Hi Lovelies, The world knows the truth now :) What do you think Ethan will do?
Grace “ Yes, officer. ” I nod at the detective who is watching me keenly. “ Ms. Whitlock, you are saying that your sister and husband pushed you in front of a car, and tried to take your life and this resulted in your miscarriage? ” He asks, his old face neutral and professional. My breath hitches when I hear this aloud once more. “ I have proof. ” I whisper, handing the pen drive to him. “ I believe the viral confession was seen by every person in this country already. ” He offers me a small smile as he takes the drive from me. “ but it can’t be called concrete evidence, Ms. Whitlock. Your sister can always claim she was under the influence of alcohol or threatened and there is no mention of your husband being on her side either. ” My shoulders stiffen. “ So you mean to say that… ” “ It’s the Calder and Whitlock family we are talking about, Ms. Whitlock. Surely you understand they can bring in the best lawyers and get out instantly. Knowing that, do you still want to file the
Grace“ Disappearing on my second day of work won’t leave a good impression, right?” I nibble on my lower lip.Earlier, after talking to Ethan on the phone, I lost my mind and rushed to report him and Lily. I didn’t even inform Mr. Costello that I will be taking a day off.I don’t doubt he will have my head on a spike later for it.“ Your leave was approved by the CEO, Ms. Whitlock. Don’t worry. ” Luca answers instead of Tristin who is busy with his never ending documents.I steal a glance at his focused face and sigh. “ That only makes things worse.” Sulking, I slump into my seat and let out another exaggerated sigh. “ Luca, Ms. Whitlock is hungry. ” Tristin says, his tone busy and detached.“ Who said—”“ On it, Boss.” Luca interrupts.I press my lips in a thin line and fold my arms over my chest. It’s clear that no one is listening to me so there is no point in talking.After a while, I am stepping out of the car in front of a familiar expensive restaurant. Tristin str
Grace“ Come home with me, Grace. Come home and I will make it up to you.” He whispers, his eyes holding the longing, and plead.For a second there, my heart stops beating. My eyes search his gaze, now gentle, and focused solely on me.Didn’t I always want this? For Ethan to push Lily aside and reach me for once? I think.Then, I burst out laughing. “ Have you gone deaf on top of dumb, Ethan? Did you hear what I said, and do you hear yourself now? Come home? What home? ”“ Grace—” He takes another step closer.“ Leave me.” I whisper, interrupting him. “ and sign the papers, Ethan. I want nothing to do with you. Besides, you already got what you wanted from me, right? You took my grandma’s inheritance and got control over the Whitlock Corp. Now you are unstoppable.”“ No!” Ethan, grip tightens on my arm. “ I don’t want anything from you! Just come home, okay? I will return it to you. I will give you anything. I will forget you cheated on me and let you—”“ Are you serious right
GraceSilence ensues on our way back to Tristin’s home. I steal occasional glances his way to find his jaw clenched and his eyes glaring out the window.What Lily said is obviously a lie and it ticked him off. Before, I heard that she had killed Sebastian Roberto too.But...if she has murdered Tristin’s brother and Tristin is powerful enough to make her pay...Why is he not doing anything to her?What is he waiting for?“ Stop staring at me. ” Tristin mumbles.I flinch, realizing that I forgot to take my eyes off him this time.Awkwardly, I look out the window and watch the Roberto mansion getting closer. I thought what happened today will leave me shaken up again, but somehow, I am faring better than I expected.Once Lily is in, Ethan will do everything to get her out. But with Tristin’s influence, it won’t be easy.Sighing, I step out of the car once it stops in the driveway. Tristin moves past me, striding straight for the door without looking back.My eyes narrow. It fe
GraceThe next morning, I come out of my room, wearing another one of a grey pencil skirt and a white blouse sent by Alma. But, it fits me well now, instead of being painfully tight.Lost in my own thoughts, I walk down the stairs only to see Alma standing at the end of them, staring up at me. “ Grace. ” Alma calls me out and nods. “ I heard about your sister on the news. ”My body freezes on the second last stair as I look at her. Her eyes are soft, but there is a lingering wariness in them, which became a part of them after she realized that I am Grace Whitlock.“ I— ”“ I didn’t know they had done something like this to you before. Is that why you are staying with us? ” She interrupts me as if she can’t bother to hear what I have to say to her.My cheeks heat up. “ Uh—Yes, Alma. But as I said, it’s only temporary and— ”“ I don’t mind, Grace. This house is big enough for us to not cross paths even if we stay under the same roof. ” She cuts me again.I press my lips in a thin line a
GraceAs I stroll inside the RB tower, I notice the crowd gathered near the reception but don’t pay much attention.I take the elevator and go to my floor. When the doors ding open, some pair of eyes fall on me. Instantly, the atmosphere on the floor becomes chilling and uncomfortable as the always busy people gossip to each other.I have no doubt it’s about the direct approval of a mere leave from the CEO himself.“ How do you think she is connected to the CEO? ” I hear a Redhead talking in hushed voice to the two girls looming over her.“ How else? She probably slept with him. ”“ She is a looker, I must admit but Mr. Roberto can not take a liking to someone like her. He avoids women like plague. ”The comment piques my interest. Avoids women like plague huh? “ That’s true. I don’t think he is sleeping with her. Maybe it’s one of his personal assistants. ”The hushed gossips follow me until I sit down on my desk in the lonely corner of the floor, right beside Mr. Costello’s office.
GraceEthan’s face reddens. He strolls towards me, seething and blind with rage.All eyes follow him, surprise and curiosity painted across their faces. They must know him. He is the CEO of a rival company.I ignore the curious looks and sit down on my chair. He is here for drama again!How ridiculous! “ What do you want? ” I scoff just as he stops beside me and opens his mouth.His fists clench, a dark look crossing his eyes. But when his eyes fall over my stomach, surprisingly, the anger changes into doubt.A lump forms in my throat as Ethan stiffens and continues to stare at my stomach. “ Are you… ” Ethan’s voice lowers, turning into a whisper. “ Are you feeling better? ” “ After the forced miscarriage, you mean? ” I smile, hatred written over my face.Ethan meets my gaze and swallows. I ignore the way his eyes turn soft and focus on my computer’s screen instead.“ Don’t make a scene in my workplace, or you don’t want to know what I will do next to your precious lover. ” I warn,
Grace“ You said you would give my child to Lily if I was pregnant because I didn’t deserve to be a mother. ” I state, as a matter of fact, not sparing him a glance.I hear his breath hitch and smile wider. He is so good at his ‘hurt’ act. “ Don’t be hurt. You gave the child to Lily, after all. She wanted it gone and you did just that. ” I lean back and continue to stare out. “ Do you think I don’t mourn the loss of our— ”“ Don’t. ” I snap, pulling my wrist out of his palm. “ don’t go there, Ethan. ”To my relief, he goes silent and doesn’t push it. Our journey ends in silence but his eyes remain on me, making it impossible for me to not feel disdain.When the expensive hospital comes into my view, I straighten up. Out of nowhere, Ethan grabs my hand again and places a file in it.I lift my brows and finally direct my gaze to his face. His eyes meet mine, softening once more.“ Take it. ” He whispers. I eye the file and open it without delay. “ Everything you think I snatched fr
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