Beep... beep... beep.

Ugh. The sound is unbearably obnoxious, drilling into my head.

I squeeze my eyes before cracking my eyelids apart. I blink several times. Harsh white light hurts my eyes and everything is blurry. The ceiling is white. So is the wall across from me.

Am I in a hospital?

Shock snaps my eyes open and I frantically look around, seeing too many machines set up around me with one too many IVs and cannulas pierced into my arms with an oxygen mask placed firmly on my face.

What happened?

A brain-splitting headache spreads across my skull. Flashes of Spencer's face in the vacant hall of Judy Corp pass through my mind. He said something to me... I left crying... I got into the car, behind the wheels... the heavy rain... the truck!

The beeping of the machines around me increases as I gasp for air, my heart racing as the truck's headlight, the sound, the pain, all come crashing down on me.

The door flies open and unfamiliar people dressed in white coats and blue scrubs, Doctors and nurses, enter the room.

I glimpse one of them injecting me and all too soon everything goes dark.

I wake up again, but the number of beeping has decreased, and I slowly, open my eyes, blinking rapidly until my eyes adjust to the sharp lighting of the room.

I wring the stiff muscles of my fingers. From my side, I hear someone gasp, and not a second later, Mom is standing, hovering over my face. Her hazel eyes glisten with tears as she talks too quickly for my dazed mind to catch up and keep up.

"I-I'm f-fine, Mom," I stammer in a hoarse voice and she kisses my forehead, crying and caressing my cheek.

Soon doctors and nurses file into the room, checking my vitals and condition. After listing down the numerous tests I have to take, they leave the room.

A nurse helps me to prop up against the pillow before she too leaves.

Mom sits down on the stool next to the bed and grasps my hand in both of her eyes.

"I'm fine, Mom," I say again.

She presses her lips to a thin line and nods, fresh tears springing up to her eyes.

"So... how long was I out?" I try to ask casually, my other hand's fingers fidgeting.

A tear escapes from her eyes and she wipes it away immediately. "Seven days."

My eyes widen with surprise. Seven days! Holy shit!

The company! The case Sophia and I had prepared!

And Spencer.

I open my mouth but Mom sternly looks at me, holding up an index finger. "Don't you dare start talking about work. Mason's been handling it just fine."

I lift my shoulders and shake my head, mumbling, "I-I wasn't going to ask about work."

She raises her eyebrows and her gaze hardens. "And no men."

I huff a laugh and instantly regret it as a sharp pain slashes across my ribcage, making me wince.

Mom tucks a strand of my hair behind my ear and sighs. "I've decided we'll go to London for the duration of your recovery. The doctors said you'll probably need therapy to regain full mobility and just for the safety of the muscles and to reduce the pain."

"But Mom-"

"No!" she snaps.

Her harsh tone catches me off guard and I gape at her with surprise.

"I was so close to losing you," she says, her voice wavering.

I gulp, ignoring the dull ache in the back of my throat as I avert my gaze to my lap.

"No arguments. I told Mason to buy the penthouse we had to sell six years ago. Everything over there is ready. Once you're discharged from here, we'll go straight to London and continue the rest of your treatment over there and stay for three months."

"Three months!" I shout.

"It's final, Gracie. Now go to sleep, you need rest."

I stare at her with disbelief.

This is unbelievable.

But I don't press it.

If I argue back, I might end up making these three months into four months. With a sigh, she helps me lie back down, and soon, with all medicines still dripping into my bloodstream, I doze off.

Late at night, I wake up again. Mom is sprawled on the sofa bed, in the corner of the room, deep asleep.

The room is dark, save for the lights of the monitors' screens and the light seeping in from under the door. I stare at the dark ceiling, my mind venturing to the accident's night.

Spencer's voice echoes in my head.

"You're right! I never loved you, I never even gave a damn about you! Because in reality, you never deserved my love or care. You don't deserve anyone's love and care."

Tears sting my eyes and slide down from the corner of them, leaving a wet trail on either side of my face.

Am I really that bad?

Are my mistakes really big enough that make me into a person unworthy of love and undeserving of anyone's care and compassion?

Why would he say something like that to me?

I wipe away the tears and draw in a deep shaky breath, trying desperately to stay quiet and not wake up Mom.

My chin quivers and my gaze flickers to the door. Does he even know I'm here?

Does he care?

I press my palm over my mouth to muffle my sobs, my body shaking from the force.

Maybe leaving for London is the best. It's not like I can do anything about Benjamin now, but the space might be good for me. Perhaps getting away from Spencer and everything will help me.

Yet, Spencer's face radiating anger haunts my mind.

I don't deserve to be treated so poorly, and I should hate him, and maybe a small part of me already does, but it doesn't mean it overpowers the hurt and my other feelings for him.

I don't want to take his words into account, but I can't.

His words align with most people's behavior towards me.

Six years ago, Alex cheated on me with my best friend. Even though at that time I didn't look at it like this, I can't help but wonder maybe if I had been different, they wouldn't have done this.

All my other friends hated my guts.

I deceived the man I loved for money and power.

I left Nathan the second an opportunity for more power, money, and a way for getting my revenge was presented.

And I've been taking up every chance at annoying Julia, just because she's with the man I loved.

All in all, I'm not a good person.

But am I awful enough to deserve those harsh words?

I don't know.

I sigh, my fingers fiddling. Mom loves me and... I've been a damn good sister for Mason, so he better give a damn about me too, or else I'll have to beat some brain into his empty head.

For now, it's enough for me.

One thing's for sure though, I am never talking, or even looking at Spencer ever again.

During the three months we'll be spending in London, hopefully, I'll move on from him. Unlike last time, I have a pretty good reason to cast him aside and move on with my life, and finally, let him be a man in my past.

Slowly, sleep invades me again, lulling me into a dark, unrestful slumber.

I'm woken up by Mom's muffled voice. When I open my eyes, I gasp as I take in my hospital room.

Every corner and every surface is overflowing with flowers, so bright and vibrant they bring the entire room to life. And not any flowers my favorite ones! I prop myself up on my elbows, ignoring the dull ache in my body as I survey them. Large and small bouquets are dotted around the place, the larger ones on the floor, while the smaller ones are on the small table in front of the sofa bed and the counter next to my bed.

I take off the oxygen tube from my nose and inhale the room's scent, letting the overwhelming scent of flowers tickle my nostrils. A grin spreads across my face.

In a sudden spark of realization, it hits me. They're the exact same flowers I used to get before going to Spencer's place.

My mouth hangs open. With an effort, I push myself up and sit upright on the bed. I press my hand to my mouth as I struggle to grasp his motive.

I glance at the bright pink ones on the counter next to the bed and glimpse a small envelope.

Curious, I pick it up and scrutinize it.

Behind it, in a messy looped cursive, evidently Spencer's handwriting, is written, To Gracie Stewart.

Carefully, I open the envelope, as my heart pounds away in my chest.

So much for tossing him out of my life.

With trembling hands, I pull out the letter and unfold the paper.

Dear Gracie,

If you're reading this, it means you're out of danger and I cannot put into words how much it relieves me.

I'll keep it short to not tire you, even though I have a million things to say.

Gracie, I'm sorry. Those horrendous things I told you that dreadful night, I didn't mean any of them. To be more precise, I've never meant anything horrible I've told you so far. And I'm sorry, for even uttering them. But I'm not writing this to convince you to forgive me. No, not at all.

All I ask is, please, forget the things I told you that night. They weren't true.

What you said about me was right. I never considered forgiving you—for which I wholeheartedly apologize. The truth angered me, and I said those things in a moment of unjustified outrage.

I have no right to ask for your forgiveness, but I beg you, Gracie, don't let my stupid words hurt you. Please. I beg you to forget them.

You deserve the best of everything. Those who earn your friendship, love, and care are truly the luckiest because I've seen how far you're willing to go for your loved ones and I truly admire that about you.

I'm sorry for making everything harder for you. I won't ever be an obstacle in your way. I promise.

Though it might be too late, I'll try my best to fix all the things I've ruined, and try to smoothen your path as much as I can. As much my powers will go, I'll make everything easier for you, so once you return, everything moves according to the way you want them to.

For now, I urge you to focus on your health and recovery, and don't worry about anything else. I'll sort everything out. It's the least I can do, after all that I've done. Your happiness and comfort come first for me.

You won't ever have to put up with me, that I promise you of. I've done enough damage as it is. Trust me this one last time to fix everything and I'll be gone before you know it.

Gracie, my sunshine, even if I write 'I'm sorry' on every single petal of every flower on this wide rocky planet of ours, it still won't be enough. But I hope you accept my flimsy words and disregard all those things I called you that night.

Like these flowers, you brought life and color to my dull existence. I cherish you, and the memories we've had.

I don't know if it's too late or not. Or if you'd even believe me or not, but I must tell you. Gracie, I never hated you. Never. Not even for a second. I was hurt and I was mad at you, but I never hated you and I'm sorry if I ever led you to believe otherwise.

You're beautiful, hardworking, strong-willed and I admire you from the bottom of my heart. This is the truth.

I won't stand in your way and I won't let anyone from the Wright family prevent you from reaching your goals, I promise you that.

Take care, and get well soon.

Yours truly, Spencer.

By the time I reach the end of the letter, tears are burning my eyes and trickling down my cheeks. I read and reread the letter, his voice playing in my head as though he's speaking them to me.

I want to make sense of his words but fail. Too many questions race around my head.

What does 'You won't ever have to put up with me' even mean? Or 'I'll be gone before you know it'!

My hands tremble as my fingers cling to the paper and I frantically search the room, looking for a phone. I need to talk to him.

Is he leaving? Again!

The door opens and Mom strides back in with a hospital staff hurrying behind her. "All of these, out, now." She waves her hand around.

I gape at her before turning to the guy who has already started gathering the flowers. "No! Stop!" I fold back the paper and ignore Mom's glowering face. "Don't touch anything, you can leave, thank you."

The man stares at me before glancing between me and Mom. At last, he falters under my hard gaze and rushes out of the room.

"These flowers are for me." I cross my arms in front of my chest and hold Mom's glacial glare.

"They're from that man," Mom hisses, defiantly holding her chin up.

"I don't want to throw them away." I shrug.

She purses her lips and her nostrils flare with annoyance. The sight reminds me of the times I used to make her mad when I was a kid or a teenager. It had been years since the last time I've seen her behaving like this with me.

"This has been going long enough. Look at yourself! Where you are!" She throws her arms up and starts pacing the room. "You were crying again, weren't you? Over him! Enough is enough Gracie. I've always supported you in everything you've done because I wanted you to be able to experience things by yourself. But this... whatever the hell it is, going on between you and Spencer... it's just... not right. It's toxic, can't you see?"

I exhale a slow deep breath and lean to the headboard of the bed, drawing the tip of my index finger over the edge of the envelope.

"You're here because of him," she adds and shakes her head, pushing aside a strand of her fallen hair.

I frown and my gaze shoots up to her. "What?"

She scoffs, "You think I don't know?" Mom stands at the other end of the bed, right across from me. "He was the reason why you drove that-"

"How do you know all of this?" I ask, interrupting her.

"He brought you to hospital, shamelessly called me to tell you've had an accident, and had the audacity to stay in the hospital, in front of your operating room-"

Her addition shocks me beyond words can express, though I don't let it overwhelm me and I shut out the thoughts. I'll think about them some other time. "Mom! You're overreacting."

"I almost lost you," she shouts and closes her eyes, inhaling deeply and pinching the bridge of her nose. "I almost lost my only girl because of some stupid argument." She shakes her head, rounds the bed, and sits on the edge of the bed, engulfing my hand in hers.

Her hazel eyes meet mine, as she straightens herself and pulls on her strong suit mask. "We're leaving for London in five days. When we come back, I expect you to be over him. I don't want to see either of you around each other."

"I'm not a kid, you can't-"

"I'm still your mother," she snaps and I roll my eyes. "I know you're not a kid, that's why I'm not taking that letter from you and ripping it to pieces because I expect you to do throw it away yourself. You're old enough to know what's right and wrong for you. Finish this before it causes irreversible damage."

She sighs and caresses my cheek but I look away from her anyway and nibble my bottom lip.

"Gracie, sweetie, you're my baby no matter how old you get. Your happiness and safety will always come first for me."

Begrudgingly I nod.

She inhales sharply and her hands fall away from mine. Mom pushes her shoulders back and tucks a piece of my hair behind my ear. "The others wanted to visit, but I told them you don't want to meet them."

Curiously I glance up. "The others?"

"The Wrights."

My mouth shapes into an O before I nod. "Thanks."

"Amanda said the wedding will take place eight days after we come back from London. Till then, you can rest. I've asked Savannah to overlook the wedding preparations-"

"And she agreed?" I ask with surprise.

Mom shoots me an incredulous look. "Of course, she would agree, Gracie, why wouldn't she? And she has great taste too. For the dress, she'll go over with Amanda and send the designs that they're okay with and you can choose from one of those."

I nod, my heart picking up its beating pace.

Mom falls silent for a long moment, making me gaze up at her, and raise a questioning eyebrow.

"Are you sure, you still want to carry on with it? It's not too late to call it off."

My heart dully thumps in my chest as I hold my mom's stare. An anxious tremor travels across my body. I draw in a deep shaky breath. "I'm sure. The wedding will take place."

She purses her mouth, staying quiet, and only nods reluctantly.

❦ ♥︎ ❦

So... a lot of you commented things like Gracie losing her memory, or I don't know, losing a form of mobility... but she hasn't. I hope it didn't disappoint you guys. It's just that those felt too melodramatic for this book... so yeah I couldn't bring myself to add that sort of element.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Vote and comment your thoughts. So Gracie is leaving and she's not canceling the wedding... any thoughts on that?

And I'd love to hear your thoughts on Spencer's letter! =)

Also I've uploaded the first chapter of my new book, Tell It To the Heart, the one where the main character kisses her roommate's boyfriend and finds out afterward that the guy is her roommate's boyfriend. It has elements of enemies to lovers, forbidden romance, and a hell ton of drama. If it's your kinda thing, I hope you give it a shot and enjoy ^.^

Well, that's about it for today. Thanks for reading this chapter ^^

Stay safe, lots of love, happy reading ♡