Chapter 2
Was that really how it was?
Had Grace stolen Lucile’s life?
So in Antonio’s eyes, everything that belonged to the Parrish family, including himself, was meant for Lucile. And Grace? She was just an outsider who had taken what wasn’t hers.
How ridiculous.
She never asked to be taken in by the Parrish family. She never begged for their love. Even the marriage contract three years ago was Antonio’s idea, not hers.
So how did she suddenly become the thief?
“Grace, give Lucile your corneas. I’m begging you.”
A familiar figure burst through the door, dropping to her knees in front of her. “You lived the life meant for Lucile for twenty years. You owe her this much. Consider it making things right, okay? We’ll find you a cornea later, I promise. But Lucile can’t wait. If she doesn’t get a transplant now, she’ll be blind forever.”
There it was again-“You owe her.”
When had she ever owed Lucile anything?
Grace clenched her fists. “No. I don’t owe her. And I won’t give her my corneas!”
Smack! A stinging slap landed across her face, ringing in her ears.
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“Ungrateful brat! We raised you for twenty years! Shouldn’t you repay us? If Lucile hadn’t been kidnapped, do you really think you’d have lived as the Parrish family’s daughter? You would’ve been rotting away in somet village, probably sold off as a child bride!”
Grace’s father, Eloy Parrish stormed in, eyes blazing with fury. “This isn’t a request, Grace. It’s an order. You don’t get to say no.
She stared at her parents, the people she had called family for twenty years. They were so familiar, yet at this moment, they felt like strangers.
Strangers standing on the other side of a gap so wide, Grace knew she would never cross it again.
After a long silence, she let out a soft, bitter laugh and lifted her gaze. “And if I refuse? Are you planning to lock me up and force me?”
Antonio stepped forward, his towering frame casting a shadow over her.
“Grace, have you forgotten?” His voice was cold, emotionless. “Our contract states that for three years, you must do whatever I ask. Even if it costs you your life.”
Grace’s blood ran cold.
Three years ago, the Parrish family was on the brink of collapse. Her so- called parents had begged her to help. She had gone to Antonio, the man she loved, desperate to save them.
And he had named his price–marriage. A three–year contract. His terms,
his rules.
She hadn’t hesitated. She had signed the papers without a second thought.
But she never imagined that the very contract she signed out of love and desperation would one day be used as a weapon against her.
The threat sent a shiver down her spine. “Grace, legal agreements are
Chapter 2
binding.” Antonio continued. “I’d rather not go down that road, but if I have to… I will.”
Antonio’s cold, piercing gaze sent a chill down Grace’s spine. She lowered her head slowly, falling into silence.
Sometime during the conversation, Silvia had stood
tock up. “Lucile has
suffered for twenty years, Grace. She’s weak, physically and emotionally. If she wakes up blind, she won’t be able to handle it. Do you really want to be the reason your sister takes her own life?”
“Why are we even wasting time talking?” Eloy sneered. “Antonio has the contract. If she refuses, just throw her in jail. Let’s see how long she keeps resisting.”
Grace’s chest ached, every word they spoke carving deeper into her heart. After what felt like an eternity, she finally spoke. “So no matter what Lucile wants, I have to give it to her?”
“Yes. Even if she wants your life, you should give it willingly.”
Grace looked up at Antonio. “Fine, if that’s what you want, then I’ll give it to her, even if it costs me my life.”
