Chapter 3

Grace's POV

After that night, I thought everything would be different.

I was wrong.

The next morning when I returned to the estate, the butler told me Parker didn't want to see anyone. Third day, same thing. Fourth day, still the same.

I didn't understand what happened. Where was the man who cried in the bathroom, who let me kiss his scars? In his place was someone even colder, more distant.

It wasn't until the fifth day that I understood.

Afternoon sunlight filtered through the blinds into Parker's bedroom, casting shadows on the floor. When I climbed through the window, I saw something that made my blood boil.

A blonde woman sat beside Parker's bed in a nurse's uniform—but that uniform was tight as a second skin, the V-neck practically bursting open. She was feeding Parker water, her movements disgustingly suggestive.

"How are you feeling today, Mr. Parker?" she purred, deliberately stroking his chest. "Is there anything you need me to take special care of?"

Parker leaned against the headboard, eyes cold but not pushing her away. "Nothing, Sophie."

Sophie. I memorized that name.

"Are you sure?" Sophie's hand roamed his chest. "I'm professionally trained—I can take care of everything."

My fists clenched until they cracked. This slut was openly seducing him! And worse—Parker was allowing it!

"Maybe..." Sophie's voice grew more sultry, "you need me to help change your clothes? My hands are very skilled."

Just then, Parker's gaze swept toward the window and saw me. Our eyes met for a second—I saw something flash in his. Guilt? Or defiance?

Then he did something that made me EXPLODE—he smiled at Sophie.

"Sure, Sophie." His voice was gentle. "I'd appreciate that."

I watched Sophie start unbuttoning Parker's shirt, her hands deliberately wandering across his chest while Parker allowed it, even cooperated.

Enough.

I pushed open the window and climbed into the room.

"Not necessary." My voice was ice-cold. "You're fired."

Sophie jumped up, face pale. "Who... who are you? How did you get in?"

"I'm his fiancée." I stood before her, looking down. "Now GET OUT."

"Mr. Parker..." Sophie looked pitifully at Parker. "What is she talking about?"

Parker's expression showed no emotion, as if I were a complete stranger. "Grace, you're not welcome here. Sophie is my private nurse."

"Private nurse?" I laughed coldly. "More like private whore."

Sophie's face flushed red. "How dare you say that! I graduated from a legitimate nursing school!"

"Did they teach you how to seduce patients?" I glanced at her uniform. "Or are all uniforms at your school this tight?"

"Enough." Parker said coldly. "Grace, please leave."

I looked at him, anger and pain mixing in my heart. "What game are you playing, Parker?"

"No game." His eyes held no warmth. "I just want you to understand there's nothing between us."

Sophie smirked beside him. "Exactly. How could someone like you deserve Mr. Parker?"

I turned to look at her, my gaze so cold she immediately shut up. Then I walked to Parker, voice low:

"Fine, you want to play games? Let's play. But remember, Parker Ashford—I have NO limits."

I turned to leave, but not through the window—straight to the door.

"Miss Sophie," I looked back at that bitch, "pack your things. Today's your last day."

"You have no authority..." Sophie started protesting.

"I do." I pulled out my phone and dialed. "Hello, I want to report a nurse for violating professional ethics..."

Sophie's face went white instantly. She knew if reported, her nursing license was finished.

"I... I'll resign myself." She hastily gathered her things and fled.

Only Parker and I remained in the room.

"Satisfied?" Parker asked coldly.

"Not nearly." I walked back to him. "Tell me what act you were putting on."

"No act. I just want you to give up."

"Why?" I grabbed his chin, forcing him to look at me. "Scared?"

"I'm not scared." He tried to shake free, but I held tight. "Just don't want to drag you down."

"Drag me down? Or can't give up the new nurse?"

Anger flashed in Parker's eyes. "Don't be ridiculous!"

"Then prove it to me." I released him, voice turning dangerous. "Prove it wasn't intentional."

"I don't need to prove anything." Parker tried to wheel away—I grabbed the armrest.

"No." My voice was soft but threatening. "You want me to leave? No way."

Parker's face darkened. "Get out."

"No." I stood up, taking a belt from the table—his belt. "We need to talk."

"There's nothing to talk about." Parker tried to turn away, but I was already behind him.

"Plenty." I suddenly looped the belt around his chest from behind, binding him to the wheelchair. "Like why you hired that nurse."

"Grace!" Parker struggled, but the belt was tight. "You're insane! Let me go!"

"Answer my question." I came around to face him, looking down. "Why?"

"I don't need to answer you!" Parker's eyes burned with fury. "Release me!"

"No." I sat on his lap, feeling his body tense. "No answer, no release."

"Grace..." His voice began trembling—not from anger, but something else. "Don't do this..."

"Don't what?" My hand stroked his cheek. "Don't touch you? But you let that slut touch you."

"That was different..."

"How different?" I leaned closer, feeling his breath. "Tell me how it's different."

Parker closed his eyes, as if enduring some pain. "Grace, please... let me go..."

"Tell me the truth, and I'll let you go." My lips almost touched his. "Why did you hire the nurse?"

"Because..." His voice was so small it was barely audible. "Because I wanted you to hate me."

"Why?"

"Because then you'd leave me." He opened his eyes, tears gathering. "You should find someone better, not a piece of trash like me."

My heart felt like it was being sliced, but I didn't release him. Instead, I kissed him.

The kiss was fierce, filled with anger and possession. I had to make him understand—he belonged to me, ONLY me.

Parker struggled at first, then gradually responded. I could feel his body changing, physical reactions betraying his rational mind.

"Grace..." He moaned against my lips. "This isn't right..."

"What's right?" I bit his lower lip. "Letting other women touch you?"

"No... not that..." His voice came in fragments. "I mean... us like this... isn't right..."

"I don't care what's right." My hand moved toward his belt. "I only care that you're mine."

Just then, the study door suddenly opened.