Chapter 169
A proud man like him would never allow it.
โSo, youโre only willing to see me to prove youโll never agree, no matter how much I beg?โ she said, struggling.
His lips curved into a thin smile. He lifted a hand and gently swept stray strands of hair from her forehead, tucking them behind her ear with long fingers. โBack then, you said you didnโt want to stay by my side, that you didnโt need me to help you change your destiny. You said you wouldnโt regret itโฆโ
His actions were elegant; his voice, gentle. He bent, his lips near her earlobe, breathing softly.
She felt his breath on her ear and neck, stiffening as if a boulder pressed on her chest, stealing her breath.
โIโm only seeing you to show you what a joke it was when you said you wouldnโt regret it.โ He stared at her.
She felt as if sheโd fallen into an icy lake. Indeed, what a joke!
Grace didnโt remember leaving Jasonโs place. From the start, he hadnโt planned to give in. She had no right to ask anything of him. That meeting was a humiliating experience.
The next day at work, Grace couldnโt focus. Her motherโs relatives called, saying her maternal grandmotherโs condition had worsened. The old woman had awakened but was disoriented, repeatedly asking for her sons. She also had significant memory loss.
The doctor diagnosed Alzheimerโs disease, progressing rapidly. Usually, such a severe stage took years, but her grandmotherโs decline was swift and likely to worsen.
Graceโs heart ached. It felt as if only bad things happened to her, and things would only get worse.
โGrace, the doctor said to let your grandmother see your uncles. How much longer will you keep them away?!โ Her relatives practically accused her of heartlessness.
Grace smiled bitterly. The situation was beyond her control.
At dayโs end, Grace, exhausted, prepared to go home when Chase blocked her path. โGrace, Iโllโฆ Iโll take you home. I have a car. Itโs no trouble.โ
Chase blushed slightly.
Grace looked at him, wondering how to avoid hurting such a kind man. She knew he had feelings for her and needed to reject him. She wasnโt suitable for him. Accepting his offer would only hurt him more.
โItโs okay, I donโt live far. Itโs a short walk,โ Grace replied.
โBut you donโt look well,โ he said anxiously.
โIโm fine, really,โ Grace said, walking past him and leaving the Sanitation Service Center.