Chapter 24
It was Christmas when I booked my one–way ticket abroad.
My tutor gently reminded me, “We’ll leave in seven days.
“Grace. have you told your family about this? You won’t be able to get in touch with them for the next 20 years.
“Make your farewell memorable.”
He had no idea that my family was busy spending time with another girl.
I stood on the side of the street for a long time.
Finally, I took out my phone and called Mason Parrish.
We were blood–related siblings after all..
Though they no longer loved me, I still wanted to have one last family dinner with them.
I tried again and again, but Mason wouldn’t pick up. In the end, he even turned his phone off.
Running out of options, I could only try calling Ruben Parrish, my eldest brother.
This time, after a painfully long wait, my call was answered.
Worrying they would grow impatient, I subconsciously sped up my cadence.
“It’s Christmas today. Would you come home? Let’s have a family dinner.”
The maid was on leave, so I added gingerly, “I made lasagna, Lacey’s favorite.”
Lacey Hobbs was an orphan they adopted.
I believed if she came back, they would, too.
Ruben replied, his tone cold and curt, “You’re why Lacey’s in the hospital. And you expect us to spend Christmas with you?”
His accusation confused me.
Wasn’t Lacey on a trip with them before?
“How about I bring the turkey and lasagna to the office, and let’s have it there?” I was almost begging.
I had never acted so humble before.
Since Lacey joined our family, I argued with Ruben and Mason a lot.
But even after our worst fight, I was never so humble.
It was because this might be the last Christmas we spent together.
And I cherished it very much.
Ruben and Mason said no more,
The silence stretched until I heard Lacey’s gentle voice over the phone. “I wanna try the turkey Grace made.”
They finally added, “Alright. Bring the food over.”
I jumped at the offer. “Okay. I’m on my way.”
