Chapter 53

“Even in the past, finding a job to support myself was incredibly difficult,” Grace said.

“But you can’t waste your years on this job! How will you find a good husband doing this?” Claire exclaimed.

Grace smiled at Claire, who truly meant well. Marriage was the biggest concern for women like Claire.

“Chase doesn’t seem to mind your past,” Claire continued. “Are you sure you don’t want to consider him? Honest men like Chase are rare nowadays.”

“No, it’s impossible for us,” Grace replied, determined not to give Claire false hope and invite interference. That would only end badly for everyone.

Claire hesitated before asking, “Grace, do you consider Chase beneath you because he’s just a driver? After all, your ex-boyfriend—”

“Claire!” Grace interrupted. “That’s not it. I’ve been through so much; I’m not ready for a relationship.”

“Oh, you child!” Claire sighed. “If you remain unmarried and alone, you might not feel it now, but the loneliness of old age without children… it’s unbearable.”

Grace smiled wryly. “Children… I’m afraid that’s wishful thinking for me.”

It wasn’t just the difficulty of conception; she wasn’t wealthy or powerful enough to ensure her children’s safety. Would she subject them to ridicule and bullying? Children could be cruel. She suspected that if her past became known, her children would be targeted. She wouldn't allow that.

After work, Grace and Claire packed up their tools and returned to the Sanitation Service Center.

While returning her tools, Grace initially avoided Farah Steele, her frequent tormentor. However, as she was washing her hands, she saw Farah and Chase at the sink.

“Grace’s been to prison, Chase. Why are you still interested in her? Am I not good enough?” Farah demanded indignantly.

Chase replied, unhappy, “Must you bring up her prison sentence every time you speak? Grace was driving carelessly; she didn’t intend to hurt anyone!”

“She was driving under the influence! How is that unintentional?!” Farah retorted. “She’s a witch! And you’re a fool under her spell!”

“I’d gladly be under her spell!” Chase answered.

Grace overheard their conversation and instinctively wanted to avoid them. But as she turned to leave, Farah spotted her and shouted, “Grace, you shameless eavesdropper!”

Grace sighed and stopped. “This is a public area of the Sanitation Service Center. I was washing my hands. If you’re worried about being overheard, find a private room,” Grace said.

Farah glared at Grace, then hissed a nasty remark before leaving: “Just wait!”

Grace smiled faintly. “I heard that a lot in prison.”

Chase looked at Grace uneasily. “Don’t let her words bother you.”

“I won’t,” Grace said. Perhaps meeting Chase like this was a blessing. “This is my life, Chase. The ridicule, the gossip… it’s not easy.”

“I’ll defend you,” he vowed, his eyes earnest. She wished she were different, the kind of woman Chase deserved.

“I know you would. You’re a good man.”

“Seriously, Grace. Give me a chance.”

She shook her head. “I don’t want you to waste your time on me. Like she said, I’ve been to jail. I’m not good enough for you.”

“I don’t care,” he said quickly.

Meeting her confused gaze, he explained, “I… I know you’re a good woman, so I really don’t care about your past.”