Chapter 1
Grace Parrish and Antonio Kaufman’s ten-year relationship was, to many, a cruel game.
Overhearing Antonio’ private confession–“Grace’s mom was our maid. I sleep with her, but I’ll never marry her”– Grace, heartbroken, immediately registered her marriage to another man and resigned.
Antonio, flipping through documents, asked, “Why?”
“I’m married and will be a full-time housewife,” Grace replied firmly.
Antonio chuckled. “Married? When? Where?”
Grace, after a pause, replied, “My husband has a last-minute trip abroad. We’ll have the wedding upon his return.”
The word “husband” silenced Antonio.
“His name?” he pressed.
Grace hesitated.
Devin Hudson, her new husband, had been nasty in their marriage registration. She hadn’t confirmed his willingness for a public announcement.
Antonio curled his lips, convinced she was lying.
The phone rang.
It was Livia, and Antonio’ demeanor immediately softened. “Baby, it is you? I’ll be right there.”
He left, dismissing Grace with a curt, “Resign. Follow procedure.”
A month’s notice.
Relief washed over Grace. Antonio had no feelings for her.
Grace’s mother Liana Cline had worked for the Kaufman family for decades.
They’d educated Grace, and she’d grown up aloongside Antonio.
She’d secretly loved him since childhood, but their vastly difference social standing kept her silent.
At 18, a drunken Antonio had a one-night stand with Grace.
The next morning, he’d asked, “Do you have a crush on me?”
He’d kissed her cheek, asking, “Do you think I like you?”
0.0%
09:57
་་་་་
She guessed he did.
And their relationship began–a series of clandestine encounters..
Yesterday, Antonio invited her to a welcome party and that she should look her best.
He never took her to such occasions.
So Grace subconsciously hoped for a public declaration of their relationship.
However, she overheard in the parking lot.
“Her mother was a maid. What will people say?”
Antonio’ callous response–“Livia can date a low-class man, why can’t I?”–shattered Grace’s illusions.
His friends’ laughter, emphasizing her inferior status, was devastating.
Heartbroken, Grace fled back to the Kaufman’s home.
There, she learned about Livia Fischer, Antonio’ childhood sweetheart, who’d studied abroad, leaving him single and waiting for her return.
By the end of the story, Grace felt numb.
Livia’s name explained Antonio’ drunken tears and years of unspoken longing.
By dawn, Grace was resolute.
She contacted Devin.
Three years ago, Liana had saved Devin’s life when his car lost control, dying in the process.
He’d promised to marry Grace and care for her for life.
She’d refused then, but now, she accepted.
He agreed immediately.
Their marriage was registered that afternoon.
Devin, explaining a sudden overseas trip, postponed the wedding for a month.
Grace agreed. It aligned with her departure from Antonio’ company.
