Chapter 17

After the inspection from the Urban Management Bureau ended, Mia told Grace. “We’re having a reunion with our high school classmates this weekend. Come and join us.”

“A gathering?” Grace laughed. Given her current condition, she would be mocked if she were to go. No doubt, that was exactly what Mia intended. “You’re so kind to think of me,” she said.

“But, no. I’m not free, and I won’t be going.”

“Oh come on, Grace. These events are impossible to pull together. It’s a rarity. What is it you’re busy with? Come and join us!” Mia tried to persuade her.

Did Mia think that Grace was born yesterday?

This woman had been rude, spiteful, and petty. She could just imagine how a ‘reunion’ would play out-with Mia, no doubt, telling everyone how Grace, former beauty and valedictorian, lost it all, went to jail, and was currently working in Sanitation.

Nope. Not happening.

“I need to work over the weekend. Do you really think that weekends would be rest days for me given the scope of my job?” Grace asked.

Mia was speechless when she heard that. Indeed, she had forgotten.

“However…”

“I’m clearing the rubbish. Let’s talk another time.” Before Mia could finish her statement, Grace turned to leave.

She was not stupid. And, seriously, Mia was so obvious.

It’s okay. You’re okay.

Tomorrow is a new day.

Grace repeated her mantra and pushed the negative thoughts from her mind. She couldn’t control the mean or shallow people around her, but she could control herself. And she could choose to meet experience with positivity.

Two days later, the Vice Director instructed her to send a document over to someone from the Urban Management Bureau, only problem was it was the weekend, and the Management Bureau representatives were at a country club luncheon.

Ordinary sanitation workers were not allowed to enter such a place, and more than one employee at the prestigious club tried to intercept her as she entered the lobby.

Grace caught the odd stares of other wealthy people, their looks saying clearly, ‘what is SHE doing in here!?’ Like she was some other species or something.

Grace had been to this particular club many times before for

dinners and charity events. Sean belonged to this particular country club.

One of the staff nodded to her. “We’re expecting you,” he said.

“Follow me.”

“Sure.”

The sooner she could hand off this paperwork, the better.

Then she could leave.

The staff member led her down one hallway and into another. Then he opened the door to a ballroom. Many people were inside.

When Grace stepped in, she heard a familiar voice, saying, “Look who’s here!”

Grace saw Mia Jenkins, Maria, and some of her high school classmates.

“There you are, Grace!” Mia called out loudly.

Grace knew immediately that Mia had deliberately made this arrangement. As she was from the Urban Management Bureau, the supervisors would be eager to get on her good side. As long as Mia wanted a document and specified the person she wanted to bring it to her, the Vice Director would accede to her request.

“See! I didn’t lie to you. The prettiest girl in our class has become a sanitation worker!” Maria said, looking snobbish.

Grace’s uniform completely stood out from the classy attire of the rest of the people in the private room.

“Is this our beautiful super scholar? You were imprisoned for three years and I almost couldn’t recognize you.” Greg looked down his long nose at her. “Aw, what’s wrong, Sean didn’t want to dote on you anymore after you killed his sister?”

Between the mention of Sean, the horrible accident that ended Jennifer’s life, and seeing this man in front of her, Grace froze.

The pain of so many memories slammed into her like a flood.

so high and

been a rich and entitled jerk back then and he didn’t appear to have matured

charity auction when she’d gone outside for a bit of fresh air. Greg grabbed her arm and assaulted her. If Sean hadn’t come out to find her, she knew it would’ve been worse.

him a lesson that

there was no one here

a small scar near the corner of his eye. “Your ex is untouchable… but you aren’t.

Maria’s eyes were glittering like this was the greatest show they’d ever seen.

She walked a few feet over to

over to her, saying, “This is the document

said, “Grace, sorry

Sure, she was.

way Mia grinned, this

when Greg caught hold of her arm. “Why are you in

“Come on, drink up. Back

her mouth. She turned her head and pushed him away.

angry and gave Grace one tight slap in the face, shouting, “Ugh! Do

shouting, he took up the bottle of red wine

soaked her body, embarrassing

the looks her other classmates gave her. They shook their heads and cringed, but no one called Greg to stop.

Maria laughed openly.

to Greg

found the idea ridiculous. She was

and assaulted, but she was expected to apologize to Greg. No. That wasn’t happening.

to deal with being

pursed her

you think that you’re still Sean’s girlfriend? I’m giving you a chance to apologize to me. Even if

the other guests filed out of the room, ignoring her

entirely.

flying. She hit the ground

screamed as he

her,

wrong with her skin?”

from the accident,” Mia replied.

hadn’t been exposed to any sunlight during her three years of imprisonment, making her fairer than

not faded away,

and though she pushed to her

her right hand with

Gregory,” Maria said. She looked as if she couldn’t wait to see Grace in a more pathetic state as she

prison days when her finger bones had been broken

to defend herself and was forced

down without a fight. She used all of her might to push Maria’s foot away from her right

to get out of this place. She had to get

torn clothes around herself and ran forward. However, a strong force came from behind her, catching her by her hair and yanking her backward. She

me

remained closed and no one came to

the hand he held in her hair. “Are you trying to run away? Don’t you know that my family is one

as he

familiar voice saying, “Greg, what are

That’s… Sean’s

Grace shivered.

had never expected to meet Sean again-let alone in such a sorry stale after getting out of prison.

What a coincidence. Your ex-girlfriend is here to have a

Sean replied

at the scar near his brow. “I’m thinking I owe her from our last time

Grace’s hair, forcing her

face

transpired, it was like a chasm of

there, besides Sean…

on to break her bones. Who’d stood beside him and

Greg, was like

go,” she demanded.

Sean as if

you choose to…entertain…yourself is up to you, Greg. I have nothing to

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255