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 mighty now, are you?”

instinctively. Greg had been a rich and entitled jerk back then and he didn’t appear to have matured at all.

at a charity auction when she’d gone outside for a bit of fresh air. Greg grabbed her

had taught him a lesson

there was no one here to protect her now.

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

were glittering like this was the

a few feet over

to her, saying, “This is the document you

After taking the document, she said, “Grace, sorry you had to make the

Sure, she was.

Mia grinned, this

caught hold of her arm. “Why are

it to Grace’s lips. “Come on, drink up. Back then, you were convicted of driving under the

refused to open her mouth. She turned her head

face, shouting, “Ugh! Do you think you’re still

red wine beside

wine soaked her body, embarrassing her.

more were the looks her other classmates gave her. They shook their heads and cringed, but

Maria laughed openly.

saying, “Grace, apologize to Greg quickly. He may forgive

found the idea ridiculous. She

expected to apologize

and she might have to deal with being looked down upon for the rest

pursed her lips. “No.”

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

was horrified as the other

entirely.

grabbed Grace by the shirtfront and sent her flying. She hit the ground hard and her shirt tore open, revealing her skin.

Grace screamed as he advanced

her, let alone stood up for her.

her skin?” Maria asked.

from the accident,”

her three years of imprisonment, making her fairer than anyone. And the scars… they weren’t from the car accident, but from the beatings and abuses

scars had not faded away, and they

her

her right

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

reminded her of her prison days when her

to defend herself and was forced to accept

fight. She used all of her might to push Maria’s foot away from

this place. She

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 screamed, feeling hair ripped from her scalp and then she gasped

Leave me

doors to the room remained closed and no one came to

hand he held in her hair. “Are you trying to run away? Don’t you

as he

voice saying, “Greg,

froze-instantly. That’s… Sean’s

Grace shivered.

again-let alone in such a sorry stale after getting out of prison.

a meal with me too. However, your ex-girlfriend doesn’t know what’s good for her and she has agitated me.”

replied neutrally.

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

hair, forcing

face

it was like a chasm of grief was

besides Sean… Lily Atkinson.

bones. Who’d stood beside him and

the mercy of Greg, was like a nightmare roaring to

me go,”

as

for dinner,” he said. “How you choose to…entertain…yourself is up to you, Greg. I have nothing to

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