Regret Came Too Late

Everything that followed happened naturally. Grace had been neglecting Ed far too much lately.

After they were done, Grace instinctively reached for the drawer by the bed and took out a pill.

She heard him ask, his hand still resting on her waist, "What are you taking?"

In Grace's mind, Ed was just an ordinary service worker. Even now, she had never clearly seen his face. Probably just an average-looking guy, but somehow his body was surprisingly well-built.

"Birth control," she said casually.

His hand tensed around her waist. "You don't want to get pregnant?"

She had already swallowed the pill by then. "Not yet," she replied, her voice light. "It's not the right time."

"You shouldn't be taking that," he said, voice low. "I heard it's bad for your health. Is there something that I can take instead?"

Grace blinked, a little surprised he even had that awareness. There were male contraceptives on the market now. She smiled, settling back against him.

Honestly, she had never thought seriously about having children, at least not within the next five years.

It had gotten late,

off, he asked again, "You don't

her back pressed against his chest. "It's just... the next few years are going to be all about work. I'll have to meet

rested gently on top of her head, his arms wrapped securely around her,

head and placed a kiss on her hair.

Yasmine and Simon, she had already secured enough

that time and help Jasper fulfill his potential, there was every reason to believe she would

was full of hope for the

just finished memorizing

ached so badly he felt like he might tear himself apart. Sometimes the pain was unbearable. He would claw at his own skin, desperate to find some kind

him a few bottles of liquor. She said

rarely drank heavy stuff even back when he was being reckless, but right now he was willing

deep breath and

a cold smile tuggin at her mouth. She pulled out

we go tonight?"