I could take
