Chapter 4
The next morning, Grace woke up to the smell of coffee.
She walked into the living room and saw Brian making breakfast.
"Morning," Brian said, turning to Grace with a smile.
"Morning." Grace felt a little embarrassed. "Sorry for the trouble caused."
"It's nothing. I need breakfast too." Brian set the food on the table. "Any plans for today?"
"I would like to find myself an apartment and then start preparing my portfolio," Grace replied.
"I will find the apartment for you, so focus on your portfolio."
Grace looked at Brian. "Why do you help me? We just got acquainted last night."
Brian looked Grace in the eye and said, "Perhaps because of the light in your eyes."
"What light?"
"The tenacity. Many people quit when life gets tough. You are not one of them."
Warmth flooded Grace's heart.
Brian's comment was much more powerful than any consolations.
Right then, Grace's phone rang.
It was a call from Ben.
Grace shot a glance at her phone screen and hung up decisively.
However, Ben was relentless. He kept calling, again and again.
In the end, Grace had no choice but to answer the call.
"Where are you?" Ben sounded anxious.
"None of your business," Grace replied.
"Grace, come home. Let's talk things over," Ben pleaded.
"I have nothing to talk to you." Grace's tone was decisive. "I've found myself a lawyer."
"Are you sure to divorce me for such a trifle?" Ben's voice was tinged with anger.
"A trivial?" Grace snorted. "Is cheating really a trifle to you?"
"I will break up with her," Ben said.
"It's too late." Grace shook her head. "We're done, Ben."
Grace hung up the phone and caught Brian quietly staring at her.
"Does he try to get back with you?" Brian asked.
"Yeah, but it's too late." Grace gave a bitter smile. "Sometimes, there is no turning back."
Brian nodded. "Let the past be the past, and embrace a new life."
Grace met Brian's gentle eyes and suddenly felt that the future didn't seem so scary anymore.
'At least, there is a man who believes in me and has my back,' she thought.
Brian was as good as his word. That afternoon, he took Grace to an apartment.
"It is close to downtown, and it is easily reachable." Brian pushed the door of an apartment open. "Its rent is reasonable."
Grace walked into the apartment, which was small but cozy and fully furnished.
"I love it," she said with a nod. "I will rent it."
"I'll talk to the landlord for a discount," Brian said.
"No, let me handle it myself." Grace stopped Brian. "You've done a lot for me."
Brian smiled. "Alright, I'll wait for you downstairs."
Grace felt relieved after she sealed the deal with the landlord.
At least, she had a place of her own now.
"To buy some basic goods for your new life?" Brian suggested.
With Grace, he drove to a mall nearby. There, Grace did the shopping.
Like a considerate friend, Brian gave his opinion whenever Grace looked unsure.
"This brand is great, and I bought its coffee machines for my shop."
"This pan is the right size for you."
"What do you think of a humidifier? It will do good to your skin, trust me."
As the stuff in the shopping cart increased, Grace felt that she was really starting a new life.
Brian intended to pay the bill for Grace when they reached the self-checkout stand.
"Please don't. It is my new beginning," Grace insisted.
Hearing this, Brian had to compromise.
Back at the apartment, Grace and Brian did the cleaning.
Thoughtful, Brian helped put every new item in its right place.
"This is your new home." With satisfaction, he clapped his hands.
Moved, Grace looked around.
After three years, she finally had her own space once again. "Brian, I don't know how to thank you."
"Enjoy your new life, and strive to be an outstanding fashion designer," Brian said seriously. "That will be the best reward for what I did for you."
Grace nodded. "You have my word."
Brian checked the time. "I should get back to work now. Have an early night."
Grace asked with concern, "Do you work late every night?"
"I'm used to it," Brian said with a smile. "Call me if you need help."
After Brian left, Grace sat on the couch and enjoyed the quiet moment.
Later, she pulled out her phone and saw the new messages from Ben.
The theme of all those messages was that Ben wanted Grace to go home.
Grace deleted all the messages and blacklisted Ben's phone number.
She wouldn't get back with Ben since she had decided to move on.
In the next few days, Grace threw herself into the preparation of her portfolio.
She sorted out her old design drafts.
At the same time, she prepared some new ones.
Grace had been out of the field for three years, but she didn't lose her inspiration.
To be frank, her experience as a housewife was really inspiring.
Her designs now were more mature.
From time to time, Brian dropped by with good coffee and snacks.
"This design is awesome," he commented after he studied Grace's latest design draft. "It was bold for you to put these colors together."
"It sounds you know about fashion design." Grace sounded surprised.
Brian was taken aback. "A little bit."
"I didn't know that you are so talented," Grace teased.
Brian said nothing but smiled at Grace.