Chapter 3
“Grace!”
Antonio’s shout was like a thunderclap, his eyes burning with fury. He
step closer, his jaw clenched so tightly it looked like he might break something. “Say that again. I dare you.”
took a
I met his gaze, tears blurring my vision. My voice broke as I whispered, “If I could, Antonio, I’d choose not to save you.”
He didn’t respond right away.
He just stared at me, his expression shifting between rage, disbelief, and something I couldn’t quite place.
Finally, he stormed out of the shop, leaving Graycee to hurry after him.
But as she passed me, she stopped. Turning her head, she gave me a smug smile that made my stomach churn. “Oh, by the way,” she said, her voice saccharine, “I have some good news I thought I’d share with you.”
“I’m pregnant.”
Those two words hit me like a freight train. My entire body went cold. Something that wasn’t supposed to happen for years in my last life… was happening now.
Graycee glanced at my stunned expression. A satisfied smirk playing on her lips, she strutted away.
The night before I left, Antonio did something he rarely ever did. He called me. He said he wanted to talk.
I figured it had to be about Graycee being pregnant or maybe their wedding plans.
But it didn’t matter anymore.
When he showed up at my place, his eyes immediately landed on the neatly packed suitcases by the entryway. He froze for a second, then frowned. “Where are you going?” he asked.
I glanced at the luggage, my tone casual as I told him my first–ever lie.
“Remember Vivian Carter from next door? She’s sick. She asked me to
visit her.”
“When are you leaving?” Antonio pressed.
Caught off guard, I paused before continuing the lie. “Tomorrow night.”
Antonio nodded, like he had already decided something. “Vivian was always nice to me, too. I’ll go with you tomorrow to visit her.”
I didn’t respond.
The silence between us stretched, awkward and suffocating.
Finally, Antonio broke it. He looked like he was wrestling with something, glancing at me several times before reaching into his pocket. Out came a velvet box. When he opened it, the light hit the massive. diamond inside. It was a ring so big it could blind you.
My heart skipped a beat. The first thought that came to mind? He was marrying Graycee, wasn’t he?
“It’s nice, right?” Antonio asked, breaking the quiet.
Snapping out of my daze, I looked up at him. “It’s okay.”
His face fell. He pressed his lips together, looking disappointed.
“Gracie, I’ve been a mess lately,” he said, his voice soft and
uncharacteristically vulnerable. “I know I’ve said things that hurt you. I didn’t mean to.”
I forced a small smile.
At least he had the decency to apologize. It was a polite ending to whatever this had been between us.
“It’s fine. It’s all in the past,” I replied flatly.
Antonio’s eyes lit up like he’d been given a second chance. Without warning, he grabbed my hand. “Really? You’re not mad anymore?”
I didn’t know why he was acting like this. Just as I was about to respond, my phone buzzed in my pocket.
I pulled my hand free and checked the screen. It was a message from the realtor I’d contacted.
“Ms. Parrish, your rental arrangements have been finalized. The landlord will meet you upon arrival.”
I locked my phone and looked back at Antonio.
This was it. The real goodbye.
I took a deep breath and smiled at him, maybe for the last time. “No, I’m not mad.”
Antonio let out a relieved sigh and reached for my hand again. But this time, I instinctively stepped back.
The small movement didn’t go unnoticed. His smile faltered, his face
stiffening
“Gracie… you’re sure you don’t blame me??
“I’ve been meaning to tell you something-
“Antonio,” I cut him off, suddenly exhausted. “We can talk when I get back.”
He opened his mouth like he wanted to argue but stopped himself. Instead, he nodded slowly. “Yeah. We have time. After you visit Vivian, we’ll talk.”
I told him I was tired and needed to sleep. A clear dismissal.
As Antonio walked to the door, he kept glancing back, as if he didn’t want to leave. Finally, just as he reached the doorway, he pressed the ring box into my hand. “Hold onto this for me, okay?” he said.
“I’ll pick you up tomorrow after work, and we’ll head over to see Vivian. together.”
I didn’t respond, just watched him with a faint smile until the door clicked. shut behind him.
The moment it did, I didn’t hesitate.
I threw the ring into the trash, grabbed my suitcase, and headed for the airport.
This time, it was really over.
Five years later, the plane touched down in Ravenvale,
As soon as I walked out of the terminal, I spotted him–a tall, handsome man leaning against a black Bentley by the roadside.
Chapter 3:
It was clear that Oliver Brooks had spotted me too. He waved and walked over, a broad smile on his face. “Long time no see, Grace.”
I returned his smile. “It’s rare for you to come greet me in person, Mr. Brooks.”
Oliver didn’t respond immediately but took my luggage from me, leading me to the car. “Everyone’s been waiting for you. They’re all curious to meet the late–blooming screenwriter who’s made a name for herself.”
After I left Ravenvale five years ago, I went to study in Lebrax.
