Regret Came Too Late

Grace's reaction was a bit too dramatic. Ethan instinctively reached out to steady her, but she dodged him.

Pressed flat against the wall, she said seriously, "Mr. Henderson, with how you look right now... you might wanna stay away from any women. It's kinda hard not to blush just looking at you."

Ethan froze for a few seconds, then let out a quiet laugh. Without saying anything, he turned and walked to his bed. He sat down, picked up a book from the nightstand, and said calmly, "Come here."

Grace was still standing by the wall outside the bathroom, looking rattled and unsure. It took her a moment to calm herself down. When she finally did, she slowly walked over and sat on the couch.

There was a small throw pillow on the couch that was decent enough for a pillow. She lay back, shutting her eyes, but she could still hear the crisp sound of Ethan turning the pages of his book.

It was way too early to sleep. But besides lying there, she really didn't have anything else to do.

Suddenly, she remembered-wasn't Simon still downstairs?

"Mr. Henderson, aren't you gonna go talk to Mr. Yule?" she asked. "I think he's still waiting for you."

Ethan's fingers froze as he turned a page. "Maybe later," he replied flatly.

He was totally ghosting Simon!

smile when her phone lit up again. This time, it was Liam calling. She let out a sigh,

her down. It's unbelievable how you can be this heartless.

welled up on the other end. He

had been right-Grace had changed. She was cold now. Ruthless, even. Otherwise, how could she have

chest was tight with frustration. He grabbed his jacket and was ready to

do you think you're going? Alice is crying her heart out, and you can't even

felt just as frustrated. "I

wave of exhaustion wash over her. Ever since Grace came into

been in

Grace had to be sent to

rushed back to Alice's

with Yancey's younger sister, Jodie

always been close. Jodie was still in

Alice's pregnancy,

was being told