Chapter 4 The Cat–Patterned Cushion
Standing still, Grace looked at Antonio in disbelief before she could barely speak, “This isn’t quite right, is it? I’ve already used them. If I give them to Zelma…”
Antonio had bought those dolls for Grace under all sorts of pretexts, simply because he had heard that a friend’s child liked plush toys. They were part of their happy memories from before. And now, Antonio actually let an outsider shatter this peaceful memory!
Holding Antonio’s hand, Zelma walked towards Grace’s
bedroom and shook her head. “It’s alright, I don’t mind. After all, we are family.”
Zelma emphasized the word “family.” Grace knew that Zelma did not like her and constantly reminded her of her place. But since Antonio led Zelma there, she didn’t have a say in it.
After all, everything she had in the Kaufman family was thanks to Antonio. And now, and in the future, Antonio was the one Zelma was relying on. Grace didn’t have the strength or the ability to push back.
The warm, yellow light was turned on, and Zelma exclaimed in surprise, “What a beautiful room!”
Antonio leaned in and gave her a tender kiss, saying, “When we get married, our wedding house will be more beautiful than this.”
Standing beside them, Grace felt another sharp pain in her
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Chapter 4
Patterned Cushion
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already broken heart.
Years ago, she had refused to return to the Kaufman family, ending up homeless until Antonio stepped in to take her back to his home.
This bedroom was the best–lit room on the second floor, and every detail was designed by Antonio according to what Grace wanted. He even personally supervised the workers to make sure the wooden floorboards were installed just right because he was afraid she might not be happy with it.
It took a full three months to decorate it. After it was done, Antonio held her hand and promised, “Your room will always be the best one here. Do you like it?
“I will only decorate bedrooms for you.
“That way, your bedroom will be truly one of a kind.”
Now, as he was going to decorate the wedding house for him. and Zelma, he had broken his word. Compared to his beloved, what did a mere unrelated niece matter?
Grace’s bed had its quilt folded neatly, with several dolls placed in order on either side of the pillow.
Only the cat–patterned cushion was placed under her pillow. It was a gift from Antonio, who had grabbed it for her from a claw machine a few years ago. It was also the last doll he gave her before she confessed her feelings to him.
Grace’s eyes grew dim as she silently hoped that Zelma wouldn’t be interested in it.
But just as she feared, Zelma pointed to the cushion and
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turned to Antonio, saying, “This cushion is very cute. I’ll take
it.“”
The cushion was the only thing Grace had held on to after Antonio rejected her. She quickly hugged it tightly and shook her head vigorously. “Zelma, I really like this cushion. Could you pick another one?”
“But I like it too,” Zelma replied.
As soon as Zelma finished speaking, Antonio took the cushion right out of Grace’s arms and gently handed it to Zelma.
“Here you go.””
When he looked at Grace, his eyes were full of displeasure and blame, as if he was asking her why she was still clinging to something that represented a relationship he considered shameful.
“Antonio…” Grace begged.
Antonio had been kind to her. Why wouldn’t he leave her this cushion?
“You should know your place,” Antonio said coldly, and with that, he took Zelma back to his own bedroom.
Grace stood dazed at the doorway of her bedroom. Her room was very close to Antonio’s; he had said it was for better care
of her.
But now, all she could hear were the intimate sounds coming from the next room.
Her eyes had cried themselves dry. Antonio had changed.
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Chapter & The Cat Patterned Cushion
He was no longer the loving uncle who protected her. Now, he felt like a total stranger.
But at least she had given up on this relationship that
everyone thought was so wrong.
Maybe this was the only way she could repay him for looking after her all these years.
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Chapter 5 Mistake
Chapter 5 Mistake
