Chapter 347

"What's the matter?" Grace asked, confused, as Jason stopped in his tracks.

"Nothing," Jason replied dryly, his head down.

"How are you feeling now?" Grace asked when they returned to the main house.

"Much better," he answered.

"Even if your stomachache is an old problem, you still need to see a doctor when you're free," Grace said. "Some illnesses seem minor, but they can develop into something serious."

A smile touched the corners of his mouth. "Are you worried about me, Sis?" he said.

She choked back a response, feeling embarrassed and wanting to go upstairs. However, he suddenly raised his hand and pulled her into his arms. "All right, I promise. I'll see a doctor and take care of myself. I'll also take the medicine you bought me. Would you like me more if I listened to you?"

She was stunned. "What?" she stammered. What was he saying? How could he say something like that?

He repeated, almost as if to emphasize, "Would you like me more if I listened to you? I want you to like me."

He wanted her to like him—to stay with him—but when had he become greedy, wanting more? It wasn't enough for her to be by his side; he wanted her affection, her feelings.

"Will you?" His voice held a seductive quality, urging her agreement.

Grace stared, her mind blank. The word "yes" hovered on her lips

That night, Jason's words echoed in Grace's restless sleep. She couldn't comprehend his declaration. She even wondered what would have happened if she'd said "yes." Ultimately, she only stared at him blankly, saying nothing. Fortunately, he didn't press for an answer, simply saying, "You can tell me when you're ready."

By morning, Jason was gone, much to her relief. Grace only worked a half-day on Saturday. In the afternoon, she collected her belongings and went to meet Lina Sweeney.

Lina was already at the dessert shop, seated with a phone pressed to her ear, a long face suggesting a difficult conversation. Seeing Grace arrive, Lina gestured for her to sit. She said into the phone, "All right, all right. I promise to finish the project today. Is that okay? Mom, please stop calling! How about this? If I don't finish it, I'll kneel on the keyboard tonight!"