บท 13: persuade Grace
Author's POV
The day after tomorrow, 6 PM.
Grace sat comfortably near the window, sipping a cup of coffee while gazing at the breathtaking twilight sky. The atmosphere was tranquil, but her heart was uneasy, thinking about Logan, who had promised to pick her up at 7 PM.
What is he going to do? What if he confesses his feelings again? Can I bring myself to reject him? she thought while recalling how Logan had pleaded for a relationship.
She placed the cup on the table and reached for her phone, immediately opening social media. Logan's account showed a story from an hour ago—he was backstage at a fashion show with several male models.
"Could he still be busy? Then why did he say he'd be free tonight?"
She let out a frustrated sigh and opened WhatsApp, finding no new messages from Logan, only ones from colleagues at the daycare and some parents.
"Maybe he wasn't serious..." she muttered, putting her phone back down. "I shouldn't expect too much... Maybe he was just playing around... Besides, I can't be what he wants, even if he truly desires me."
"Grace! Are you serious?"
Stella's voice startled her from the doorway. She turned to see her younger sister approaching with a gray designer bag, which she set on the table.
"Aren't you going on a date with Logan? Why aren't you getting ready?" Stella asked, frowning slightly.
Grace turned her gaze back to the view, her mind filled with Logan's face.
"Grace..."
"I don't want to, Stella..." Grace interrupted before Stella could finish. "I don't think he's serious about dating me... He hasn't even contacted me. Maybe he forgot or didn't think it was important... And it's really not important."
"But he promised to pick you up at 7 PM. Just because he hasn't texted doesn't mean he's canceled," Stella said, leaning against the window as she studied Grace's face. "Please don't keep disappointing him... If you truly can't accept him, at least let him down gently. Don't hurt him."
Grace let out another sigh. "There's no rejection because there's nothing to reject! He's not going to plead with me anymore!"
"How can you assume that just because he hasn't texted? You know how busy he is."
"Yeah... He's busy. That's why I know he's forgotten about this. His career is more important than me..." Grace smiled faintly and shook her head. "Besides... I can't believe he wants me. It's just too strange. He's this perfect guy—a celebrity. How could someone like him like someone like me?"
Stella stood quietly, arms crossed, watching Grace, who looked elegant and maternal in her gray midi dress with her hair pinned back.
Grace frowned, glancing at Stella, who kept staring at her.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked.
"If I could look naturally beautiful like you without needing makeup, I'd feel confident dating anyone," Stella replied, pulling out a chair and sitting down. "Don't you realize you're far more beautiful than I am? You're unique—maternal, independent... And don't think I'm just flattering you. What I'm saying is true. If it weren't, Logan wouldn't be so crazy about you."
Grace sighed heavily and stared at her knuckles on the table.
"What are you waiting for?" Stella asked.
"Stella, I just feel so unsure!" Grace exclaimed, her brow furrowing. "What if he doesn't actually come to pick me up? I'll be hurt for expecting him. And if he does come and we go out... I don't know what he's planning, but I'm terrified he'll push me to accept his feelings again. I won't be able to say no!" she added in frustration.
Stella merely smiled.
"Stella, this isn't funny... I..."
"I know you like him, and he likes you. It's obvious!" Stella declared, standing up with a grin. "What are you waiting for? Just start a relationship with him. Don't listen to what people say or worry about your status or age differences... This is 2024. It's a modern era!"
"No, no, no... I'm not ready..." Grace said, standing and moving to her bed. "What will people say? What will Mrs. Katherine Maverick think? I can't even imagine..."
Stella sighed, shaking her head at Grace.
Ding dong.
The doorbell interrupted their conversation.
"See who it is. I just want to rest," Grace said, curling up on the bed. She let Stella leave while she lay there, imagining Logan's handsome face.
He confessed so quickly... like Chris. I can't fall into the same trap again. I can't fall in love again. I want real love... I don't want a man to take me for granted just because I accept them too quickly. Do they think I'll accept them just because they're handsome, rich, or famous?
"Oh, Grace!"
Stella burst back into the room, holding a large red box.
"Look at this! He really prepared everything. He's not playing around!" Stella exclaimed, sitting on the bed and placing the box down.
Grace sat up, frowning at the box.
"He sent someone to deliver this, and the person said he's waiting for you! I think it's something you're supposed to wear when meeting him. It's so romantic, like in the movies!" Stella said, laughing.
With hesitation and curiosity, Grace opened the box to find a white satin dress paired with gold-white heels.
"Oh my..." Stella gasped, lifting the dress and standing so its full beauty was displayed. "It's stunning, and the beadwork is perfectly placed! This must be from Phoenix Reed's collection. It must've cost a fortune!" She turned back to Grace, who looked conflicted.
"Come on, Grace. Appreciate his effort. Get ready—he's already waiting for you!" Stella urged.
"But..." Grace hesitated.
"Oh, come on!" Stella sat down again, holding the dress in her lap. "I know you're scared because of your past, but don't let your fears block your happiness. Yes, you've suffered before, but that doesn't mean you'll always suffer. Just because one man hurt you doesn't mean every man will."
Grace swallowed hard, glancing between the dress and the heels as she imagined herself wearing them and meeting Logan.
I haven't even accepted his love, but why does he want this? Will this meeting feel like a date? Will he wear a suit and look even more handsome? How will I resist falling for him then?
ของขวัญ
-- ได้รับของขวัญแล้ว สถานะพลังงานรายสัปดาห์
-- การจัดอันดับด้วยพลัง 
-- หินพลัง