Chapter 11
When we were kids, the Clarkes had just moved in.[]
Grayson was chubby and introverted, often bullied by the other boys together.
When I saw it happening, I charged up with a stick and rescued him.[]
I shouted at the group of kids.]]
“If you dare bully Grayson again, I’ll knock you all out and send you to the police!“]
The kids made faces and scattered.]
I pulled up Grayson, who had been pushed to the ground, and lectured him like a little adult.[]
“When they bully you again, you have to be brave and fight back!“]
But seeing his pathetic appearance with tears in his eyes, I couldn’t help but wave my
“Never mind, never mind. Next time they bully you, just say my name. I’m Hope Carter.“]]
I took his hand and stuck a sticker on his arm:[]
“This is for you–my idol, Superman!“[]
The memory flashed back as I reached out to touch the sticker.]]
I suddenly remembered when Kael’s business was at its messiest, with rivals watching him like hawks.]
He’d nearly been hurt on the road several times.]]
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I had specifically gone to church, knelt down to pray, and gotten him a blessed St. Christopher pendant for his car.
I hoped God would protect him and keep him safe.]
But that pendant was never hung in his car.]
The difference in how we treasured things was so obvious.[]
Under the encouragement of both families, my relationship with Grayson progressed rapidly.[]
We saw each other almost every day–eating together, shopping together.
Discussing recent business trends and market information.[]
The engagement date was also quickly set.[]
The night before the engagement, I was too nervous, anxious, and excited to sleep.]
Chapter 11
I marveled at how unpredictable life could be.]
A month ago, I was still fantasizing about a lifetime with Kael.[]
Now, I was about to spend the rest of my life with a man named Grayson Clarke.[]
Thinking about Grayson’s broad shoulders, narrow waist, and six–pack abs, I smiled to myself.[]
Not bad–I wasn’t getting a raw deal.[]
Early the next morning, I was woken up to put on makeup and my dress.[]
The makeup artist was my favorite one, whom Grayson had flown in from overseas.
The dress was one he had reserved years ago.
The engagement venue was extremely private.[]
Both families only invited their closest people.[]
During the party, Jake’s phone rang.[]
None of us paid attention.[]
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He stepped back a few steps to answer, laughing softly as he teased:
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“Dude. Man. You’re not even coming to Hope’s engagement party? What a shame, considering that she used to follow you around everywhere when we were kids!“]
On the other end, Kael’s voice faltered, tinged with anger.]
“WHO did you say is getting engaged?”
