Regret Came Too Late

Threading a string of cheap plastic beads together to make jewelry? Wearing that in public was just asking to be laughed at.

Ethan said nothing. Out of the corner of his eye, he could still see Grace crouched outside, meticulously sorting through the tiny beads under the sunlight.

She finished threading the second bracelet and tied it around her wrist. When she finally stood up, she staggered a little from squatting so long. Her skin was so fair it almost glowed, and the simple beaded bracelet on her wrist only made her look even more striking.

Since she had agreed to meet Ethan at 7:00 pm, and the time was getting close, so she simply stayed outside and waited.

Sure enough, about an hour later, Ethan and Simon came out of the main doors.

The moment Simon spotted her, he frowned.

Grace, however, simply stepped respectfully behind Ethan. "Mr. Henderson, should we head to Velvet Eclipse now?"

"Yeah," Ethan replied casually.

She quickly followed him to the car. Tim was in the driver's seat, with Simon sliding into the back as well.

then took out the small gift

for you," she said, handing it over.

box was small but exquisite. Anyone could tell at a glance it

Group is strapped for cash these days. Looks like you're still

vivid against her pale skin. It was simple but somehow beautiful. Grace kept holding the box out awkwardly. Seconds ticked by, feeling like hours. She was just about to mumble something to ease

open it. He just

them, grinned like a cat who

should at least be grateful, Ethan," he drawled.

"So, who's the lucky guy you're giving that

breath. She really couldn't stand Simon. He was too loud, too arrogant,

but Simon just kept going,

you gonna give it to your secret boyfriend? Let me tell you, men are just like women. We like expensive gifts. The more you spend, the more

hundreds of thousands of dollars, but you give your boyfriend something you strung together off a street vendor? If I were him, I'd

lifted her head, her voice calm. "That's because you