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
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
GraceGathering my courage, I turn on my heels. Everyone’s eyes seem to be glued to the screen in the distance. I follow their line of sight and the world indeed stops and my knees weaken.On the screen, the slideshow of several pictures plays. It’s me and a man I can recognize. We are sitting in a dimly lit room, too close.I gasp and stumble back a few steps.A week ago, Lily called me out to talk. When I went to the VIP room of the club where she called me, a man was already waiting. He groped me forcefully and I barely escaped from him. I thought it was a drunken accident but now, it turns out Lily had planned that long ago.“ She not only stole her sister’s man but she is also a cheater! ”“ A filthy cheater! ”“ Grace Whitlock turns out to have peculiar tastes. She doesn’t want a man. She wants men. ”Laughter and accusations filter in. The ground shakes beneath my feet. It’s like everything I ever stand for in life has been cruelly snatched from me.Another slap lands on my fac
GraceThe beeping noise of the machines attached to my body wakes me up from the slumber. I blink numerous times, trying to remember what happened and how I came here.The hate on Ethan’s face when he left with Lily is the first thing I recall. Instantly, I shoot up in my bed and touch my stomach.Something is wrong.I can feel it.My Baby!“ What...What happened to my Baby?! ” I scream.Nurses rush in. My shoulders are pushed down in an attempt to lay me down. Doctors follow suit. They are saying something but my mind is stuck in a few words.“ You had a miscarriage... ”“ You were lucky to survive. ”A violent force takes over me as I struggle and thrash and find the will to destroy the world.It hurts. It hurts so much.I can’t see anymore. I just want to turn back time and save my Baby.Heart-wrenching screams and sobs leave my mouth. I don’t recognize this woman, this wild, tortured soul who feels broken and defeated.To suppress my anguish, someone gives me an injection. I remem
Grace“ Who is he and what is he doing here? ” Ethan stalks towards me and grabs my arm harshly.Forcefully, he sits me up in the bed and gives me a violent jolt. “ Is he the father of the bastard that you miscarried? ”“ What?... ” My heart hardens.“ You were planning on dumping that child on me, right? But you are a fool to think that I will believe you are carrying my child after the whole world saw what kind of a woman you are! ” He laughs humorlessly. “ It’s good that the bastard died! ”Slap!I slap him across his face. His eyes show confusion before anger takes over.“ How dare— ”“ Call my child that one more time and I will murder you, Ethan Calder! I will trample all over you and show you what happens when you mess with my Baby! ” I scream, pointing my trembling finger in his face.I want to hurt him so badly. My hands itch by my side as he glares down at me, the confusion lingering in his eyes.“ You— ”“ Shut up! ” I shriek, hitting his chest with my fists. “ Shut your stu
Ethan“ Sister in law?” A frown marks my forehead.“ Ethan...” Suddenly, Lily gasps.I look to my right to find her body going limp. Before she can hit the floor, I grab her waist and hold her up.“ Lily? ” I pat her pale cheek.These bastards have done it. They made this poor girl faint because of heartache.“ Doctor, check on her! ” I shout.The doctors and nurses standing beside Grace rush in our direction.“ Shift the patient to a room.” The doctor issues the order.“ If something happens to her, I will not let you rest Grace. You should know I won’t let you go anymore! ” I hiss at the girl who is supposed to be my wife.“ Oh? ” She snorts. “ Well, I hope she doesn’t die yet. I want her to suffer until her miserable end. ”I can’t believe my ears. Her words are poisonous.All this while, she sweet talked and continued to smile like a fool. I thought she was easy-going and caring but it turns out...She was simply a snake in hiding.Now, she is showing her true colours.“ I will deal
Grace The sudden kiss startles me. But I regain my senses quickly and bite his lips, hard. Ethan groans and pulls away. “ What the— ”My knee hits his crotch. Instantly, his hold loosens around me as he cups his treasure and bends down.Taking this chance, I grab my bag from the bed and hurry towards the door.“ You— ”“ Don’t take me lightly, Ethan Calder. ” I seethe, and pause in the doorway.His face turns red with pain. A little part of my heart still aches when I see him like this. But I tuck it away.I won’t fall for him again. Not in this life!With the back of my hand, I wipe my lips that taste like him. “ Don’t disgust me with your touch. You are filthy, Ethan. A terrible man. ”“ You—You will pay. ” He hisses through his teeth.Before he can straighten up again, I rush out of the hospital room. I know the kind of crazy Ethan Calder can be. The city is scared of the man who is the King of the Calder Empire. Being alone with him, after he has disregarded everything is dang
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