Chapter 20 Lies In the quiet space, with them so close, Grant could hear Zara's voice clearly. His expression shifted again and again. Oriana responded, "Alright, get some rest. Goodnight." "Goodnight." Oriana hung up the phone and freed herself from his grip once more. This time, he let go. Oriana's back ached slightly from the impact, but she showed no expression as she pulled her suitcase toward the room. The moment she took a step, Grant cautiously grabbed the handle, taking on the suitcase's weight. He was clearly calmer now, realizing he had misunderstood Oriana. "Oriana, I-I'm sorry. I acted too impulsively," Grant said. "There's nothing to apologize for. By your logic, since I handled the charm on my own, we're even," Oriana said calmly. "No, we can't just be even." Grant stepped in front of her, his eyes filled with a complicated struggle. Finally, he convinced himself and lowered his head. Unlike the tense, arrogant stance from a few minutes ago, Grant was now careful, almost tentative. "You're right, Oriana. I lied to you, but you trusted me. I never meant to hurt you. I planned to explain everything properly after the contract was signed. You know, all my efforts these past three years they've always been for Aurora," Grant said. The corners of his eyes dipped, a pleading look in them. "Luna can help me professionally, but my feelings for her aren't the same as for you, Oriana. No one can take your place in my heart. Please, believe me." Oriana's lips curved slightly. "I know. I've always trusted you." It was because she had always trusted him that she had been played like this for three years. It was because he had always believed that he had been looked down upon for three years. Grant, the same person who had destroyed her future, crushed her dreams, and betrayed her feelings, was now claiming that no one could replace her in his heart. Perhaps Oriana was the only one foolish enough in the world to believe this. Grant didn't know what she was thinking, yet her single sentence restored his confidence. He clung to the belief that every little moment they'd shared over three years was unbreakable. 1/3 Finished He hurriedly tried to show it. "Oriana, I apologize for tonight. I was too worried, got jealous, and lost my temper with you. It won't happen again." Then he remembered something, reaching out to lift her hem. "Sorry, I lost control just now. Did I hurt you?" His face full of concern made Oriana feel even more ridiculous. She pushed his hand away. "I'm tired. I want to rest." Grant didn't insist. He pressed his lips together. "Alright. Rest well tonight. If you feel unwell, I'll take you to the hospital tomorrow." Oriana ignored him and walked into the bedroom. She closed and locked the door. Pulling the curtains, Oriana took off her jacket and saw a dark bruise on her shoulder blade in the mirror. No wonder it hurt so much. She frowned, carefully applied medicine, and went to bed early. Perhaps out of guilt, Grant returned to his usual attentive, gentle, and anxious care. Even with the company busy with contract matters, constantly needing his attention, Grant insisted on staying home with her, doing housework and cooking. Even when she watered the plants on the balcony, he set aside everything to help, handling work only through video calls. At first, Oriana ignored him. But as the days passed and tomorrow approached-the day they were leaving for Jindiwood-Oriana finally panicked. She told Grant to take care of his own affairs. Grant thought she was still sulking, testing him. Oriana sent him out to buy something that required standing in line. A once poor boy had to go but now a phone call and a bit of money could get it done. in person, Grant stayed close behind-how could Oriana move ahead? Oriana was at a loss until Alaric and a few others came over, having spent the whole afternoon in the study for a meeting. By evening, they emerged and, seeing Oriana, greeted her respectfully. "Oriana, hello." "Oriana, Grant listens to you too much. If you're unhappy, he won't even go to work." "Oriana, if we may be so bold, tomorrow at the signing ceremony, could we see Grant? Maybe let him come out for a bit?" They pleaded. 2/3 Grant frowned. "Alaric, I've already told you, you can handle the signing matters yourselves." Alaric groaned, "Grant, you're the head of Aurora and the chief researcher. We're just second-hand here. This is a big event, and I'm afraid I can't manage it." "And the celebration dinner tonight- even the vice mayor will attend. Grant, if you don't show would offend so many people," Alaric said, folding his hands and shooting Oriana a pleading look. Alaric pretended humility, making it seem as if Oriana's nod could decide everything. up, it 20 3/3 1