The management has passed down instructions that were not to
approve any write-up about Grace Cummins, the editor replied.
Brian asked in amazement, Is the Stevens or Atkinson family
behind this? It didnt make any sense to him. When he had written about Lily earlier on, the editor had approved his news.
However, he was not allowed to write anything about Grace!
Its not them. Thats enough, dont ask any more questions. In any case, if this piece of news gets released, not only will you lose
your job as a reporter, but I will be sacked as well! the editor said.
Brian rubbed his eyes. To say he was shocked was an
understatement. What the editor had said seemed too much of
an exaggeration.
Grace is merely a sanitation worker. Who would want to protect
her?
Youre too young. In this world, there are many things beyond your imagination, the editor replied with a sigh. He was also puzzled about why Mr. ReedMr. Reed was out to protect Grace.
Meanwhile, as Jason watched Grace putting away the utensils, he
said, I heard that the woman who told you to search for her ring has gone to the Sanitation Service Center to offer her apologies.
Yes, Grace replied, but I have given her gift to Claire.
Did you see Sean? I saw from the news that he showed up with
his fiancee, Lily. As he talked, he watched Grace carefully for her
reaction.
Yes, I saw him, Grace replied. She looked calm, as though she
was talking about someone who was of no concern to her.
Jason crossed the room toward her. How do you feel? Did seeing
Sean again make you sad?
When Grace heard the question, she lifted her head to look at him.
I think I know what youre getting at. She smiled softly. Jay, are you worried about me? Dont worry. Please. I promise you, I would
not grieve over such a man.
Worried? Jasons gaze deepened. Other than being worried
about her, there was something else
Grace lifted her hand to stroke his head. Recently, she had been doing this more frequently. It was a tender gesture, and hed be lying if he didnt say that he liked the feel of her hands on him.
Even if it was a touch so innocent as tucking his hair back.
Jay, Sean is nothing to me. I will not be sad over someone who
doesnt love me. If I were sad, it would mean I still loved him.
Jason searched her eyes for any tell that she was just saying what
he wanted to hear.
Truly, she said. Im glad I no longer feel anything at all when I saw him. And Im even more glad that I didnt marry Sean back
then.
Oh? Wouldnt your life have been much easier if hed supported you? You might be married to him right now and not have to work
a day.
Thats not a benchmark for happiness, she said. And I dont mind work. What I meant was, Grace said, if my emotions could fade, then they were not that strong to begin with.
Hmm.
Her statement rang true to him. And hearing her assert that her emotions had not been strong for Sean, filled him with a sense of relief.
The accident and everything that transpiredit revealed Seans true nature. And for that, I am grateful. It was a blessing to know that he was not the man for me.
Jason reflected on her words for a moment. Conflict, hardships, lossthey were what defined us. Grace had been dealt a terrible hand, but shed risen above it. Maybe not financially, as she was strapped to a low-income job and living in a low-income
apartment, but she was determined to be positive. And happy.
That was more than he could say for most of the people who ran
in his circles.
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They had money and opportunity. Most of them squandered it
with selfish decisions or idiocy.
Still, something of what shed said had him wondering Sister,
will you feel sad for me one day?
It wasnt fair he realized, but he couldnt help it. He wanted to
possess her attention-even her negative emotions.
Grace was shocked by the question and she was at a loss for
words.
Will you? he asked as he bent down, moving closer to her.
As he crowded her, he watched her pupils dilate and the way her
pulse skittered at the base of her neck. She sucked a tiny breath.
When her gaze fixed on his, he could see her attraction-and her
uncertainty.
I what I meant earlier was, if I loved a person, I would be sad. However, Jay, youre my brother Grace replied, her mouth dry.
Cant you love your brother? Jason asked. We are, after all, family
He used his knuckles to lift up her chin, and he angled closer to
her so shed have no doubt of his intentions