By Your Side

16

Ioannis

Seeing Gracelyn trust me enough to open up to me like that, seeing her so vulnerable yet so strong at the same time tugs at my heartstrings and makes me want to do anything and everything to protect her. I know Gracelyn's smart and determined and she doesn't necessarily need protecting, but I swear if anyone dares to hurt a single hair on her head I won't let them get away with it.

When Gracelyn started talking about Mia's childhood, I'd guessed that she was referring to herself.

Before today, I also had an inkling that Gracelyn may have gone by another name in her younger years. I do a search on all my clients before commencing my assignments and hadn't found much about Gracelyn's time in Australia. Even in interviews, when asked about her childhood, Gracelyn's answers have been mostly vague or high level, which makes me even more grateful that she's shared her story and past with me.

"Thank you for sharing all of that with me." I'm not great with my words but I want her to know how grateful I am. "It means more than you know."

"Of course." Her face softens and she smiles. "Thank you for listening. And for asking all the right questions."

Ángele mou. My angel.

"I should say, privilege played a huge part in it after moving here," she suddenly adds. "Richard was an influential person—at least prior to his arrest—and I was approached for opportunities...modeling, brand collaborations, and then finally dipping my toe into Hollywood. I wouldn't be where I am right now if it weren't for the Pearce family name, which became even more clear when I lost all my upcoming film roles after his scandal."

I reflect on her words. I understand where she's coming from but at the same time, she's so much more than just that.

"At the end of the day, a surname is just that—a surname," I eventually say. "It doesn't tell you anything about someone's story, their character, or who they are as a person."

Gracelyn stares at me with an expression that's raw and it takes every molecule and atom within my body to fight back the urge to hold her in my arms.

"And you're amazing, Gracelyn," I add. "Amazing, kind, beautiful and strong."

She stares at me with those gorgeous eyes of hers and then bites her lip. "You're going to make me cry."

A small smile tugs on my lips. "I fully mean it."

"You're amazing, too," she says.

A heartwarming sensation clutches tightly on my chest at her words. "Thank you."

We sit in comfortable silence for the next few minutes, taking in the ocean view. I think about all my interactions with her, from the first time she crashed into my car to the two of us here now. Every moment with her is something I want to cherish and never let go.

"You know, over the years, people have spread various fake rumors about me on the internet but I'm mostly all numb to it now," Gracelyn suddenly says, and it pains my heart to hear that. None of these trolls know a fucking thing about her. "Nothing can beat the pain of being betrayed by your so-called best friend."

I move a strand of her stray hair. "People can be jealous and project their own insecurities or issues onto others."

She nods. "That makes sense."

"But I'm worried about Ashley's sudden appearance today at your event," I say.

"I don't know why she suddenly showed up today either but it doesn't matter," Gracelyn concedes. "She's not important anymore and I refuse to give any more attention to her or let her take up space in my mind."