Chapter 3

Grace had clearly heard our argument. She stepped to the doorway and said softly to Kevin before he left, "Maybe Ruby and I should move out. I don't want to make things hard for you."

"Grace, you and Ruby can stay right here. I still wear the pants in this house."

I was deeply disappointed in Kevin. Before Grace moved in, we'd never fought like this.

As luck would have it, I had a business trip the following week, so I took the chance to get away for a few days.

My best friend said, "Are you serious? You're basically handing that woman your spot."

"If something really is going on between them, then good. I'll leave. If a man's already dirty, I don't want him anyway."

A burglar had broken into the house once before, so I'd installed several surveillance cameras. I wanted to see exactly how Grace planned to keep this act up when I wasn't around.

While I was away, Grace was incredibly diligent. She cleaned the whole house until it sparkled.

She even washed Kevin's shirts, underwear, and socks.

"Grace, leave my underwear and socks. I'll wash those myself. I don't want to trouble you." Kevin looked awkward when he saw what she was scrubbing.

"I'm family, Kevin. It's the least I can do... Lily isn't home, and you don't know how to do this stuff anyway.

Besides, you've helped Ruby and me so much. This little bit is just my way of thanking you.

If you're really that uncomfortable with it, then Ruby and I can only move out."

As she said that, her eyes reddened and she bit her lip, looking at him like she was begging.

Anyone would have a hard time refusing a face like that. Honestly, she missed her calling as an actress.

Watching the camera feed, I suddenly came up with an idea.

If Grace wanted to act so badly, then I'd be happy to play along with her.

With that thought, I quickly called Kevin.

"Honey, the company retreat is next week. Can you wash those sneakers for me this weekend? If I wait until I get home, it'll be too late." I made my voice sound a little sweet.

"Honey, so you're finally not mad anymore? Don't worry. I'll take care of it."

We usually paid someone to do this stuff anyway. Now that there was somebody at home who loved housework so much, it'd be a shame not to give her more to do.

"Oh, and don't forget the range hood. That needs a deep clean too."

Sure enough, the second Grace saw Kevin scrubbing my shoes, she rushed over and acted shocked.

"Kevin, why are you washing Lily's shoes? Isn't she being way too lazy?

Her voice was soft, but I could still hear the jealousy under it.

"It's fine. She's busy with work. She just called and said she needs them next week, so of course I should wash them for her."

"You're so good to her. When your brother was alive, he never washed shoes for me. I really envy Lily." Her voice even started to choke up.

And unbelievably, when Kevin saw that pitiful look on her face, he stood up and gently wiped the corner of her eye.

But the more he wiped, the more she seemed to cry, and Kevin looked totally flustered.

"Grace, don't say that. Whatever problems you and Ruby have in the future, I'll help."

"Kevin, I know you've been good to us, but what if Lily really doesn't want Ruby and me living here? What if one day she tries to throw us out?"

As she spoke, Grace grabbed Kevin's arm and looked straight into his eyes.

"I won't let her throw you out. Picking on a woman and her child is low. If she dares, I'll divorce her."

There was a hard, unquestionable look in his eyes.

Grace's expression shifted the second she heard that, and a smile slowly tugged at her lips. Then she hurried to take over washing the shoes.

"Let me help you wash them. Ruby and I live here for free, so from now on, leave little things like this to me."