Grace walked down the lonely road as the rain poured down hard from their sky.
Water drenched her hair and clothes. Her bag hung heavy on her shoulder dripping with water. Her shoes were soaked and muddy, squishing with every step.
She shivered from the cold. Fear crept up her spine, but she kept walking.
She didn't know how she would get home, but anywhere was better than that mansion, a place she knew she didn't belong.
She felt like she was being followed. She didn't turned back but she increased her pace
The footsteps increasd it's paced. She was scared. Get chest tightened.
Suddenly, headlights cut through the rain. A car stopped a few feet ahead of her.
The door opened, and Donald stepped out, his clothes already getting wet.
"Grace," he called, running toward her.
She looked up. Relief and fear collided in her chest. Relief that he came, fear that she'd be taken back to the mansion.
But she didn't stop walking.
He reached her quickly.
"I'm not going back to the mansion with you," she said sharply, without looking at him. "I'm going home."
Donald's voice rose slightly, worry can be heard in his tone. He gripped her wrist.
"Why are you being so difficult? The people after you aren't ordinary. The law doesn't apply to them."
Grace stopped for a second and turned to him. Her eyes burned with anger.
"Oh, now you believe that the law has failed us?" she said bitterly. She pulled her wrist free from his gentle grip. "I'm going to pursue this story till my last breath. You can't keep me locked up under the pretense of protecting me."
She turned away and kept walking through the rain.
Donald exhaled, frustrated but worried.
"Okay! Grace, you win!" he called after her. "I'll take you home. But you can't walk these streets alone."
He caught up with her and took her wrist again, softer this time. Their eyes met. The fire in hers met the fear in his.
"I'll take you home, Grace," he said quietly.
She stared at him for a moment, then gave a small nod. He led her to the car and opened the door. She got in silently.
He slipped off his leather jacket from the hanger and placed it around her shoulders before turning on the heater.
"This will help with the cold," he said softly. His eyes were full of care and fear. "You take too many risks. I'm scared for you."
He hesitated, wondering if he should tell her about the bodies he'd seen earlier.
You don't have to be scared," Grace said, her voice calm but tired. "I've been doing this all my life. I can handle myself."
He glanced at her. The way she said it, strong yet fragile. It made his chest tighten.
When they arrived at Grace's home, Donald's heart sank.
The house was small and quiet, the rain leaking faintly through parts of the roof.
It looked so fragile, just like her in that moment.
He helped her out of the car and wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
Inside, the room was dim; there was no electricity, no heater. Grace sat on the bed, shivering.
Donald looked around quickly and found the old fireplace. He knelt and lit it up until the flames began to crackle.
Then he pulled a clean blanket from her chair and wrapped it around her gently.
He sat beside her. Their eyes met again; tired eyes that said more than words could. Her body was cold, but his warmth was steady.
"I care about you," Donald said quietly as he brushed a damp strand of hair from her forehead.
"I don't want anything to happen to you."
He stood to leave, but Grace caught his hand. Her voice was barely a whisper.
"Don't go, I need your body warmth."
Donald hesitated, then nodded. He sat beside her and pulled her close.
Grace rested against him. His scent; a mix of rain, cologne, and something deeply familiar, surrounded her. She shifted closer.
"Thank you for coming after me," she murmured. "I was scared out there in the rain."
Donald tilted her chin up gently, his thumb brushing her jaw.
"Dont ever risk your life that way again, you are more precious than you think" he said softly.
Their eyes locked, and slowly, their lips met. The kiss was soft, deep, and full of everything they'd been holding back.
When they finally pulled apart, Donald whispered against her forehead, "I'll never let anyone hurt you again."
Grace rested her head on his shoulder. For the first time in days, she felt safe.
But deep inside, she couldn't help but wonder if he truly meant those words, or if they were just a fragile promise made in the warmth of the moment.
They lay on the bed wrapped in quiet comfort.
In the east wing of the Cole mansion, the rain still fell heavily against the tall windows.
Mrs. Cole sat in her grand office, a cup of tea in her hand. Across from her sat Nicole Williams, beautiful and poised, her eyes full of curiosity.
"Nicole," Mrs. Cole began, "I think it's time you and Donald settle down."
Nicole's eyes widened. "Really, ma'am? I thought you didn't like me."
Mrs. Cole took a deep breath and smiled faintly.
"Of course I like you. I was strict before because you were still young. But now, you've grown into a fine woman."
Nicole's face lit up. "I've always wanted to be with Donald. I love him so much."
"Then it's settled," Mrs. Cole said smoothly. "I wanted to speak with you before I speak to your father."
Nicole hesitated. "I don't know, ma'am. Donald… he's kinda complicated. I'm not sure if I can handle him."
Mrs. Cole leaned forward slightly, her gaze sharp.
"Of course you can. You're perfect for him. He needs someone like you. Someone he can't manipulate. Someone who will keep him grounded."
Nicole bit her lip. She wanted to protest, but Mrs. Cole's tone left no room for argument.
"Don't worry," Mrs. Cole said confidently. "I'll handle him. You just need to be ready."
A small smile crept across Nicole's lips. She was already dreaming; of being Mrs. Donald Cole, of power, of status. Of becoming the next in command in the largest company in the country.
The rain fell harder outside, beating against the mansion walls.
Neither of them knew that the storm outside was nothing compared to the one that was coming.