Regret Came Too Late (Grace and Ethan)

Simon was nearly about to explode from frustration. And then it hit him. Since the first night they met, he had never once mentioned his name or even hinted at his real identity. What was worse? She had never even asked.

Seething, he fired off a text. "Do you even know who I am?"

But right after sending it, he thought better of it and deleted the message. It was way too weak.

No. He needed her to know exactly who she had brushed off. There was no way they'd never run into each other again. He retyped the message, this time sharper. "Fine. You think you're so special? You're nothing amazing."

He hit send and let out a long breath. He felt a little better as he waited for a reply. But again, there was no response at all, only total silence.

Simon almost lost it right there. He started wondering if this was some reverse psychology trick. If it was, well, he had to admit that it was working. He had never been treated like this in his life.

Meanwhile, Yasmine saw the newest message and was completely unfazed. She blocked Simon's number without hesitation. There was no use dragging things out if it was already over.

She refocused on the small team of scriptwriters gathered around her, her expression crisp and no-nonsense.

"Rewrite this plot point. The audience is tired of the delicate sweetheart character. Tastes have changed. They want something that flips expectations now."

She tapped her finger on the stack of scripts, thought for a second, then picked up her phone and called Grace.

Grace was driving home at that moment. She had just texted Ed, telling him to wait for her at her place-she had a surprise for him.

When her phone rang and she saw Yasmine's name, she answered immediately, smiling. "Hey, Yasmine, what's up?"

"I've got a few new scripts," Yasmine said. "They're still being adjusted, but they're promising. If you want in, I'll reserve a spot for you."

Grace was thrilled. The three projects they had already locked in were projected to pull in at least 60 million dollars. And now, Yasmine was offering even more?

"Count me in. Thanks," Grace said without hesitation. "I owe you dinner."

"Looking forward to it," Yasmine replied simply.

Just as Grace hung up, she pulled into her building's parking lot. She pushed open her front door, but the entire house was silent. At first, she thought Ed wasn't there. Then, she caught the soft sound of footsteps coming from her bedroom. noveldrama

She headed toward the noise, calling out lightly, "Ed?"

His voice answered back, low and muffled.

She pushed open the bedroom door. The curtains were drawn, making the room dim and shadowy. She sat down on the edge of the bed, where she caught a faint, fresh scent. He had already showered.

Grace chuckled softly and reached out, finding his wrist by feel.

"I got you something," she said in a warm voice. "Sorry, I've been ignoring you lately. Work's been insane."

She slid the beaded bracelet onto

his wrist, fastening it carefully. Then, she up and headed to the

The sound of the shower

echoed through the apartment.

Ed sat in the dark, his fingertips lightly brushing the bracelet. He ran his fingers over every bead, counting them like they were treasures.

When Grace came out of the bathroom, she crawled straight into bed, curling into his chest.

"Do you like it?" she asked sleepily. "I threaded the beads myself. I bought them at a little roadside stall. The old lady said they'll last for years."

"Yes, I do."

His face was buried against her neck, his lips trailing slow, delicate kisses along her skin.

Grace shifted slightly, sensing something off. "You don't seem that happy," she murmured.

"I'm happy," he said quietly. "So happy I don't even know what to say. I just... thought maybe it wasn't for me."

She blinked, a little surprised. "If it's not for you, then who else would I give it to?" He was her boyfriend. Of course, it was for him.