Chapter 14
After hanging up, Grace grabbed the hairdryer and dried her hair to the beat of a cheerful tune.
Devin walked in and saw her grinning. His lips curved up too. He sauntered over, handing her a tube of ointment.
She examined it, checking out the ingredients, while he fetched a cotton swab from the cabinet and settled next to her.
“What’s this for?”
“Scar healing. It works wonders.”
It warmed Grace’s heart that he remembered her leg scars.
Devin asked her to pull up her pant leg, then applied the ointment to a swab, and gently smoothed it on her scar.
His careful attention brought a flicker of feeling to her eyes.
After a pause, she found the courage to ask a question that had been bugging her.
“When I said I wanted to marry you to escape the Kaufman family, you agreed right away. Was it really just to pay back my mom for saving your life?”
Devin paused and looked up with a soft voice. “That was a big part of it, but my family’s been on my case about set- tling down. We’re about the same age, and since you’re alone, I figured I’d look out for you, like your mom would’ve wanted.”
Grace was surprised at his words. “How do you know about my family stuff?”
Devin put the cotton swab down after dabbing on the ointment. Then he gave her the hot milk he’d brought in.
“After your mom left, she didn’t reach out. I looked into your situation. When I heard she passed away, I thought about bringing you into the Hudson family. But the servants at the Kaufman’s home said Antonio was good to you. didn’t want to push, so I stayed away.”
Bringing up the past, Grace felt a bit emotional.
I
Three years ago, Antonio was really sweet to her, especially after her mom passed away. He had people watching her 24/7, making sure she was okay.
He’d take her out to take her mind off things, trying to lift her spirits. He was worried that she might fall apart.
At the time, Grace thought he had feelings for her. Grieving and lonely, she gave him her heart after holding onto it for seven years.
But as she grew up, she realized Antonio’s care was just pity.
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Chapter 14
The way he stood up for her in public? It was just an illusion.
Grace finally realized that Antonio wasn’t into her, not one bit.
He saw her as a fixture of the Kaufman family, a long-time companion. To others, she was just a piece of his life.
Protecting her was more about keeping up appearances.
The truth was, his heart always belonged to Livia.
He saw her as the servant’s orphan, a personal assistant, and someone to deal with his troubles.
He could call on her anytime, just like Morton or Daisy.
But now she faced the truth and moved on.
The cozy warmth brought Grace back to the present.
She let out a breath, grinning at Devin, her voice all gratitude.
“Thanks for everything. Now that I’m away from the Kaufman family, Antonio won’t bother me anymore. If you want a divorce, I’m ready whenever you are.”
Devin was caught off guard, looking at her with seriousness.
“Marriage isn’t a joke. I meant it when I said I’d marry you. I’m committed to this. If you’re not sure about me, let’s take it slow, date even. When you’re ready to take me as your husband, we’ll take the next step. Okay?”