Regret Came Too Late

When Grace woke up, she winced at the bright sunlight. The space around her felt foreign. She sat up and reached for her forehead. It ached, and she realized it was wrapped in layers of gauze.

The bedroom was spacious, with a quiet kind of luxury. Suddenly, the last thing she saw before blacking out came rushing back—Ethan.

She looked up and saw him in the doorway. He was still in his wheelchair, holding a bowl of oatmeal. Slowly, he wheeled over and set it down on the bedside table. "Feeling any better?" he asked.

Grace was flooded with gratitude. Last night, she had been sure Chester was going to force himself on her.

"Much better, Mr. Henderson. How are your legs?"

Her memories of the incident were fuzzy, but one thing was clear-Ethan's kick had sent Chester flying. His legs were still healing. She'd never be able to forgive herself if she had made things worse for him.

"They're fine," Ethan said.

He grabbed the oatmeal and handed it to her. Surprised by the gesture, Grace took it with both hands.

Ethan turned away, his voice even. "Take it easy. You don't have to go to the office today."

daylight that she realized it was already

moment she remembered that Jessica was behind what happened last night, her expression darkened. She wasn't the type to sit back and let

Thank you, Mr. Henderson," she murmured, lowering her head as she ate the

head over to the couch from the corner of her

his usual dark suits today. Instead, he wore light-colored loungewear. Unexpectedly, he

and got out of bed. "Mr. Henderson, I think I learned

even brought her to his place. While she felt uneasy around him, she knew she owed him her

in his hand

intimidating he seemed in suits, yet here at home, dressed casually, he felt almost disarmingly different-even mesmerizing. No

Ethan hummed in agreement.

his legs,

the craft seriously at some point. She just couldn't remember who it had been

Ethan put his book aside and caught Grace's wrist. She