Regret Came Too Late

Grace had always vaguely felt that Ed wasn't easy to coax, but she hadn't expected him to be this difficult-he even had his own set of principles.

Suddenly, she couldn't find the words to explain. Instead, she stood up and straddled his lap.

Mature relationships didn't always require lengthy debates. Sometimes, a hug was all it took, so words weren't always necessary.

For someone already emotionally fragile, words could easily be twisted and misunderstood.

Taking the initiative, she leaned close and whispered in Ed's ear, "You can have me however you want tonight, okay? Please don't be angry."

He went completely still for a beat, and then he was all over her, kissing her like there was no tomorrow.

The problem was solved, but Grace's lower back was screaming.

She didn't wake up until noon the next day, and her legs nearly gave out when she tried to get up. Biting back a groan, she hauled herself up using the bed and massaged her temples. She had given him permission to do as he pleased, and he really did, keeping her up until 6:00 am.

Below the waist, everything felt strangely numb, like all sensation had been completely worn away.

When she went to the bathroom to get ready, she was almost shocked by the evidence of such intense indulgence in her own reflection. Her face held a soft, dreamy quality, her cheeks were pink, and her grip on the toothbrush was slightly shaky.

Sighing, she splashed herself with cold water. The flush on her skin lessened noticeably.

Stepping into the living room, she noticed that her place had been tidied up, though it was clear the person wasn't exactly a natural at it. There were a few takeout containers on the table, and she recognized that the food was from a fancy place where one had to order ahead. That was really thoughtful of him.

And she'd been cleaned up nicely too after last night. It seemed his anger had dissipated.

Pulling out her phone, she saw her impulsive "breakup" message and cringed. She was definitely not saying that again so casually. The consequences were way too much.

typed out a message. "Did

reply was fast, but he was clearly still hung up on yesterday's

they were still breaking up, would he

Grace: "Not anymore."

"And what about

was still stuck on her "not yet anyway" comment. He really hung

she replied. "Seriously, we're not breaking up-not

air before his

briefly considered asking his reasons, but with her workday looming, she didn't have the time for a detailed conversation. She opted for a quick dismissal. "Alright, alright.

that, she bolted downstairs and drove straight

once again wet. Without even needing to guess, she knew

peeked around to make sure Jodie wasn't

splash water each time she comes to Henderson Group. Grace, I really think you should tell Mr. Henderson about

dryly wiped her desk, inwardly laughing cynically. Surely, the untouchable Ethan was aware of Jodie's antics, wasn't

her workstation when Tim dropped a file on her desk. "Mr. Henderson will be making a trip for the project in Siltham, and

Siltham?

suddenly decide on a trip to such a place? She thought of Liam, and a wave

up. "Mr. Bennett, I might not be able

bluntly, "Then you need to

pain in the neck, Jodie.

the office door, and a curt "Come in" echoed from within. She entered to see Ethan engrossed in documents spread across his

her a beat to place it.

wouldn't have given

thought. But after a few intense encounters with Ed, she had developed a