Grace—5 Days Later…Alma didn’t come inside that day. She left after hearing what I said and it satisfied her—I just knew it. Tristin, however, went silent. He didn’t say anything to me, but he didn’t leave me alone either.The doctors said that I had to stay for a week in the hospital and during that time, Tristin refused to spend any night at home. He would go to his office, get the work done, sometimes Luca would even bring his clothes and files to the hospital room and he would work from here. I was annoyed at him most of the time, but I didn’t break the silence between us.I told him all that and he didn’t say anything at all. His silence felt like a challenge that stated ‘Get me away from you if you can’ and it made me frustrated. At night, Tristin slept on the couch and haunted me all the time. I didn’t know how to get him off my back anymore. “ How are you doing today, Grace? ” The doctor enters the room and breaks me out of the trance. “ As usual, Doctor. ” I whisper, t
GraceAnticipation makes me restless. The tension wraps around us, holding us together in this strange, charged moment. Tristin’s arms are tight around me, making sure that I feel every crevice of his hard muscle in my soft curves. His warmth seeps into me, making it impossible to ignore the growing desire simmering just beneath the surface.For a while, we just lie there, drowning in the heavy silence. The night we spent together plays in my mind like a haunting reel. The way his hands traced my skin. Passionate, intense, wild.The intensity in his eyes. Smoldering, hot, electric.The overwhelming, silent connection between us. It felt like our bodies fit together, and I was pulled under the surface, forgetting about everything in the world but him.I had never felt something like that before—sensations so intoxicating they steal your breath and leave you wanting for more. I shift slightly in his hold. The small movement feels like a wrong move, but I am burning.Tristin’s grip t
GraceThe intensity of his voice leaves me breathless. What am I going to do with him? I open my mouth and just breathe, his breath mingling with mine.His hand sneaks down, slipping inside my hospital trousers and his fingers rub my folds—so wet and warm for him already.“ Tell me you are wet because you want a quick fuck and not because you desperately want me inside you. ” Two fingers slide between my entrance and his thumb rubs small circles on my clit, his eyes still staring into my soul, watching as my lips part and I moan at the sensation.I still have a chance. I need to pull those fingers out of me, and replace them with his— No. I reach up, touching his face, feeling the warmth of his skin. Yes.“ Tristin… ” I whisper, pleasure hitting my body, making me shudder again.He cuts me off with another kiss, this one softer, more tender.Our clothes feel like a barrier, a separation that needs to be gone. Before I can register what I am doing, my hands are already working on
Grace“ I am going to make you feel good. Hm? ” Tristin’s voice whispers in my ear, seeking the consent he always does, his hands lingering on my hips gently.“ Hmm. ” I hum and breathe heavily. I moan, as his fingers move between my folds, drawing small circles on my clit. His rough fingers press into my core gently and slowly lead me toward an orgasm.I gasp, my body curling into his front as I struggle to pry my eyes open.“ What…what are you doing so early in the morning, Tristin? ” I murmur, snuggling into the crook of his neck.This feels so good. I gasp, as he pinches my clit and sends me over the edge. The slow, lazy pleasure has me writhing and clinging to his body as he continues to rub teasing circles between my folds.“ I am giving you a demo of what your mornings will be like with me. ” Tristin hums, kissing the top of my head.Heat spreads in my cheeks. I sigh, fighting the smile threatening to pull at my lips.“ I prefer tasting you though, but I don’t want to do that
Grace“ Have I ever hurt you before, Grace? ”I sit up straight and just sigh again.Alma shakes her head and takes a seat in the chair Tristin vacated. She places the basket on the bedside table and turns to me.Her posture is rigid as she starts.“ I see that you didn’t follow through. ”“ What? ” I clench my hands into fists.I feel a sense of shame after coming across her and then there is a part of me struggling to not bring up the video and tell her that I feel bad.“ You didn’t fulfill your promise. I didn’t take you for one to go back on your word. ” Alma whispers quietly. My heart sinks. I broke my promise to her. The sense of shame and guilt grows some more. “ I am sorry for not keeping my promise, Alma. Trust me, I wanted to…I tried my best. And I didn’t mean to disrespect you. ” I admit truthfully, hoping that my words will soothe whatever anger she feels towards me.Alma’s eyes droop and the usual polite look displays in them. “ It’s not just about promises, Grace. Now y
Grace“ Uhm… ” Celine stands in front of the door, her nervous eyes scanning the room, lingering on Tristin, and then landing on me. “ Am I disturbing— ”“ No. ” I force a smile on my lips. “ You came just in time. I am getting discharged today. ”I heard that she got discharged three days ago and Tristin arranged for her to stay at a hotel. Given that she has no passport and we were literally shipped into this country illegally, she has no choice but to stick with Tristin’s plans for now.And I feel bad. It’s all because of me that she has to go through all this.“ Oh, that’s great news. ” Celine smiles widely but that gesture falters when her gaze meets Tristin’s stoic face.I murmur under my breath. “ stop scaring her. ”“ Am I? ” Tristin says, still staring at her but a cryptic smile creeps up his lips. “ Am I scaring you Ms. Vitana? ”“ N—No. ” Celine stutters, shifting her weight from one foot to another.“ Tristin. ” I sigh and rub my temples.What does he have against her?Is
TristinFuck, Fuck, Fuck no!What the fuck do I do now?I pace back and forth, panic settling into my bones.Earlier, I took Grace back to our penthouse and helped her settle in. She was all quiet and compliant, not saying a word or asking about what will happen with that obsessive Ethan situation now. It fucking melted my heart but the stabbing pain started spreading again as soon as I told her that I have matters to take care of and left for my office.Now, I can’t help my nerves. I made a mistake. A grave fucking mistake. To make sure that Grace helped me in my elaborate scheme of revenge, I showed her fake pictures and lied to her that Ethan had been cheating on her for a long time.He was an asshole to her. An abusive piece of shit who hit her, liked to make her cry, and killed their child. He did everything to make her walk away from his life and for that, I consider him the biggest fucking idiot in the world.But now, I am on the verge of getting pushed down the same rabbit
GraceThe soft glow of candlelight bathes the elegant dining table, casting a warm glow over Tristin’s face.Tristin has chosen a cozy restaurant with a view of the city lights, and it feels like the perfect setting for our first date because I have never visited this place before. We are sitting across from each other, and for the first time in a while, I feel a sense of peace.I admire the city view while Tristin’s eyes remain on me, causing my cheeks to heat up every time I have to look at him. I haven’t felt this giddy in a long time and it is making me dizzy. Tristin looks relaxed, almost too relaxed as if he is trying hard to make the evening perfect. His efforts show…but the way he keeps moving cutlery around once in a while gives away some kind of unease.As we start our meal, he speaks up for the first time. “ Do you like it here, Little Butterfly? ” I chew on the juicy piece of steak in my mouth and nod quickly. “ It’s…perfect. ”“ You won’t mind coming here with me ever
GraceHis silence is deafening.Why is he not saying anything?“ When I didn’t want you to say that I shouldn’t doubt myself, you kept saying it! Then why are you silent now? Why… ”Lies. He must have been lying all this time. I can’t believe this. All this time, everyone must have thought of me like someone who could be happy with shallow compliments, and words. Now, it’s like someone has gripped my heart, squeezing it painfully inside my chest.Tears prick the corners of my eyes, and I blink them away furiously. “ I—I trusted you to respect my wishes. How could you break my trust like this, Tristin? ”“ You are exaggerating it! I didn’t do anything that would warrant such anger, Grace. ” He gets up, his anger radiating off him like some visible waves I can see. I blink, taken aback by his sudden outburst. I have never seen him like this before—pupils dilated, jaw gritted, and face reddening. All that anger, directed at me.“ I am exaggerating this? ” Disbelief must be written on
GraceIf you trust him, why would you ask him something you don’t believe he can do? That voice whispers in my head again. My conscience refuses to let me ask such absurd questions from him.I sigh, closing my eyes for a moment. “ I went to that meeting in CBA today, and there I met Mona. I am sure you must know her. ”I open my eyes, and Tristin is there, staring at me, silently urging me to continue. I lick my lips and slip closer to him.My heart pounds like crazy, trying to break out of my ribcages. “ She lost the bid, and she was throwing a tantrum. ”Tristin will never undermine me, I repeat to myself like a mantra.“ Can you believe it? ” I huff, my muscles loosening. There is no nervousness in Tristin’s eyes, so I must be overthinking it. “ she said I used you and your power to get that power. She said I am undeserving and only rely on my husband to get everything. Of course, I told her that she was spitting nonsense. There is no way you will do something like this without tel
GraceI look down at my body, which has stopped trembling, and release a sigh that was stuck in my throat. I never thought I would come across him and won’t make a run for it.“ I am talking to you. ” The girl says, drawing my attention to her. She is beautiful in an effortless, almost artificial way. Her long black hair is perfectly straight, flowing down her shoulders like silk. Her white blouse is tucked into a navy pencil skirt, highlighting her hourglass figure. She is all curves and sharp edges, with lips painted a vivid red and a gaze that screams disdain.I have never seen this girl around before. “ Do you have an appointment with Mr. Roberto? ” She asks, her tone clipped.I raise an eyebrow. “ Are you new? ”She blinks. “ Do you— ” “ I don’t need an appointment. I am his wife. ” I interrupt, not wanting to engage in a small chat right now.What was Ethan doing here? I need to know right now. Her perfectly groomed brows arch in surprise before her expression hardens. She
GraceTristin doesn’t pick up.I glance at my phone for the third time, the call screen mocking me with its persistent silence. He always answers. Even if he is busy, even if I am calling at the most inconvenient times. He always answers.But not today.He must be angrier than I thought.A deep sigh escapes my lips as I let my phone drop onto the seat beside me. The unease in my chest grows. I lean back against the leather seat, pressing my fingers to my temple.Why are things spiraling out of control?“ Ma’am. ” My driver’s voice breaks me out of the trance. “ We have arrived. ”The towering building of RB stands before me. Its intimidating height looms over the city, an unspoken testament to the Roberto family’s wealth.I step out of the car, adjusting the strap of my bag on my shoulder. I feel kind of…nervous. It’s been so long since I have felt like this. To think I am nervous to see Tristin is…so weird.Without giving it much thought, I stroll inside the building and take the e
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