Contract Marriage with Billionaire

Regrets and Confessions

As I took a few sips from my wine, I discussed the effects of the Fed's interest rate hike on the market with a few individuals from the business world. I was engrossed in the conversation when I became aware of Amy approaching me only when she called my name.

"Grace, could you come with me for a moment? There's something I need to discuss with you."

She seemed genuinely concerned. Following her, we ascended to a terrace on the upper floor. She gestured for us to sit at a table on the side. I slowly took a seat, waiting expectantly for her to speak. After a silent pause, she took a deep breath and began.

"I'm so sorry for everything, Grace. For all the moments I wasn't there for you. Please try to understand. I was deeply in love with Scott and terrified of losing him." I was about to respond when she cut me off.

"Just hear me out for once, Grace. The guilt has weighed on me for years. When Christian abandoned you, he demanded everyone in the group cut ties with you. I couldn't, Grace. You know Scott; he never went against Christian's word. I was trapped; if I chose to be with you, I would lose Scott forever. I swear I tried to reach out to you afterward, but you disappeared. Then I learned about your family's demise. I wanted to be there, but you had become a ghost, leaving no trace."

Despite the pang of pain in my heart, I kept my composure and responded coldly, "Are you done?"

"Please don't be like this, Grace. I already feel guilty for leaving you alone. Look, maybe that's why you're with Montenegro's son now. God, may the Lord protect us from them."

"Don't you dare slander the Montenegro family. None of you were there when I was abandoned by everyone I cared about, when I lost my family. Do you even have a clue how low I had sunk, Amy? Believe me, I've been through hell, and with him, I learned to live again. I don't need your apologies or tears now. I wish you all the best with the love you sacrificed our friendship for."

I was about to rise from my seat when she grabbed my arm. Tears gleamed in her green eyes.

"We missed you, Grace, all of us. Nothing's been the same since you left. I hardly recognize Christian anymore; he's become a monster. You were the only one who could calm him down. Please don't abandon us again."

I scoffed in reply, "Did I abandon you? Didn't all of you leave me alone? Tell me, Amy, what did you expect? To watch how happy you were without me? For God's sake, what was my crime? Calling the police in panic? What did you expect me to do with someone bleeding out in my lap? Do you realize how far I fell, Amy? You left me at my lowest. Now, with real friends in my new life, I'm much happier."

"But you don't get it, Grace. Had Christian not arrived before the police that day, our lives would've been ruined. We couldn't risk that again." She blurted, instantly regretting her words.

"So you couldn't risk it again?"

"I didn't mean it that way, Grace, please."

"To me, this friendship ended years ago."

I left the terrace in a rush, descending the stairs hastily. I wanted to leave immediately. I knew I left Amy crying behind me, but I didn't care. As I approached the exit, a voice stopped me.

"Grace! Wait, where are you going in such a hurry?" I turned to answer Scott in a cold voice.

"That's none of your business, Scott." I was fuming.

As I got into the car, I noticed Christian standing tall next to Scott. If I didn't know him better, I'd swear his eyes held a hint of concern.

I instructed Liam, my driver, to take me to the nightclub I used to frequent whenever I felt upset. Initially, he hesitated, but my stern gaze silenced any objections.

"This evening remains unknown to Alex, Liam. Remember, you're my guard now, not his, and I want to trust you. Betray that trust, and I promise you'll regret it."

Liam nodded, steering the car towards my desired destination.

******

Taking a seat at the bar, I addressed the bartender, "I want something strong."

Although the bartender eyed me suspiciously, he began to prepare my drink. The last time I was here, I drank nearly to the point of passing out. Back then, I was a young girl abandoned by her closest friends. Now, even though I had grown, some things still gnawed at me. We had grown up with Amy, and Christian was my first love. I downed the drink the bartender placed in front of me, and as the night progressed, I lost count of how many I had. A hand reached out, pulling the drink from my grasp. I was about to unleash a string of curses when I realized it was Christian.

"What the hell are you doing here? You've already upset Amy at the party, and now you're here drowning yourself in liquor."

"It's none of your business. And for the record, I didn't make Amy cry; she started crying on her own."

I tried to grab another drink, but he gripped it away even more forcefully.

"Enough with the damn alcohol," he growled.

"You have no right to dictate my actions. Just get out of here."

"Don't push me, Grace. Trust me, if you anger me, it won't end well for you."

"What will you do, Mr. Eldor?" I replied with a provocative tone, truly pushing the limits.

"Grace, I'm warning you for the last time. This won't end well for you."

In retaliation to his actions, I moved towards the dance floor, unaware of what the night had in store.