Chapter25
I’d secretly dated Antonio Kaufman, my brother’s best friend, for seven years.
I always believed a proposal was inevitable.
Then I discovered he was waiting for his first love to return.
I was a placeholder, a convenient means to an end.
***
I followed Antonio to a bar, eavesdropping on his conversation with friends.
“Antonio, now that your true love is back, what about Grace?” one asked.
Antonio’s silence hung heavy in the air.
Another man snickered, “Freddy warned us off his sis… He wouldn’t let anyone hurt her.”
It was common knowledge.
“Alicia dumped me. I was just trying to get back at her,” Antonio finally said, his voice so cold it felt like a stranger’s.
Later, at Alicia Hogan’s welcome–back party, Antonio showered me with attention.
But when Alicia bolted out in tears, he shoved me aside, chasing after her.
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Chapter25
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I stumbled into a table, scalding myself and ruining my dress.
Returning home, humiliated and hurting, I marched into Antonio’s study.
A room I’d been forbidden to enter in seven years.
There, on his desk, was a photo of him kissing Alicia.
Heartbreak overwhelming me, I called my brother overseas. “About your suggestion of an arranged marriage, I’ve reconsidered. I’m in!”
“Grace, are you alright?” Freddy’s voice was laced with worry.
I forced a cheerful tone. “Fine. I’ve just been thinking. It’s time I got married.”
Freddy’s voice relaxed. “When will you be back? You should meet him first.”
“No need. Let’s just do it. The sooner I agree, the sooner the company’s problems are solved. Start planning the wedding. Let’s make it … a month from now,” I said.
“OK. By the way, are you still in touch with Antonio? I heard his first love is back. Invite him to the wedding.” Freddy’s tone was serious, devoid of humor.
It hit me then: he knew about Alicia. That explained Antonio’s insistence on keeping our relationship secret.
I lowered my voice. “We are not that close anymore.”
Hearing the door unlock, I quickly said goodbye to Freddy and ended the call.
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Chapter25
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I looked up to meet Antonio’s smiling eyes. “Who are you not close with?”
“You.” I flatly replied. He raised an eyebrow and pulled me into his arms.
“We share a bed every night. You’re saying we’re not close?” Antonio whispered, nibbling my earlobe.
The thought of his lips on another woman churned my stomach.
As I struggled, I noticed a hickey on his neck.
Definitely not from me.
I pulled away with renewed force
Antonio brushed against my burned skin, sending a jolt of pain through me that brought tears to my eyes.
“What’s wrong, Grace? Are you feeling okay?” Antonio fussed, noticing my tears.
He pulled up my sleeve, revealing the angry red burn on my wrist. His voice trembled, “What happened? When did you burn yourself? Why didn’t you tell me?”
He seemed to have forgotten he was the one who had pushed me into the table.
I remained silent, unsure whether to remind him of his actions.
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Chapter26
