GraceMy words tumble out, barely coherent. “ I—I got it. They sent us the confirmation email. We got the project! ”His grin widens, and without giving me the time to process his expressions, he wraps his arms around me and lifts me off the ground with ease.I let out a startled laugh, feeling weightless, the whole world spinning around me. For a second, it’s just us and this moment.I can only feel true happiness when he is around. “ I knew you would get it. ” Tristin murmurs, holding me tight, his voice rich with a pride that makes my eyes sting. I hide my face in his shoulder, letting myself feel everything, knowing I don’t have to hold back with him.“ I was so scared. ” I admit softly, the words sounding hesitant as I say them. “ But I did it. I really did. ”He lowers me gently, his hands still on my waist. He looks at me, his eyes full of love and something that makes my heart beat faster. “ I never doubted you, Mrs. Roberto. Not for a second. ”And just like that, every fea
GraceIt’s dark when Tristin and I step inside the lounge. I frown and blink to adjust my vision to the darkness.“ Why are the lights turned off? ” I mumble and turn around.Before I can walk to the switch, the lights all turn on. Instinctively, I close my eyes and stumble. Tristin catches my waist, holding me up.“ Be careful. ” He whispers.My eyes snap open to land on white and golden decorations, the flowers that are spread everywhere, and the grinning faces. “ Surprise! ” Everyone squeals at once.My heart misses a beat as I stand frozen, just admiring the view in front of me. A balloon bursts above my head, making confetti rain down on me.“ Congratulations, Grace! ” Ania rushes up to me, followed by Mom, Luca, and our little angel.“ We knew you could do it! ” Mom grabs my arms and pulls me in a hug. “ my daughter is so talented. ”A lump forms in my throat as Mom pats my back and releases me. Ania engulfs me next and shakes me excitedly.“ You were worrying for nothing. Beli
Grace“ What are the next big plans? ” Mom asks.I think about it for a second. “ I don’t know, Mom. This is a big project—bigger than I imagined. I will have to give it my all to ensure everything goes smoothly. And if it all goes alright— ”“ It will. ” Mom interrupts, her eyes fixed on me. “ Do not doubt yourself for a second, Grace. ”My heart warms as I nod. “ WHEN it all goes alright, I believe I can take on other big projects and make a name for myself. ”“ You wouldn’t have to work so hard if you had just joined the family business. ” She sighs, leaning back slightly.“ I wanted to do this on my own, Mom. I want to learn and reach the top on my own. ” I whisper and stroke Seb’s hair softly.“ And you will. ” Tristin presses a kiss to my forehead.“ Yes, you will. ” Mom nods, smiling at me gently. “ whatever you do, you will always succeed. And we will celebrate every win with you. ”I nod again, but no words come out. I can’t thank them enough for becoming the family I never h
GraceI sigh, pulling Seb closer to me. He fell asleep after consoling me. That’s why I took him and retreated to my bedroom. I couldn’t face my family, and I am relieved they didn’t say anything to me.I look down at Seb’s innocent, peaceful face and flinch. I can’t get his scared face out of my mind. When he grows up and recalls this incident…will he think I am mad? Will he be scared of me from now on? My son…scared of me…That thought is doing something to my heart.After my little breakdown in the lounge, I feel embarrassed instead of calm. All these years of pretending that I am fine now, that I don’t remember what my past was like…seem like a joke to me now.The chain of my thoughts breaks when Tristin lays on the bed behind me, his arm around my waist, and gently strokes my stomach over my silk shirt. It was supposed to be a celebration—a happy moment. But now it has turned into something ugly.I close my eyes and release a heavy breath. “ how could you keep it to yourself
GraceWhat’s…happening? The secretary opens the door for us because the time is already scheduled. I lift my head and step inside just as all eyes turn in my direction.Mona, a senior in the same field, turns towards me. Her green eyes narrow in anger, and her red lips curl into a sneer.“ Good afternoon— ”“ Mrs. Roberto. ” Mona snaps, cutting me off mid-greeting.“ Yes, Mrs. Alfonso? ” I lift my brows, wondering why she is murdering me with her eyes.“ I heard you got the project. ” Her lips stretch into a blood-curdling smile. “ shall I say congratulations? Or shall I say ‘well done’? You used your husband, Mr. Roberto’s influence well, didn’t you? ”Husband. That word alone sets fire to my veins. I was about to ask why she was so mad at me, but I can’t tame my own anger anymore.“ Are you bitter about losing, Mrs. Alfsonso? If so, I suggest showing that bitterness somewhere else and refraining from using my husband’s name. Or else I will have to sue you for defamation. ” I hiss,
TristinI should have known he is one persistent bastard.“ Mr. Roberto, Mr. Calder is here to see you. ” The secretary’s voice sounds through the speaker.I am tempted to go out and beat the bastard half to death, but I control my temper and tell her to let him in.When his secretary reached out to schedule a meeting two days ago, I told him to tell Ethan Calder to stay hidden if he didn’t want me to disfigure his face. But that hasn’t worked.Like a leech, he has marched into my office and now wants to meet me.What is he here to do? Threaten or play some games?I lean back in my chair and watch the closed door. It opens a moment later, and he appears.The bastard bears no signs of suffering. It’s like he has just returned from a long vacation.I grit my jaw and stare as he walks ahead confidently. Without asking, he takes the seat opposite me and meets my unwavering gaze.“ Tristin Roberto. ” He nods, the corners of his lips lifting into a smirk.“ You caught me by surprise. ” I m
Grace“ She is back. Sign the divorce and end this. ” Ethan says, cold and indifferent.Now, I understand that one incident can change your life forever.Three years ago, an incident like that turned my life upside down when my sister fled her wedding, leaving me to marry her fiancé.But, I loved him so I didn’t consider it a bad incident. Instead, it was a stroke of luck that the man I adored became my husband.But today, another incident awaits me. The life I built is on the verge of destruction.I stare at him in disbelief. He doesn’t look like the man who doted on me for three years. He looks like the man who can’t stand me because he wants to be with another woman.I look down at the Divorce Agreement placed on the table. My heart twists painfully.It’s funny how a signature can bind you into a marriage—a relationship you are supposed to cherish with all you have. But a signature can also end this relationship as if it were always fragile and meaningless.“ Please—Please don’t do
GraceWhen I arrive at the venue, dressed in a green cocktail dress, the birthday party is already in full swing. People are mingling and the soft piano tune is playing in the background.After I step inside the Hall of the Whitlock’s Mansion that is my home, several eyes turn to me. Most of them are family members who are aware of Lily’s side of the story. They hate me for trying to ruin their reputation three years ago by forcing Lily to make a run.They won’t believe me either because my elder sister is the beloved child. She is excellent at everything she does, and her beauty can charm a stone heart.That’s what she is doing even now. She is standing in the middle of the Hall with a group of people around her.Her dark locks cascade down her back in waves, complimenting her fair skin and small face. Her grey eyes are enchanting, unlike my black eyes and simple features. Confidence reeks off her. She commands attention wherever she goes.In comparison, I don’t feel comfortable amon
TristinI should have known he is one persistent bastard.“ Mr. Roberto, Mr. Calder is here to see you. ” The secretary’s voice sounds through the speaker.I am tempted to go out and beat the bastard half to death, but I control my temper and tell her to let him in.When his secretary reached out to schedule a meeting two days ago, I told him to tell Ethan Calder to stay hidden if he didn’t want me to disfigure his face. But that hasn’t worked.Like a leech, he has marched into my office and now wants to meet me.What is he here to do? Threaten or play some games?I lean back in my chair and watch the closed door. It opens a moment later, and he appears.The bastard bears no signs of suffering. It’s like he has just returned from a long vacation.I grit my jaw and stare as he walks ahead confidently. Without asking, he takes the seat opposite me and meets my unwavering gaze.“ Tristin Roberto. ” He nods, the corners of his lips lifting into a smirk.“ You caught me by surprise. ” I m
GraceWhat’s…happening? The secretary opens the door for us because the time is already scheduled. I lift my head and step inside just as all eyes turn in my direction.Mona, a senior in the same field, turns towards me. Her green eyes narrow in anger, and her red lips curl into a sneer.“ Good afternoon— ”“ Mrs. Roberto. ” Mona snaps, cutting me off mid-greeting.“ Yes, Mrs. Alfonso? ” I lift my brows, wondering why she is murdering me with her eyes.“ I heard you got the project. ” Her lips stretch into a blood-curdling smile. “ shall I say congratulations? Or shall I say ‘well done’? You used your husband, Mr. Roberto’s influence well, didn’t you? ”Husband. That word alone sets fire to my veins. I was about to ask why she was so mad at me, but I can’t tame my own anger anymore.“ Are you bitter about losing, Mrs. Alfsonso? If so, I suggest showing that bitterness somewhere else and refraining from using my husband’s name. Or else I will have to sue you for defamation. ” I hiss,
GraceI sigh, pulling Seb closer to me. He fell asleep after consoling me. That’s why I took him and retreated to my bedroom. I couldn’t face my family, and I am relieved they didn’t say anything to me.I look down at Seb’s innocent, peaceful face and flinch. I can’t get his scared face out of my mind. When he grows up and recalls this incident…will he think I am mad? Will he be scared of me from now on? My son…scared of me…That thought is doing something to my heart.After my little breakdown in the lounge, I feel embarrassed instead of calm. All these years of pretending that I am fine now, that I don’t remember what my past was like…seem like a joke to me now.The chain of my thoughts breaks when Tristin lays on the bed behind me, his arm around my waist, and gently strokes my stomach over my silk shirt. It was supposed to be a celebration—a happy moment. But now it has turned into something ugly.I close my eyes and release a heavy breath. “ how could you keep it to yourself
Grace“ What are the next big plans? ” Mom asks.I think about it for a second. “ I don’t know, Mom. This is a big project—bigger than I imagined. I will have to give it my all to ensure everything goes smoothly. And if it all goes alright— ”“ It will. ” Mom interrupts, her eyes fixed on me. “ Do not doubt yourself for a second, Grace. ”My heart warms as I nod. “ WHEN it all goes alright, I believe I can take on other big projects and make a name for myself. ”“ You wouldn’t have to work so hard if you had just joined the family business. ” She sighs, leaning back slightly.“ I wanted to do this on my own, Mom. I want to learn and reach the top on my own. ” I whisper and stroke Seb’s hair softly.“ And you will. ” Tristin presses a kiss to my forehead.“ Yes, you will. ” Mom nods, smiling at me gently. “ whatever you do, you will always succeed. And we will celebrate every win with you. ”I nod again, but no words come out. I can’t thank them enough for becoming the family I never h
GraceIt’s dark when Tristin and I step inside the lounge. I frown and blink to adjust my vision to the darkness.“ Why are the lights turned off? ” I mumble and turn around.Before I can walk to the switch, the lights all turn on. Instinctively, I close my eyes and stumble. Tristin catches my waist, holding me up.“ Be careful. ” He whispers.My eyes snap open to land on white and golden decorations, the flowers that are spread everywhere, and the grinning faces. “ Surprise! ” Everyone squeals at once.My heart misses a beat as I stand frozen, just admiring the view in front of me. A balloon bursts above my head, making confetti rain down on me.“ Congratulations, Grace! ” Ania rushes up to me, followed by Mom, Luca, and our little angel.“ We knew you could do it! ” Mom grabs my arms and pulls me in a hug. “ my daughter is so talented. ”A lump forms in my throat as Mom pats my back and releases me. Ania engulfs me next and shakes me excitedly.“ You were worrying for nothing. Beli
GraceMy words tumble out, barely coherent. “ I—I got it. They sent us the confirmation email. We got the project! ”His grin widens, and without giving me the time to process his expressions, he wraps his arms around me and lifts me off the ground with ease.I let out a startled laugh, feeling weightless, the whole world spinning around me. For a second, it’s just us and this moment.I can only feel true happiness when he is around. “ I knew you would get it. ” Tristin murmurs, holding me tight, his voice rich with a pride that makes my eyes sting. I hide my face in his shoulder, letting myself feel everything, knowing I don’t have to hold back with him.“ I was so scared. ” I admit softly, the words sounding hesitant as I say them. “ But I did it. I really did. ”He lowers me gently, his hands still on my waist. He looks at me, his eyes full of love and something that makes my heart beat faster. “ I never doubted you, Mrs. Roberto. Not for a second. ”And just like that, every fea
Grace“ We got it! ” Talia screams at the top of her lungs.I pick up my head and look at her, jumping up and down in excitement. “ we got it. We got it! I can’t believe we did it. ”Her blonde ponytail swings back and forth violently and her green eyes are filled with endless glee.“ Did what? ” My heartbeat escalates.She runs towards me like a child and grabs my hand. “ Come with me! ”Before I can even think, she pulls me to my feet and runs back to her desk. She pushes me down onto her seat and turns the desktop towards me.I glance at her wide grin before looking at the screen. My body turns stiff as the words on the email she received register in my head.“ They gave us the contract. We will be planning CBA’s new mall. All of it, Grace! ” Talia leans down and screams in my ear.Shock makes my jaw hang low. I reread the email and try to understand how this happened.“ Why are you not jumping in excitement like me? You worked for this for so long, and now we got the contract! ” S
EthanThey say love is relief. I don’t believe that now. When you love someone, you burn in a fire that keeps licking at your skin, peeling off another layer of you every moment of your life.You burn…and burn…until you have burned to ashes. Then, you rise to burn again.That’s what love is. It’s painful. It’s patient. It’s the name of enduring in silence.Three years…I have done all of it for three long years, and I have waited silently for the woman I love to take pity on me. If she only pities me…it will be better than the ‘nothing’ she thinks she feels for me.But as I stare at the pictures scattered across the desk once more, I slowly lose hope for that pity. She is happy. With someone she only came to love. With a small child that belongs to them. With her new family.And I have never seen her this happy before.“ You made a good decision. Sacrificing your whole life for a woman and staying in jail wouldn’t have melted that evil witch’s heart. ” My grandmother sneers and tak
Hi Lovelies, Many questions remained at the end of Grace and Tristin's story. How did Ethan kill Lily? Will Ethan stay in prison forever or return for Grace sometime in the future again? How will Grace and Tristin keep supporting each other in the future? To answer all those questions, I am writing a sequel for this story, "Haunting Love: Chased by my Ex-Husband." :) You can read the chapters in this same book right under this Author's note. Updates will be regular from tomorrow, so don't miss out on what's happening next! :) Synopsis: Just when Grace thinks she is finally free from the clutches of Ethan Calder, the man who tormented her in the best years of her life, he returns. But what is this? He claims he didn't kill Grace's sister and is a changed man now. But Grace has changed, too. She loves her husband, Tristin, and their three-year-old baby Sebastian. With her family by her side and her new business venture being successful, Grace has no time to focus on how much Ethan