Chapter 33
Grace
"Disappearing on my second day of work won't leave a good impression, right?" I nibble on my lower lip.
Earlier, after talking to Ethan on the phone, I lost my mind and rushed to report him and Lily. I didn't even inform Mr. Costello that I will be taking a day off. I don't doubt he will have my head on a spike later for it.
"Your leave was approved by the CEO, Ms. Whitlock. Don't worry." Luca answers instead of Tristin who is busy with his never ending documents.
I steal a glance at his focused face and sigh." That only makes things worse."
Sulking, I slump into my seat and let out another exaggerated sigh.
"Luca, Ms. Whitlock is hungry." Tristin says, his tone busy and detached.
"Who said "
"On it, Boss." Luca interrupts.
I press my lips in a thin line and fold my arms over my chest. It's clear that no one is listening to me so there is no point in talking.
After a while, I am stepping out of the car in front of a familiar expensive restaurant. Tristin strides forward and I follow after him.
Silently, we are led to a table by the large windows. Memories flash before my eyes, my breaths quickening.
"What's wrong?" Tristin questions, his undivided attention falling on my reddening face.
"Nothing." I shrug, my gaze searching for a familiar table in the corner.
That's where Ethan and I sat when Lily showed up. Ethan had looked so convincingly surprised and delighted to see her. He had literally dragged her to our table so she could have dinner with us. To think that they were already meeting up behind my back, and wanted to make a fool out of me...I shudder.
"He is waiting, Grace." Tristin's deep voice brings me out of the memory.
I blink at him, and then at the waiter standing at some distance respectfully. I didn't even notice his presence until now.
"Uhm...I will have whatever you are having, Tristin." I whisper, rising from the chair. " You can order. Now, excuse me. I will be back soon."
The memories had sent waves of fresh anger and hurt down my body. My eyes sting and my hands tremble as I rush to the restroom to take some deep breaths.
I just have a bad luck, because the moment I stand in front of the mirror, my eyes fall on the red faced, nose flaring woman marching towards me.
"Lily. "I gasp, stepping back.
She is not alone. She has her little minion, Maria Cardini with her. They have been friends since forever and equally evil.
"How fucking dare you?!" Lily seethes, raising her hand to slap me.
Anger overcomes fear as I catch her wrist mid-air and shoot her an icy glare.
"What did you expect, huh?" I hiss, pushing her back. "Did you think you will 'sister' me and I will fall for your act again?!"
"You bitch!" Lily screeches and stumbles into Maria's arms.
I smirk. "I am surprised to see you here, Lily. I thought you will be behind bars by now. Guess not. Ethan is still protecting you, isn't he?"
She lunges for me again with a sharp cry. Her elegant mask has fallen, leaving her real evil face exposed.
I grab her wrist again and slap her with my other hand. The sound echoes in the silent restroom.
She yelps as her ankle twists and she falls on the floor. I go down with her and grab her hair to slap her again.
This is for drugging me!"
Slap!
"This is for trying to get me raped!"
Slap. Once, twice, thrice.
"And no matter how many times I hit you it won't be enough, Lily! I will make you and Ethan cry tears of blood like you did to me!" I scream, lost in the sensation of having my in palm connect with her cheeks so many times that I lose count of it.
Maria grabs my shoulders and pushes me back, making me fall on the floor.
"Don't get ahead of yourself, Big sister. I am going to make you regret the day you were born!" I yell, trembling with rage.
"Have you gone mad, Grace?! What has Lily done to you?" Maria, her friend gasps and helps Lily up.
My sister looks like she has been through hell. Her hair dishevelled. Her cheeks swollen. Her lips bleeding.
The murderous look in her eyes has changed into one of fear and shock. Her hands touch her cheeks and lips as she sobs.
"Ethan can not save you now. Think about it before you try to hit me." I whisper hatefully and get to my feet to march out of the bathroom.
My bad luck chases me all the way back to my table where I find Tristin seated comfortably, and Ethan looming over his head.
His back is towards me, but the moment he faces me, the anger rises to a boiling level.
"Grace." Ethan steps forth, his hands reaching out for my arms.
Before he can touch me, I step away. "What-What are you doing here? Did you bring Lily here?"This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.
"Grace." Ethan's brows furrow, guilt flashing across his eyes. "What-"
"Ethan!" Lily cries out from behind me before I am pushed away and she takes my spot, now holding Ethan's arm tightly.
I huff, shaking my head." Some things just never change."
To my surprise, Ethan pushes Lily aside and approaches me, his hands closing around my upper arms.
"I-I didn't know. I-"
I shake his hands off my arms. My hand lifts and lands on his cheek with a harsh noise. His face turns to the side and an eerie silence falls in the restaurant.
"Do not dare to touch me again." let out through my gritted teeth. You are filthy, Ethan Calder. So dirty
that your mere presence modirty
gag!"
me
Slowly, he turns his head in my direction and steps forth, grabbing my arms again. I gasp, as he pulls me to his chest and leans down.