Chapter 5
Grace jolted upright in bed immediately. Yet, the sudden movement tugged at her wound, making her wince in pain.
Before her stood the leading man, radiating irresistible charm. At that moment, he appeared even more handsome than the hazy image she remembered when she was drunk last night.
If she didn’t know Zane didn’t have an older brother, she’d think this tall, refined man was his older brother.
“What are you doing here?” Grace felt awkward.
Previously, it was after drinking, but this time she was almost half-naked on an examination table.
She scrambled to pull her pants back on, eyes wary as she stared at Cole. As Cole stepped forward, she stood up briefly but then sat back down on the examination table.
He leaned in, bracing his hands on either side of her, completely enclosing her in his space. At this close distance, she could clearly catch the faint, cool scent of pine on him.
Cole’s thin lips curled into a teasing smile. “If I hadn’t come, my girlfriend might’ve run off without a word.”
Grace had three years of experience in the business industry and had dealt with tough situations, so she wasn’t naive. But she never imagined she’d find herself in something this mortifying.
“Sir, about last night, I…”
Cole cut her off. “You were very enthusiastic last night.”
Grace was stunned. Her dazed expression only made her look more adorable.
“So, I have no intention of ending this relationship.”
Grace replied coldly, “Sir, there was never a relationship to begin with. So what’s there to end? Last night was mutual. We’re both adults. Surely you understand what a one-night stand is.”
“To me, a first time means something.”
She sneered. “Don’t worry. I’ll not ask you to take responsibility.”
He gently lifted her chin, the rough pad of his thumb brushing against her soft lips. “I mean, you need to be responsible for me.”
Grace had never encountered a man so utterly shameless. The feeling was mutual. She hadn’t even requested that he take responsibility. What did a grown man need to be accountable for?
The next second, he added, “Because it was my first time.”
Grace’s eyes widened in shock. She looked him up and down.
Even Zane, who wasn’t yet 23 years old, had already been with countless women. The man standing in front of her, graceful and handsome, claimed he had never been with a woman. Who could believe that?
“Excuse me, may I ask how old you are?”
“32.”
Grace rolled her eyes, then shoved him aside as she walked out. “You’re this old and still pretending to be innocent? Shameless.”
She wondered what kind of jerk she was dealing with. It was a free night, and he was still not satisfied with it.
Cole lowered his gaze. He was only seven years older than her. Did she really mind that much?
The female doctor rushed back, only to find the patient gone. Yet, a handsome man inexplicably stood there.
Cole casually touched his face and asked, “Do I look that old?”
The doctor was puzzled, thinking to herself, “Looks decent. Shame he’s a lunatic.”
Grace hurried along in her high heels, afraid he might catch up to her. Once she got back to Jadewood, she’d just get a full check-up again.
When she got home, sure enough, Zane wasn’t back yet. Hence, she gave him a call.
It rang almost to the end before he finally picked up, his voice low and breathless. “Grace…”
Thinking of how that man had sounded last night while moving on top of her, Grace immediately got the picture. Zane was truly tireless, not even resting for a night.
“What are you doing? Why are you so out of breath?”
“I’m playing basketball with some friends. Grace, go to sleep first. I’ll be back soon.”
“Alright. Come home early.”
Grace ended the call. If he chose to be heartless, she wouldn’t feel guilty for matching his coldness.
She didn’t go to bed. Instead, she carefully did her makeup, giving herself a deliberately pale, sickly look.
It was midnight by the time Zane finally came home. She wasn’t working in the study, nor was she asleep. That was unlike her. Her routine was always strict and consistent.
Zane was confused.
Grace sat on the couch in her pajamas, hair loose and messy. Even when he walked right up to her, she didn’t seem to notice.
“Grace, why aren’t you asleep yet?” Zane crouched beside her, reaching for the back of her hand.
Grace snapped back to herself and abruptly pulled her hand away. She lifted her head, revealing a pale face, red-rimmed eyes, and a few teardrops on her lashes.
He was used to seeing Grace strong and composed, but never in tears like this. Panic surged within him as he contemplated whether she had discovered something.
“Grace, why are you crying? You look awful. Did something happen?”
Grace opened her mouth to speak but hesitated. After a long pause, she finally asked, “Is it really impossible for you to marry me? I just… I don’t want to have regrets.”
“Grace, haven’t you always prioritized your career? Why bring up marriage all of a sudden?”
Grace looked flustered. “It’s just my family’s been pressuring me, that’s all. Nothing serious. You must be tired from playing. I made you some soup.”
Wiping her tears as she spoke, she turned to get the soup for Zane. When she glanced back, she caught a look of obvious guilt and regret on his face.
Grace walked over with the soup and gently brought it to his lips to feed him.
“Grace, you’re being so nice to me all of a sudden. I’m not even used to it.”
After all, it had always been him taking the initiative in their relationship. Grace was a workaholic who didn’t seem to know how to slow down.
“You’ve always been the one treating me well. I might not have much time left…”
“Grace, what did you just say?”
“It’s nothing. I’ve just been so busy with work that I’ve neglected you. I want to treat you better from now on. Drink up. You’ve worked out hard. I’ll go rest now.”
Zane watched her lonely figure disappear into the hallway, a faint sense of unease creeping in. She shouldn’t have found out.
With her proud and headstrong personality, she wouldn’t be gentle with him if she knew the truth. So, what was it? Did she really just want him to marry her?
Grace sneered, enjoying the mystery.
The next morning, Zane woke up to find a table full of breakfast she had prepared.
She stood by the table, and maybe it was just his imagination, but her face looked unusually pale. It was almost sickly. “Grace, you don’t look too well.”
“Maybe I just didn’t sleep last night.”
It was impossible for her to sleep. At three in the morning, a string of bedroom photos had been sent to her from an unfamiliar number. She knew exactly that Elena was the one who’d sent them.
Grace remained silent. “I’m heading to the office now.”
The new CEO was coming in today, and she needed to handle the handover. Once the work was done, she could finally head back to Jadewood.
“Grace, come home early tonight.”
“Alright.”
Grace left without looking back, her high heels clicking as she walked out. Once in the car, she quickly touched up her lipstick.
Just as she was about to start the car, she received a call from the Harper residence. It was the old butler, Oscar Conner. His voice was lowered. “Ms. Grace, when will you be back? Ms. Nydia’s marriage partner has been decided.”
“Who is it?”
“Zane Jensen. He’s the same age as Ms. Nydia and is studying down south.”
Grace tightened her grip on the steering wheel, remembering the man who had been affectionate to her earlier.
She murmured, “He agreed?”
“Apparently, the Jensen family is very pleased with the match. The two will meet in three days. If everything goes well, the engagement should follow.”
“Hmm.”
Oscar said anxiously, “Ms. Grace, if Ms. Nydia has the support of the Jensen family, I’m afraid your position in the Harper family…”
…Will be even weaker.
Grace knew exactly what he meant. She could easily expose her true identity now and switch the marriage partner to herself. Yet, the thought of what Zane had done behind her back made her sick.
Even being under the same roof with him repulsed her. The idea of being tied to him for life would drive her mad.
“Oscar, keep an eye out for suitable marriage partners in Jadewood. Preferably someone with a higher status than Zane.”
“Ms. Grace, who in all of Jadewood could be more powerful than the Jensen family? Actually, I did think of one person.”
“Who?” Grace’s eyes lit up.
“Zane’s uncle, Cole Jensen.”
