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.

not so high and mighty

and entitled jerk

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

him a lesson that

there was no one here to protect her now.

ex is untouchable… but you aren’t. And I still owe you for what he did to

glittering like this was the greatest show

Greg. She walked a few feet over to Mia and

over to her, saying, “This is the document you

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

Sure, she was.

way Mia grinned, this had been better than Christmas.

and was about to leave the room when Greg caught hold of her arm. “Why

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

to open her mouth. She turned her

in the face, shouting, “Ugh! Do you think you’re still Sean’s girlfriend? You’re an ex-con

was shouting, he took up the bottle of red wine beside him and poured it

soaked her body, embarrassing

her other classmates gave her. They shook their heads and

Maria laughed openly.

apologize to Greg

found the idea ridiculous. She

was expected to apologize to Greg. No. That wasn’t

their jokes and she might have to deal with being looked down upon for the rest of her life, but she still had

pursed her

I’m giving you a chance to apologize to me. Even if I raped you right here, no one would stand

was horrified as the other guests filed out of the room, ignoring her plight

entirely.

flying. She hit the ground hard and

screamed as he advanced on

none of her classmates spoke for her, let alone stood up for

with her skin?”

from the accident,” Mia

to any sunlight during her three years of imprisonment, making her fairer than anyone. And the scars… they weren’t from the car accident, but

the scars had not faded away, and they were hideous.

her knees, her hand remained

stepping on her right hand with her high heels.

“Why are you in such a hurry to leave? You have not yet apologized to Gregory,” Maria said. She looked as if she couldn’t

days when her finger bones had been broken inch by agonizing

been unable to defend herself and was forced to accept the treatment.

to push Maria’s foot away from her right hand. Then she lunged to her feet and ran

to get out of this place. She had to get

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

me alone!”

doors to the room remained closed and no one

“Are you trying to run away? Don’t you know that my family is

paused as he

later, Grace heard a familiar voice saying, “Greg, what are

froze-instantly. That’s…

Grace shivered.

again-let alone in such a sorry stale

coincidence. Your ex-girlfriend is here to have a meal with me too. However, your ex-girlfriend doesn’t know what’s good for her and she has

Sean replied

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

hair,

to face Sean.

was like a chasm

besides Sean… Lily

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

of Greg, was like a

go,”

looked at Sean as if

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

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

Comments ()

0/255