Chapter 4
To avoid Janelle’s suspicion, Antonio had Grace and her heavy suitcase get out of the car.
He sped off, leaving Grace alone in the middle of nowhere.
She glanced around the empty freeway, let out a bitter laugh, and dragged her suitcase forward.
On that winter night, the wind tousled her hair and turned her cheeks rosy and her body stiff with cold. Yet, her mind stayed clear.
Memories flickered like scenes from a movie–love, betrayal, a wavering heart, and his exit.
Grace couldn’t help but wonder, “How’d she feel if she found out Antonio’s been lying about waiting around all these years?”
Grace trudged through the biting wind for over three hours before catching a ride on a truck back to the city.
She got home just before dawn, took off her shoes, and winced at the blisters on her feet.
After treating them with everything from the first–aid kit, exhaustion set in. She showered and crashed into bed.
The next morning, Grace woke up feeling heavy and groggy. She pulled herself up for a temperature check–a high fever.
She took some meds and drifted into a restless sleep. In her
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Chapter 4
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dream, she found herself watching Antonio and Janelle’s
wedding. Unable to bear it, she hid in a corner, letting tears pour down her face.
Grace woke up crying, right into Antonio’s warm embrace.
He held her close, wiping away her tears. “It was just a dream. None of it is real.”
His words only made her cling to his arms and cry harder. When she finally wore herself out, Antonio said, “Tomorrow, we’ll close the shop and have a bash for you, our dessert master.”
That was what he said, but it wasn’t really for Grace.
The guests would all be Antonio’s friends. They only knew her because he loved to brag about her being his “golden goose.”
Without Grace, “Dessert Tryst” wouldn’t have survived this long, even with the Kaufman family’s support.
Soon, the place was packed with folks Grace didn’t know. She smiled and played along.
Suddenly, Antonio’s face changed. Grace followed his gaze and saw Janelle.
