Grace: The Love Story

Chapter 1

Veronica and I are heading to the front office, sweat still dripping down my body—I'm an acting teacher, and just a few minutes ago I was teaching an improv class. My hair is loosely tied up in a bun, and I'm wearing black leggings and a black top, so I can move freely and comfortably.

"What's going on, Veronica?" I ask, filled with curiosity.

"A man is waiting for you," she replies, her gaze full of mystery.

"Who is it?" I ask again.

"I don't know, he didn't give a name."

I rest my hand on the doorknob—it's cold, as if it's trying to prepare me for something. My mind draws a blank—I can't imagine who I'm about to meet. I open the door hesitantly. He's standing with his back to me, looking out the window. The creak of the door gives me away, and he turns around. —That smile... Those eyes...

My thoughts dissolve instantly as I see him again.

It's Noah.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING THE BOOK:

Dear Wattpaders, I am very excited to finally present to you my new book, "Grace: The Love Story," which is the sequel to "Red Carpet." After her success as an actress, Grace is now facing a new challenge: her love life.

This time, the focus will not be on her career, but on her emotions and personal choices.

— Let's continue...

⊱ 𖥸 ⊰

A goofy smile spreads across my face, and all my anxious thoughts disappear in an instant.

"Grace!"

He comes to hug me. It's been so long since I've felt the warmth of his touch. I haven't managed to say a word yet... I'm afraid my voice might break from the emotion and scare him off... Two years have passed since then, and I must admit, I still haven't gotten over the way we broke up. —But why did he come...? Why now...?

"Noah..." I respond, and just saying his name makes me want to cry again. —Hold it together, Grace! I keep telling myself, over and over, trying to stop the tears from flooding out.

"What are you doing here?" I ask, trying to soften my voice as much as I can, so he won't feel like I'm pushing him away.

"I came to see how you're doing," he replies, but even though it's been a while, deep down, I know that's not the only reason he's here.

"I'm fine," I respond with a forced ease. —Let's not forget, I'm an actress! "How about you?"

"Doing great, thanks!" —Could this conversation get any more awkward?

I grab a chair and sit across from him so I don't collapse to the floor from the shock. I feel my legs trembling. "Why did you come, Noah?" I ask, this time with a more serious tone.

"I heard you got engaged," he replies, and his answer doesn't surprise me at all. I knew from the start that this was the reason.

"Kylie told me. I'm glad you two are still in touch since you left..."

"And so?" I ask, waiting patiently for his response.

"I just came to say congratulations. Don't worry, I don't intend to stand in the way of your happiness, Grace."

"Thank you, Noah. I appreciate that you made such a long trip just to congratulate me, but I think you could've done that over the phone."

Noah looks at me silently for a few seconds before speaking again. "I know you think I came here because I can't get over it... you know, the rejection... the proposal I made back then..." he replies, and stops, searching for the right words. "But that's not why we broke up, is it?"

I stare at him, speechless, the question now so familiar. "Noah, it wasn't the proposal. It was the job. I've told you so many times. I needed to get back on my feet. I couldn't just give up everything to live with you in Los Angeles."

"I know, you said that, but I always feel like there was more..." His voice cracks slightly, and that surprises me; I didn't expect him to still remember... And I sigh... "I couldn't accept your proposal. Not because I didn't love you, but because I needed to love myself a little more at that moment."

Noah averts his gaze, looking off into the distance. He says nothing.

"You weren't ready then... And now, are you?" he asks, and his question catches me off guard. —Well, I guess we're diving straight into it. No pleasantries here.

"Noah..." I stand up from the chair, my eyes briefly glancing at the clock. When I look back at him, his eyes are fixed on my lips, as if waiting for something more than just an answer. The tension between us thickens, and for a moment, all I can feel is the heat of his gaze piercing through me. "I have to go... I'm late for class."