Chapter 17 Id secretly dated Antonio Kaufman , my brothers best friend , for seven years . I always believed a proposal was inevitable . Then I discovered he was waiting for his first love to return . was a placeholder , a convenient means to an end . *** I followed Antonio to a bar , eavesdropping on his conversation with friends . Antonio , now that your true love is back , what about Grace ? one asked . Antonios silence hung heavy in the air . Another man snickered , Freddy warned us off his sis … He wouldnt let anyone hurt her . It was common knowledge , Alicia dumped me . I was just trying to get back at her , Antonio finally said , his voice so cold it felt like a strangers . Later , at Alicia Hogans welcome back party , Antonio showered me with attention . But when Alicia bolted out in tears , he shoved me aside , chasing after her . Chapter17 I stumbled into a table , scalding myself and ruining my dress . Returning home , humiliated and hurting , I marched into Antonios study . A room Id been forbidden to enter in seven years . There , on his desk , was a photo of him kissing Alicia . Heartbreak overwhelming me , I called my brother overseas . About your suggestion of an arranged marriage , Ive reconsidered . Im in ! Grace , are you alright ? Freddys voice was laced with worry . I forced a cheerful tone . Ive just been thinking . Its time I got married . Freddys voice relaxed . When will you be back ? You should meet him . Lets just do it . The sooner I agree , the sooner the companys problems are solved . Start planning the wedding . Lets make it … a month from now , I said . By the way , are you still in touch with Antonio ? I heard his first love is back . Invite him to the wedding . Freddys tone was serious , devoid of humor . It hit me then : he knew about Alicja . That explained Antonios insistence on keeping our relationship secret . I lowered my voice . We are not that close anymore . Hearing the door unlock , I quickly said goodbye to Freddy and ended the call . I looked up to meet Antonios smiling eyes . Who are you not close with ? You . I flatly replied . He raised an eyebrow and pulled me into his arms . We share a bed every night . Youre saying were not close ? Antonio whispered , nibbling my earlobe . The thought of his lips on another woman churned my stomach . As I struggled . I noticed a hickey on his neck . Definitely not from me . I pulled away with renewed force . Antonio brushed against my burned skin , sending a jolt of pain through me that brought tears to my eyes . Whats wrong , Grace ? Are you feeling okay ? Antonio fussed , noticing my tears . He pulled up my sleeve , revealing the angry red burn on my wrist . His voice trembled , What happened ? When did you burn yourself ? Why didnt you tell me ? He seemed to have forgotten he was the one who had pushed me into the table . I remained silent , unsure whether to remind him of his actions . Chapter1B Chapter 18 Hey , stop crying . Ill get the first aid kit , Antonio said , kissing my cheek softly . He grumbled as he retrieved it . Youre not a child . Why are you always getting hurt ? How will you survive without me ? stared at him , numb . If he didnt love me , why this charade of concern ? I was exhausted by the pretense . That night , I tossed and turned , drenched in sweat . At daybreak , Antonio pulled me from bed . I shoved him off , but he leaned in to kiss me . I almost slapped him instinctively , stopping myself just in time . He barely grazed my lips . Awake ? he asked : I turned away , wiping my mouth in disgust . Its the weekend . Let me sleep . Antonio looked at me as if I were unreasonable . You had a fever last night . Were going to the hospital . Despite feeling fine , I couldnt dissuade him . In the hospital hallway , we encountered Alicia , limping on a twisted .