Chapter 193

In better times, she'd spent all day fretting about weight gain, worried about looking bad in certain clothes. That worry was gone. Now thin, she cared more about price, practicality, and durability than appearances. Looking back, it was almost funny.

When you crave something, you strive for it relentlessly. But once you achieve it, your desires often shift.

Grace chuckled self-deprecatingly. Speaking of which, she couldn't understand why Jason still called her "sis." It felt like he still cared, still missed their time together. Was he interested in her? Sometimes his actions seemed affectionate, but she couldn't help wondering if it was an act.

Shaking her head, Grace decided to take things one step at a time. After a quick shower, she emerged to find him sitting on the floor by the bed. As usual, he waited for her goodnight before sleeping.

She awkwardly said, "Goodnight," then quickly got into bed and burrowed under the covers. All she wanted was to fall asleep quickly and get the night over with.

Before she could close her eyes, he leaned closer. "Sis, you haven't called me once tonight. I want to hear you call me."

Her throat tightened. Turning her back would be too obvious. Facing him

"What is it? Didn't we agree tonight would be like the past?" he asked.

Grace bit her lip. Back then, he'd been the only one acting. Now he wanted it to be a two-person show?

"Jason, goodnight," she finally said.

Since discovering his identity as Jason, only a month had passed, yet it felt like a lifetime.

He smiled gently, leaning closer. She understood. Before, she'd liked to caress his hair before sleep, commenting on its quality and envying it. It had become a habit. His current posture likely meant he wanted her to pat his head.

Gently, Grace placed her hand on his head, running her fingers through his hair as before. But her feelings were completely different.

His head rubbed against her palm. He mumbled, "Being here with you still brings me peace of mind, Sis."

Grace felt provoked. Peace of mind? His presence brought her anything but.

Finally, after patting his head, Jason reached for the lights.

"Don't turn them off!" Grace said. Meeting his probing gaze, she added hesitantly, "If you do, I'm afraid I won't be able to sleep."

He stared thoughtfully, then smiled. "Alright. I'll leave them on."

Relieved, she lay down and closed her eyes. After some time, his voice came again. "Sis, have you ever hated someone?"