Regret Came Too Late

Alice clutched her stomach, cold sweat covering her cheeks as she bit down hard on her lip. Right after she spoke, she swayed like she was about to faint.

Yancey instinctively moved to catch her. "Alice..."

She collapsed into his arms while sobbing, tears spilling down her cheeks. "Yancey, losing the baby already broke me. I can't handle seeing Grace right now."

She shut her eyes, playing the perfect image of a woman falling apart.

Grace watched the whole scene unfold from the side, and even she had to admit that Alice's acting was impressive. No wonder she managed to manipulate everyone so easily all these years.

But Grace wasn't about to back down. She turned her gaze to Yancey and said, "Yancey, go ahead and have me sent to a psychiatric hospital. That's how it's always been. The moment Alice puts on that pitiful little act, all of you believe her. I'm done."

She looked down, a sharp, bitter smile playing at her mouth. She added, "But let's be clear-the loss of the baby had nothing to do with me. Not that anyone cares to investigate. You all just decided I was guilty before even asking questions. What else is there for me to say?"

Yancey parted his lips to speak, but nothing came out. Alice was in his arms, yet his gaze was locked on Grace. For a brief second, he was completely lost.

His silence made Alice uneasy because Grace's words had struck too close to home.

"Yancey, can you help me back to my ward?"

But Yancey didn't move and kept looking at Grace.

Alice's eyes burned with resentment. Her jaw tightened so hard it looked like she might snap a molar. She bit her tongue until blood welled up, then gave a soft cough. She held out her hand to show her red-streaked palm.

Upon seeing her palm, Yancey immediately snapped out of it and helped her back into the ward.

"Alice, are you okay?"

too hard. I'll

him. Let him keep an eye on her. At the very least, make

Hendricks involved, Grace was as good

Yancey hesitated.

step back, deciding to play the long game. She said,

stay, but to her surprise, he actually stood up. "Get

was left speechless, staring helplessly at his back as he walked away. He even closed the door behind him as he stepped out

was

Grace had been nothing but cold stares and harsh words lately, but that

and gave a faint tug at the corner of her mouth.

here to have me sent

frowned. "Is that the kind of man you think

a dry laugh. She'd already be locked up if she

stepped closer, scanning her face. "Grace, do

not

"You-"

him off, her eyes Suddenly glassy. "Do you remember the Farm Support Project in Northbrook? You were there too. Tell me-did Alice really handle that

side for a long time.