"A plane bound for Pamore experienced a tragic crash upon landing at 12:30 am Eklora time. "The death toll has increased to 136 people, and up until now, there have been only three fortunate survivors."The real-time news updates about the plane crash on TV pulled Grace Lewis back to her senses. She was one of the survivors. She now lay on the hospital bed with injuries all over her body and her legs bandaged."The number you have dialed is currently unavailable. Please try again later," came the automatic response from Grace's phone. Ever since the plane crash, her nominal husband, Benjamin Hawkins, hadn't picked up any of her calls. The plane crash had shaken the whole nation. It was impossible for him to be unaware of it.The crash site had been scattered with corpses. The fear of having nearly died still haunted her, overwhelming her to the extent that she couldn't breathe. Yet, at times like this, when she needed care the most, she had yet to hear a word from the ma
Grace suddenly recalled the one-week business trip Benjamin had two months ago. She tightened her grip on the phone, her knuckles gradually turning pale.Had he cheated on her? She was Benjamin's secretary and also his secret wife. But she had never heard any rumors of him having affairs with other women until now."Mr. Hawkins is so good to his girlfriend. I wonder who that lucky woman is! It seems like they are going to publicize their relationship soon.""I googled the woman. Is this her?" The nurse pushing the medical cart took the phone from the other nurse. "Yes, it's her!" she exclaimed. "Isn't she the second daughter of the Quine family? With her looks and status, she's the perfect match for Benjamin!" As they walked further away, chatting amongst themselves, their voices gradually faded into the distance."The Quine family ..." Grace thought. After dealing with the hospital's discharge procedures, Grace got into the car the butler had sent for her. Her mind was
"When did you get to know her?"Under the dim lights, Benjamin finally saw Grace supporting herself with crutches. It wasn't until then that he realized she was much thinner than when they'd married three years ago.She looked as if a gust of wind could easily blow her away. "You followed me?" Benjamin's face fell at once."Do you think I have nothing better to do? I was at the same hospital and saw you with my own eyes." Though her voice was soft, she enunciated her words clearly. Benjamin looked angry despite Grace was overwhelmed by sadness. How could he?He still hadn't expressed any concern for her, even though she had been in a plane crash. What felt even worse was how evident the irritation and disdain in his voice were.Clearly, their three years of marriage had been futile. All this while, she had been attending to her demanding mother-in-law and taking care of her sister-in-law, who didn't like her. In the family, she was treated like nothing but a servant, and
Grace took off his shirt and peppered kisses down his abdomen. Her longing for him was so intense that even her ears had turned red. "Didn't you ask me how I became Mrs. Hawkins? Well, I nearly forgot about my main responsibility—conceiving your child."Continuing with her actions, she said, "Right now, I'm just fulfilling my duties.""How dare you!" Benjamin was infuriated. His muscles tensed with his rage."I've sprayed some aphrodisiac in the air. Bear with it. It'll end soon. "I just ... I just want a child too." She was getting more bold, a far cry from how gentle and obedient she had been in front of him before. Benjamin's breathing grew heavy in response to her shameless provocation. He did his best to suppress the effects of the aphrodisiac and fiercely grabbed her hand. "You're so disgusting, Grace!" The burning desire in Grace's gaze dissipated at once. "Is it so disgusting for you to make love to me?" She looked up at him with her watery eyes. "Yes!" Benja
Susan couldn't believe that Grace had actually spoken to her in such a manner.She pointed a finger, which was adorned with a large sapphire ring, at Grace. "What's with your attitude? Say that again!"There was no hint of fear on Grace's face. She fixed her eyes on Susan and said, "Since Yvonne is moving in, you can get her to do the work. I'll never do it again!" She articulated her words clearly. After she spoke, Grace felt an unprecedented sense of relief wash over her.Susan, on the other hand, completely lost her temper. "You—" "Mom!" Celia suddenly caught Susan's arm and lowered her voice. "Grace is angry, isn't she? I heard that yesterday Benjamin had ..." Celia told Susan what had happened last night. Judging from how smug she looked, it was clear that she had exaggerated the story.Susan seemed to understand the situation at once. "How dare you take it out on me when you're the one who couldn't make your husband stay?" Grace had already walked out of the villa
Grace was at the airport. She breathed out a sigh of relief as she stared at her phone's screen, which had already turned black. Maybe she had been under too much pressure at Hawkins Manor for too long. Now she felt like she had gotten a weight off her mind.She looked at the travelers around her. Was she sad that she would be leaving Pamore soon?Perhaps she was, but what she felt more was relief. She had thought that Benjamin didn't love her. But it turned out that he already had someone else in his heart. In that case, what was the point of continuing to cling to him?Grace went to the first-class check-in counter to board the plane bound for Darai.Years ago, she had left her family and hidden her true identity to stay in Pamore. Had it not been for her grandfather's wish to meet her and Benjamin, the medical expo deal with Hawkins Group would never have been sealed. Yet, Benjamin had sent her there alone instead of going together.It was time for her to return now.
Fiancée?Her marriage to Benjamin had been kept secret from the public. Hence, everyone in the company only thought that she was his secretary.In that case, it seemed that the "fiancée" Jason mentioned was Yvonne. Grace had just divorced Benjamin, and now Yvonne was already here at Hawkins Group. Not only that, but Yvonne would also stay at Hawkins Manor and sleep in her bed, enjoying Benjamin's company. Grace's heart stung just thinking about it. Nevertheless, she still thanked Jason for telling her and left the HR department.Jason stared at her receding figure intently. He thought even a fool could tell that Grace had feelings for Mr. Hawkins. No wonder she had been dismissed.As he turned on his computer, he sarcastically remarked to himself, "It looks like a good show is coming up soon."When Grace stepped out of the elevator on the top floor, she bumped into Larry. "Ms. Lewis, you're here." Larry cast a look at the luggage in her hand. He guessed that she was he
Grace was somewhat hesitant. She had already submitted her resignation, and she no longer had any obligations to handle matters like this. Moreover, although Yvonne's words sounded like a request, her tone made it seem like an order. Grace didn't like it.Then again, Benjamin did have her identification card, and this would be the last time she would be dealing with such trivial tasks. She could also use the chance and ask him for her identification card when she sent the coffee over later. She took a deep breath and said, "Okay.""Thanks." Then, Yvonne walked away. After getting pregnant, Yvonne's demeanor had a touch of motherliness. Nevertheless, her confidence as the affluent daughter of a prominent family still contrasted with Grace's.Back then, thanks to Grace's distinguished family, Yvonne had been nowhere on par with her. However, as the years had passed, Grace seemed to have ended up losing her poise and elegance.Grace stood there in a daze for a while before s