*Grace*The weekend flew by in a dream-like state. It was more than I could ever have hoped for–more than I had ever imagined it would be. It felt like I was living someone else's life for a moment. Those had to be some of the best days of my entire life. Getting to spend it with David, away from the prying eyes of society, finally free to express our feelings openly, forgetting about everything and everyone back home for a while.We had walked by the beach while holding hands, enjoyed the sunset in a romantic atmosphere, had sex countless times, and still, I didn't feel like I'd had enough. I wasn't ready to return home yet and face reality and the consequences of our relationship.In our hidden escapades during Sarah's wedding, the imminent threat that someone would eventually find out about us was always over our heads, but this time, it wasn’t there. It had been just David and me, deepening our connection on a whole other level. The sea and the sky were the only witnesses to o

*David*I was already sleeping when Grace texted me last night. But waking up to her text got me worried, to say the least. I was sure Sarah hadn't discovered anything during their sleepover, otherwise Grace would have let me know. She might have just felt overwhelmed, having Sarah there with her, having to keep the secret hidden from her.I could understand it. And I hated to put her through this. And my daughter.My heart raced as I paced the lavish living room of my penthouse, each step sinking into the plush carpet beneath my feet. I decided to call Sarah and invite her over for dinner. I could prepare her for what Grace and I had to say before Grace arrived. This way, Sarah wouldn't be surprised by the both of us at once. Before I had the chance to call her though, the phone vibrated in my hand, jolting me from my thoughts. A message preview from Victoria flashed on the screen, and I hesitated before swiping it open, my stomach twisting with unease."I warned you, but

*David*The anxiety gnawed at me, a relentless beast that refused to be tamed. I paced the length of my penthouse, clutching my phone as if it were a lifeline. Grace hadn't responded to any of my messages or calls since our last conversation, and Sarah had shut me out too. Their silence was deafening, leaving me with a sinking sensation in the pit of my stomach.I couldn't calm down until I knew what had transpired between them. Was my daughter alright? Was Grace? Why didn't she respond? My thoughts raced, each more terrifying than the last. I thought about getting inside my car and going after them, but I knew that was probably going to make things worse.I had never seen Sarah that distraught in my life. I couldn't stop blaming myself, and the guilt I was feeling was threatening to swallow me whole.The night dragged on, and eventually, it claimed me–I succumbed to a restless slumber, gripping my phone tightly, hoping for some word from either of them.Morning light crept into

*David*I leaned back in my leather chair, my fingers tapping rhythmically on the mahogany desk as my thoughts wandered to the one person I was dying to see. Despite the argument with Sarah and the uncertainty the relationship with my daughter held at that moment, my yearning for Grace only intensified with each passing day. Her laughter, her touch, the way she looked at me with those piercing emerald-green eyes–they haunted me relentlessly. I found it nearly impossible to focus on anything else, my heart aching with concern. How was she doing? Was she safe? The fact that I didn't know only served to heighten my anxiety.Grace's avoidance and silence only deepened my frustration and sense of powerlessness. I had tried reaching out to her numerous times, leaving voicemails and sending messages, but each attempt was met with an eerie void. The distance between us felt like an insurmountable barrier, and I couldn't help but wonder why she had suddenly stopped answering me.I need

*Grace*We left the coffee shop, walking side by side towards David's sleek, black sports car parked outside. The charged air between us seemed to thicken with each passing moment, the tension and desire intermingling like an intoxicating brew. As we approached the car, David opened the passenger door for me, and I slid into the leather seat, my heart pounding in anticipation. The smell of his cologne intoxicated my senses as soon as he closed the door and rounded the car, and I took a deep breath, trying to keep my heart from bursting out of my chest."Thank you for agreeing to talk to me. It means more than you know," David said softly as soon as he sat in the driver's seat and started the car.His words were sincere, and for a moment, I allowed myself to believe that maybe, just maybe, we could rekindle what we once had.His hand reached out to mine over the gear and he gently squeezed it, his fingers warm against my skin. The gesture was tender, but caused me to swallow har