Chapter 1 A Two–Way Street
“Grace, you’re going through with faking your death and canceling your ID? After that, you won’t’exist anymore, let alone the career you’ve worked so hard for.”
In an MPV, an attractive woman was reading a contract. Her fair hand pressed down as she signed her name: Grace Parrish.
She handed the signed document to her worried assistant, Sophia Manning, and said, “I’m not giving up my career. On the contrary, I’ll go abroad for further study under a new identity.”
Looking down at the contract, Sophia felt like crying.
“Why? You were the one who supported us financially. How could Roxie seduce Mr. Kaufman like this?”
Grace fell silent…
She gazed out the window at the Kaufman Group building. On the giant screen, the video of her wedding to Antonio three years ago played on a loop. Antonio had proposed to her on one knee, nervously holding the microphone as he spoke from the heart.
“Grace, you’re the only one for me. I won’t leave your side. We’ll always be together till death do us part.”
After their marriage, Antonio wished to let the whole Edgecoast know he had married the girl he’d loved for 20 years.
When did their love change? Grace couldn’t even remember anymore.
She shook her head. “It’s a two–way street. Roxie can’t take all the blame.”
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Chapter 1 A Two–Way Somet
Sophia couldn’t accept it.
“How can you not blame her? Mr. Kaufman held you dear to his heart. You and he were childhood sweethearts. He’s been pursuing you for 20 years, even starting the Graceful Love Group and investing 150 million. dollars to produce your debut film just so you could chase your dreams!
“You got disfigured on set, and he couldn’t bear to see you hurt again. He even went under the knife himself, offering up his own skin for the transplant, just to save you. He said you were his heart and soul, and if you suffered, he’d rather die. It must be Roxie’s dirty tricks that caused all
this…”
It was true. Antonio had loved Grace deeply. But it was also true that he had promoted the poor student Grace had once financially supported to become his secretary, and the two had spent countless hours together.
“Alright.” Grace patted Sophia’s head, not wanting to continue the conversation. “Wait for me in the car.”
Before she could step into the Kaufman Group building, a row of sharply dressed bodyguards rushed forward. They stood in a row and called out, “Welcome home, Mrs. Kaufman!”
This was just the beginning.
With every step Grace took, female employees came forward, handing her bouquets of flowers until she reached her private elevator.
The first thing employees were taught at Kaufman Group was to recognize the CEO’s wife and remember her preferences. It was said that someone had learned the trick. The person did awfully during the interview but got hired after flattering Grace.
Antonio had done so many outrageous things for her. His friends called him a hopeless romantic, joking that if Grace ever died, Antonio would
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likely follow her to the grave.
The private elevator was filled with the latest seasonal products. When Grace reached the top floor, the second secretary took her purse. “Mrs. Kaufman, Mr. Kaufman will be here soon.”
Before Grace could count to three, Antonio rushed out of his office.
The usually composed man swept her into his arms, spinning her around before gently setting her down. He then took out the gift he had prepared
for her.
Inside was a necklace Grace recognized. It was the “Heart of the Ocean” he had bought at an overseas auction just a week ago.
Antonio carefully draped the necklace around her neck. Holding her, he said softly, “Today marks 1,999 days of us being in love. Thank you for loving me, Grace,”
Grace smiled and pretended to look around casually. Then she asked. “Where’s Roxie? Why isn’t she in the office?”
Antonio froze for a second but recovered quickly. “I don’t know. Maybe she’s in the bathroom.”
Really?
Was she in the bathroom? Or in the CEO’s lounge, lying exhausted on the bed?
With a smile. Grace straightened Antonio’s tie. She pretended not to notice the hickey beneath his silk shirt.
Antonio held her hand with tenderness and asked, “Grace, this year’s Ferris wheel is almost finished. Want to go check it out together?”
In the southern district of Edgecoast, a high–priced area filled with
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expensive land. There stood 23 giant, luxurious Ferris wheels. Each one held memories of Grace and Antonio, from their childhood meeting to their present–day love.
Antonio was afraid of heights. But he designed and supervised the Ferris wheels himself for Grace.
The Ferris wheels were encrusted with countless gems. Even the wires were made of gold, symbolizing their “love as strong as gold.”
“Look. We’ll have known each other for 24 years in two weeks. I’ve collected all the pearls in Edgecoast. You’ll ride the Ferris wheel, surrounded by pearls, wearing a beautiful dress. You’ll be stunning.”
Antonio’s eyes were filled with affection. When Grace didn’t respond, he hurriedly pulled her into his arms, rubbing his face against her neck like a playful puppy.
“Grace, what’s wrong? Didn’t you like the breakfast I made for you? I’ll do better next time. Please say something…”
Grace calmly looked at the nearby Ferris wheel for a while. Then, she patted Antonio on the back.
“No. The breakfast was delicious. Will you walk around with me?”
Antonio, in his usual childish manner. scooped her up and carried her
into the Ferris wheel.
He was about to board, too. Grace stopped him. “You’re afraid of heights.
Wait here.”
As the Ferris wheel ascended, Antonio pulled out his phone.
Grace’s phone rang at the same time.
“Grace, you’re amazing. You made him leave me alone in bed at the
Chooter A Two–Way Street
company, but I’ve got my own tricks, too.”
Along with the message, a photo of Roxie wearing black stockings and a uniform, her eyes seductive as she bit a pen, popped up.
“Prof. Kaufman, I forgot how to solve this question. Come quickly, or I’ll ask someone else.”
Antonio’s reply was short. “Don’t you dare!”
The next second, Grace received a call.
“Honey, I’m sorry. A big client came to the office. I gotta go. The chauffeur will pick you up. Okay?”
Grace looked down. Antonio, with his phone wedged between his shoulder and head, formed a giant heart with his hands.
“Okay.” Despair filled Grace’s heart.
“Thanks, honey.”
“Wait. You always give me a gift for the Ferris wheels‘ completion every year. This year, let me give you a gift, Okay?”
“Of course!” Antonio was happier. “Honey, I love you so much!”
Grace stepped down from the Ferris wheel and placed the signed divorce agreement on the seat.
“Antonio, my first gift for you is freedom.”
