Chapter 7
Now that was something I couldn’t refuse. I agreed immediately.
Troy came with me.
As we walked through the campus, he looked around with admiration.
I told him all sorts of stories from my student days until I suddenly spotted some all–too–familiar figures up ahead.
Antonio, Fraser, and Irene.
The three of them strolled together, Antonio chattering animatedly with Fraser and Irene.
I immediately pulled Troy aside to avoid them.
As they got closer, I caught Antonio’s voice.
“When I got the invitation to give a speech, I figured I’d come to unwind and chat with the younger students.” Antonio sounded quite excited. He was probably driven mad with stress at home and came looking for
validation on campus.
Irene beamed at him, “Wow, you’re amazing! I can’t believe they still remember you!”
Antonio soaked up the praise. “Of course they do. Actually, they invited me every year, but I always declined. This time, since you wanted to come, I figured I’d accept.”
“Wow! That’s my man!” Irene clung to Antonio’s arm adoringly.
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Chapter 7
Antonio chuckled, then sighed, “Irene, if only Grace were half as
understanding as you. Sure, you cause trouble sometimes, but at least you know how to provide emotional support. That’s what men really want.”
“Oh? Then you can’t lash out at me anymore. You have to love me forever!” Irene pouted playfully.
Antonio could only nod helplessly,
I scoffed. Irene sure knew how to keep a man wrapped around her finger.
Emilia often texted me, ranting about how Irene was a walking disaster. She not only caused problems for Antonio but also gave Fraser a hard time.
Apparently. Antonio and Fraser were often annoyed with her.
Yet, from what I was seeing, they and Irene were still as close as ever.
Was this the art of manipulation?
Impressive.
Suddenly, Fraser suggested, “Dad, stand under that tree with Rene. I’ll take a picture and send it to Grace.”
“Why?” Antonio frowned instantly.
“I heard Grace won an award. So glamorous, huh? What’s the point? Her son doesn’t love her, and her husband doesn’t love her either!”
Fraser raised his phone, his voice dripping with resentment.
Antonio hesitated, but Irene quickly pulled him into a pose.
Soon, the photos were taken.
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16.08
Fraser wasted no time sending them to me. Since he had never harassed me with messages before, I had never bothered to block him.
I checked my phone and saw the photos of Antonio and Irene.
Irene beamed with satisfaction.
Antonio smiled awkwardly.
Right after the photos, Fraser sent a voice message.
“Grace, take a good look. You’ve been gone so long that you’ve lost your chance to come back. Dad doesn’t want you anymore. I don’t want you either. You can spend the rest of your life with your godson!”
His bitterness and jealousy were obvious.
I shook my head and blocked him.
I came for a celebration, not to put up with this shit.
At 6 p.m., the centennial celebration began as scheduled.
The grand auditorium was packed with faculty and students. They were all excited.
After the college president’s speech, it was time for a few distinguished alumni to take the stage.
Antonio was one of them.
As a handsome, wealthy man, he was met with cheers the moment he stepped up.
Once the speeches concluded, the performances began.
As a former student, I naturally wasn’t the finale.
Chapter
I was the first to perform.
The host’s introduction was filled with admiration, showering me with praise from head to toe.
Then, I took the stage.
I was wearing a white dress and an updo. It felt like time had rewound eighteen years.
The lights dimmed, and the grand piano stood waiting at center stage.
By tradition. I was supposed to say a few words before playing.
I had rehearsed this speech countless times in my mind.
No. I had rehearsed it for eighteen years, to be exact.
Eighteen years of my youth and my passion were all given to one man.
But tonight, I was giving them to myself.
Holding the microphone, I scanned the audience. The hall was silent, and everyone was waiting for me to speak.
In the front row, Antonio stared at me, dazed.
Beside him sat the ever–charming Irene.
Irene’s expression was sour. She straightened up, clutching Antonio’s arm tightly.
Fraser was there too. He stared, rubbed his eyes, and stared again as if struggling to believe what he was seeing.
I withdrew my gaze and spoke softly.
