The fourth floor of an old apartment building in Zhasas.
Grace Read sat on the bed in the cramped bedroom, covering half of her face with her hand and looking down. A few loose strands of hair fell by her temples, blocking the deep and complex emotions in her eyes.
In the past three days since her rebirth, she had always thought it was a dream. But now, as the slap landed on her face, the intense and painful sensation felt so real that she couldn't deceive herself anymore.
Suddenly, the bedroom door clicked open.
Grace's mother, Lilith Anne, appeared at the doorway. She carried a bowl of oatmeal and entered with a smile. "Grace, you barely had any breakfast. Aren't you hungry?"
Grace slowly raised her head and looked directly at Lilith, as she tried to see through the woman whom she had called "mother" for the past thirty years.
"I noticed that Shannon and her classmate didn't look well when they left earlier. Did you two have a fight?" Lilith asked.
Was there a need to ask?
Grace's face was clearly imprinted with a red handprint.
Grace's eyes flickered for a moment, then she averted her gaze and shook her head expressionlessly. "No."
"That's good. Just now, the Carlson family called and said that Jerry can spare fifteen minutes this afternoon to meet with us. He doesn't have much time, so let's go there early."
After beating around the bush and showing unusual concern for her, Lilith finally revealed her purpose.
Only then did Grace suddenly remember that she had an arranged marriage with Jerry.
It was arranged by Grace's grandmother before her passing, and the brooch given by Jerry's grandfather served as proof of their bond.
Despite the ongoing financial hardships in the Read family, Lilith remained hopeful for Grace's college graduation and the fulfillment of the marriage arrangement with the Carlson family.
She believed that once Grace married into the prestigious Carlson family in Zhasas, her struggles would finally come to an end.
Unfortunately.
On this day eight years ago, Jerry had made a deliberate effort to meet with them.
However, his intention was to cancel the arranged marriage.
Grace's eyes fell, veiling the coldness within, and she softly responded, "Alright."
Grace had always been obedient and compliant. However, Lilith couldn't shake the feeling that their conversation lacked the closeness they once shared.
Lilith glanced at her a few times, trying to figure out what was happening, but Grace's face remained calm as if nothing was out of the ordinary.
She dispelled her doubts and stood up from the bed.
"Well, freshen up nicely," Lilith suggested.
"Okay." Grace replied.
Lilith took the bowl of oatmeal with her as she left.
"You can have some tea while you wait. Mr. Carlson is currently in a video conference, so you might have to wait for another ten minutes."
In the CEO's office, Jase set down two steaming cups of tea in front of Lilith and Grace.
Lilith's gaze landed on Jase's wristwatch, and her familiarity with luxury timepieces from her previous job as a nanny in wealthy households kicked in. "That's quite an expensive watch. Do you receive a high salary here?"
Jase straightened his posture and humbly stated, "The salary and benefits are good, and Mr. Carlson genuinely takes care of his employees."
Lilith smiled at him and lifted her tea cup. Leaning closer to Grace, she whispered, "I'll talk to Jerry later and see if he can offer you a job at his company. The pay must be good."
Though her voice was not loud, Jase could still hear her words clearly.
Grace lowered her eyes and didn't respond.
After having five cups of tea, Lilith reclined on the sofa, feeling drowsy. Just as she was about to drift off to sleep, the office door opened.
Jerry walked into the office in a sharp black suit. His handsome features and well-built physique surpassed those of the male models seen in magazines.
Grace's gaze fixated on Jerry, and his face overlapped with that of the man who had taken her virginity just a month ago.
That night, their passions ignited after the seductive allure of alcohol.
None of them could clearly see each other's faces.
It was only when Jerry approached her with the bracelet that she realized he was the one she had spent that night in her past life.
