Chapter 269

She would have been overjoyed if Grace had been burned and disfigured. At least then Brian wouldn't pursue a disfigured woman. What a pity it didn't happen!

Grace didn't know how she got downstairs. Each step felt like a monumental exertion. Her hands, clutching the photo album, shook violently. She couldn't bring herself to examine the damage. These were her memories—memories of her mother.

As she stumbled toward the neighborhood entrance, a figure approached quickly.

"What's wrong?" The slightly anxious voice, laced with unconcealed worry, rang out above her.

She felt enveloped in shadow. A pair of arms swiftly supported her faltering body. Who was it? Who was holding her?

Grace slowly raised her head. The first thing she saw were extraordinarily beautiful eyes—like captivating peach blossoms, so beautiful they were almost frightening. Their dark pupils, like obsidian, were intensely black and bright, yet unfathomably deep.

"What's wrong?" He frowned, noticing the tears on her face. He felt a sharp pang in his heart.

She stared at him, then smiled sadly. "Jay…" she whispered. How long had it been since she'd called him that? A few months, yet it felt like an eternity. But now, she saw only Jason—the Jason she depended on, the Jason she could rely on, the Jason who kept her warm.

His expression froze. Then, softly, he said, "I'm here."

"Jason, I… I'm tired…" she murmured, too exhausted to walk, too exhausted even to cry.

He bent down, scooped her up, and carried her to the nearby car.

She remained still in his arms, unmoving, like a quiet doll. He carried her to the car and looked down at the half-charred photo album she clutched. His eyes narrowed as he studied her hands. He told the driver to go to the hospital.

"What's wrong? What the hell happened?" Jason asked.

Grace didn't answer, only clutching the album tighter. He felt an inexplicable pain in his chest. If he'd known her trip home would end like this, he would have gone back with her, no matter what. A faint light flickered in his eyes at the thought.

At the hospital entrance, Jason carried Grace into the emergency room.