Regret Came Too Late

Ed said nothing. He watched Grace shut her eyes tightly, making it obvious she wasn't trying to sneak a look at him.

His Adam's apple bobbed a couple of times.

Grace, thinking he might be upset, rushed to explain.

"He crashed into my car," she said. "You know he's loaded, right? He wrote a check on the spot. There was no way I was gonna say no. Rich people are just reckless like that. Now, hurry up. Pick something you want."

Ed stayed silent for a few more seconds before finally taking the phone. Without hesitating, he picked out a pair of luxury couple's watches that were worth one million dollars. He handed the phone back to Grace.

Grace glanced down, didn't even blink, and immediately processed the payment. Honestly, she liked this about Ed-how straightforward he was. She told him to pick something, and he just picked. He missed her, and he showed up. This was way better than someone like Ethan, who would stew in silence for hours instead of speaking his mind.

Grace turned off her phone and tossed it aside. Then, she rested on Ed's lap. When she was with him, there was no need to pretend or put on a front.

Ed's fingers lightly brushed her temples, gently massaging in slow, steady circles. "Are you planning to take care of me now?" he asked, his voice low and rough. Grace smiled lazily. "Sure. I'll work hard and make plenty of money."

"I don't eat much," Ed murmured. "You won't need a fortune to keep me around. Just don't leave me."

His fingertips traced along her cheek, tender and feather-light.

Grace didn't know why, but a strange wave of unease stirred in her chest. Still, she quickly pushed it down, reassuring him softly, "I won't. Even if I someday regain all my memories, I'll still stay with you."

out loud made her feel better. She sat up slightly and kissed him gently on the cheek, then snuggled right back down into his lap and drifted off to sleep. She couldn't help it.

the following day, she had another brutal battle ahead. She was trying to pull in new business deals to

Lambert Group, half the industry was waiting for her to fail. She wouldn't get

practicing her footwork and throwing punches. Off to the side, someone's warm voice called out, "Grace, why don't you take a

she said, flashing

getting tired," Alex Sutton teased gently. "Come rest with me for a

see his face clearly through the haze of her dream world, she could feel

wiped

forehead with a soft, careful

was her

missions in the future, can I come too? I'm

you. I won't let anyone

Then, he scooped her up easily in

said. "Remember what you promised. You'll protect me, no matter

important person in the world to me!" She made her vow with wide, shining eyes, pouring every bit of sincerity

dream shifted