Chapter 54

Chase recalled his first encounter with Grace. He had just finished work and noticed her squatting by the roadside, comforting a crying young girl. She sang, jumped, and made funny faces, unfazed by the onlookers. She eventually calmed the girl, bought her a bun, called the police, and waited for the girl's family.

The police and family arrived. The child had wandered off, lost for hours. Her distraught parents, overwhelmed with relief, offered Grace their life savings. Grace refused, laughing and only accepting their gratitude. As they left, she watched them with a contented smile. Chase felt as if his heart had been stolen. It wasn't just her beauty, but her kindness, her gentleness, the quiet way she improved the world. He didn't know if it was love at first sight, but it was the first time he'd felt this way about a woman.

"Even if you don't mind," Grace said, bringing him back to the present, "what about your parents? Would they accept a woman who's been in prison?"

Chase froze. His stomach dropped.

"Marriage involves two families," Grace continued. "You don't know mine. Don't bring shame on yourself or your family, Chase." She laughed humorlessly. "Besides, I don't think you want to get involved with my family." Turning to the sink, she washed her hands, her back to him. "I don't feel the way you feel. Please, don't waste your time."

Stunned, Chase felt as if he'd been slapped.

As Grace finished washing her hands and prepared to leave, Chase said, "What if I can persuade my parents?"

She paused, glancing at him. "That's impossible. If I liked you, I'd stay by your side, even if your parents disagreed, until they gave us their blessing. But I only see you as a friend."

Her words were ruthless, each one a cut. Chase's stomach sank.

Later, as Grace left the Sanitation Service Center, she saw a familiar figure waiting.

"Jay!" she exclaimed, running to him. "Why are you here?"

"I got off work early," he replied, taking her hand. They intertwined their fingers.

Chase emerged from the center. Seeing Grace and Jay, he nodded awkwardly and went to the parking lot.

"Did you reject him properly?" Jay asked casually.

"Yes, I made it clear there's no future for us," Grace said. "Those words hurt, but temporary pain is better than lasting pain." She looked away. "But I don't think he'll suffer long. He can find someone better. I'm not a great beauty, my job isn't desirable, and I have a criminal record. I don't know why he's so determined."

"He's not worthy of you, sister," Jay replied. "You can do better."

Grace smiled, making light of his words.