Chapter 40
After packing her things, Grace lay in bed, tossing and turning. Out of boredom, she checked her Instagram. Lancy had just posted something two minutes ago. It was a selfie of Laney, Antonio, and Keyła enjoying dinner at a fancy restaurant. Keyla nestled close to Antonio, while Laney pouted playfully. Even Grace had to admit they looked like the perfect family.
“Thank you to my new sister–in–law, who brought me to this fantastic restaurant. As my brother says, you’re the best!”
Only then did Grace realize Antonio was no longer at home. She put her phone away, knowing full well Laney had posted that for her to see. That girl didn’t know Grace had stopped caring since the moment she lost the baby.
She got up, turned on the living room light, and made herself some pasta. After an abortion, Grace needed nutritious food to recover. Antonio could have dinner with whoever she wanted. Grace just wanted to love herself for once. Yet, tears fell into the pasta in front of her, forcing her to throw the pasta away.
Shane called while she was out on the balcony, letting the cold wind
wash over her.
“Grace, what are you doing? I’ll take a flight tomorrow night and pick you up the morning after.”
The message reminded Grace that she had promised to marry Shane. But she hesitated. She was not sure if she was still good enough for him.
“Shane, there’s something I need to tell you. I was married, but not
officially registered for marriage. I was pregnant, but I lost the baby today. Are you sure you still want me?”
Waiting felt endless. She didn’t expect much. She and Shane hadn’t seen each other in seven years. The promise they had made back then was just a childish game. She never took it seriously.
She wanted to leave Antonio, but she didn’t have to drag another person into it. She couldn’t be so selfish as to use Shane to heal her own wounds.
“Grace, all you did was have a relationship, and it sounded like your ex- boyfriend was a scumbag. We will have kids in the future. So, I have not reason not to marry you, unless you don’t want to marry me.”
Grace was almost moved to tears. Nobody had ever said something so romantic to her. Whether he meant it or not, she couldn’t wait to see this
guy.
“Shane, sounds like you’re not picky at all.”
Shane laughed heartily. Grace was trying to be funny, but he could sense her sadness. For a moment, he wished he’d never gone abroad.
“Grace, wait for me. We’ll go to city hall tomorrow morning.”
Grace let out a sigh of relief and nodded at the night sky.
“OK, see you at city hall.”
The balcony had been opened, and Antonio stood there with a lunchbox in his hand. He overheard Grace’s last sentence.
“Who are you meeting at city hall?”