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.

“You’re not so high and mighty now,

had been a rich and entitled jerk back

been cornered by him at a charity auction when she’d gone outside for a bit of fresh air. Greg grabbed her arm and assaulted her. If Sean

a lesson that day.

there was no one here to

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

eyes were glittering like this was the

She walked a few

paperwork over to her, saying, “This is

smiled. After taking the document, she said, “Grace, sorry you had

Sure, she was.

grinned, this had been

caught hold of her arm. “Why are you in such a hurry?

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

She turned her

balance and spilled the red wine down his shirt. He became 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

bottle of red wine beside him and poured it

cold wine soaked her body,

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

Maria laughed openly.

to Greg quickly. He may

Grace found the idea ridiculous. She

and assaulted, but she was expected to apologize

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

pursed her lips. “No.”

chance to apologize

Grace was horrified as the other guests filed out

entirely.

She hit the ground hard and her

as he advanced

for her, let alone stood up for her.

wrong with her

accident,”

she hadn’t been exposed to any sunlight during her three years of imprisonment, making her fairer than anyone. And the scars… they

had not faded away, and they were hideous.

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

on her right hand with

Maria said. She looked as

prison days when her finger bones had been broken inch by

had been unable to defend herself and was

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

out of this place. She had to get

came from behind her, catching her by her hair and yanking her backward. She screamed, feeling hair ripped from her

Leave me

room remained closed

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

paused as he made that statement.

familiar voice saying, “Greg, what are

That’s… Sean’s

Grace shivered.

in such a

you brought your fiancée here for a meal? What a coincidence. Your ex-girlfriend is here to have a meal with me too. However,

replied

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

Greg spoke, he pulled Grace’s hair,

face

was like a chasm of grief was boiling up to

Sean… Lily Atkinson.

break her bones. Who’d stood beside him and goaded him to show no mercy.

of Greg, was like a

go,” she

at Sean as if asking his permission.

you choose to…entertain…yourself is up to you, Greg.