My Gorgeous Wife is an Ex-Convict

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.

high and

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

when she’d gone outside for a bit of fresh air. Greg grabbed her arm and assaulted her. If Sean hadn’t come out

taught him a lesson

one here to protect

corner of his eye. “Your ex is untouchable… but you aren’t. And I still owe you

were glittering like this

walked a few feet

her, saying, “This is the document

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

Sure, she was.

the way Mia grinned, this

about to leave the room when Greg caught hold of her arm. “Why are you in such a hurry? This is

took a glass of red wine and put it to Grace’s lips. “Come on, drink up. Back

mouth. She turned

angry and gave Grace one tight slap in the face, shouting, “Ugh! Do you think you’re still Sean’s girlfriend? You’re an ex-con and a sanitation worker. You don’t know what’s good for

of red wine beside him and poured it

wine soaked her body, embarrassing her.

chilled her more were the looks her other classmates gave her. They shook their heads and

Maria laughed openly.

Greg quickly. He may

Grace found the idea ridiculous. She was

assaulted, but she was expected to apologize to

being looked down

her lips. “No.”

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

bell sounded, signaling the meal, and Grace was horrified as the other guests filed out of the room, ignoring

entirely.

flying. She hit the ground hard and her

he advanced

of her classmates spoke for her, let alone stood up for

with her

accident,” Mia

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 she endured

faded

though she pushed to her knees, her hand remained anchored to the ground.

stepping on her right

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

Grace’s hand reminded her of her prison days when her finger bones had been broken inch by agonizing inch.

Grace had been unable to defend herself and was forced

all of her might to push Maria’s foot away from her right hand. Then

wanted to get out of this place.

force came from behind her, catching her by her hair and yanking her backward.

Leave me alone!”

the room remained closed and no one came to help her.

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

he made that statement.

familiar voice saying, “Greg, what

That’s…

Grace shivered.

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

a coincidence. Your ex-girlfriend is here to have a meal with me too. However, your ex-girlfriend doesn’t

Sean replied neutrally.

“I’m thinking I owe her from

Greg spoke, he pulled Grace’s hair, forcing her

face Sean.

transpired, it was like a chasm of grief was boiling up to

there, besides Sean… Lily Atkinson.

on to break her bones. Who’d

them, being at the mercy of Greg, was like a nightmare roaring to life.

me go,”

as if

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