Chapter 101

After Grace left, Jason looked around the small rental apartment, feeling empty. He picked up the scarf she'd left on the table and wrapped it around his neck, a slight smile curving his lips.

When Jason emerged from the apartment, Terrence was already waiting. Seeing his boss wearing a plain scarf—a stark contrast to his usual attire—Terrence was stunned. As Jason approached, Terrence examined the scarf's weave and knitting, convinced it was handmade. Only one conclusion seemed possible: Grace had knitted it.

“Mr. Reed, we’re going to…”

“Let’s go to the hospital. I should have dinner with the Old Master today,” Jason said.

“Okay,” Terrence replied, starting the car and heading toward the hospital.

The bus stopped near the town's southern entrance, where Grace disembarked. Three years had passed, and the town had changed considerably; muddy roads were now paved with cement. En route to her grandmother's house, she encountered former neighbors who pointed and whispered. Grace was used to this; since her release from prison, those who knew her couldn't help but gossip.

Her grandmother's house was crowded with relatives. Her second uncle forced a smile. “Grace! Come in and have a seat. We’ve been waiting for you.”

Grace was surprised. After her ordeal, her second uncle had even sent a message telling her not to implicate them in court.

“Come, sit down!” Her third aunt, her expression warm, pulled Grace into a chair. Relatives—uncle-in-law, aunt-in-law, second uncle-in-law, and third uncle—surrounded her, showering her with inquiries about her well-being.

A flicker of doubt crossed Grace's eyes. “Where’s Grandma?” she asked.

“Grandma’s napping. You can see her later,” her third aunt replied.

Her uncle added, “Grace, now that you’re out of prison, be a decent person. You’re not with anyone, right? Women need a man to rely on. I’ll introduce you to someone suitable.”

“Uncle, I don’t want a relationship right now,” Grace refused.

Her uncle seemed about to protest, but her third aunt’s wink silenced him.

Meanwhile, Grace's grandmother, Susie, was engaged in a heated argument with her husband.

“I disagree! I absolutely refuse to marry her off to that fool! She’ll ruin her life!” Susie shouted.

Mr. Kelleigh snorted. “Her life is already ruined. What can she do now? I’ve inquired; she’s a street cleaner. It’s best she marries while she’s young. The Miller family offered lifelong support if she bears them a child. I’m doing this for her sake.”

“For her sake? You’re greedy for the Miller family’s money!” Susie retorted. “You’re selling Grace!”

“Mom, what do you mean ‘selling her’?” The third aunt interjected. “Dad’s doing this for the family. My nephews are getting married soon. The Miller family’s $300,000 will help them afford a down payment. Mom, you can’t let your grandsons go without wives.”

Author’s Note: Thank you for all your love for Grace and Jason. I’ve read your comments and apologize for any mistakes, particularly regarding names. Please let me know if you have any questions. 🙂