31. Grace
31
GRACE
T he soft hum of the room fills my ears as I sip my tea, the warmth of it soothing my nerves. It’s been a busy morning, full of meetings, phone calls, and a dozen things on my to-do list that I keep pushing to the back of my mind.
Everything feels like it’s moving at the speed of light, and as much as I’m trying to keep up, sometimes it feels like the universe has a way of throwing challenges my way just to see how much I can take.
Today, though, I’m calm.
The coffee shop is buzzing around me, the clink of cups and low chatter grounding me. Theo has a meeting for his latest film project, and he’s been kind enough to let me tag along to work.
The thought of being with him, even in the midst of chaos, calms me. It’s like I have my center in him.
“Grace, are you ready for this?”
I turn to find our publicist, Jenna, standing with her phone in hand, her brow furrowed. I feel a knot tighten in my stomach.
Devon couldn’t be in London, so he outsourced to someone over here. She’s been lovely, but it’s not the same as working with Devon.
Maybe I don’t handle change well.
“What do you mean?” I ask, trying to maintain my composure.
“The interview,” she says, glancing at her watch. “You were invited for a segment. They’re already setting up for you. We confirmed everything yesterday.”
I freeze, my mind racing. "Interview? I didn't agree to anything."
“Yes, you did, according to Devon. They said it was an opportunity for you and Theo to talk about the shelter. It's a great platform for you."
“And you told me about this yesterday?” I ask, bewildered.
Am I losing it? Why didn’t I remember this?
“No, I cleared it with Devon, and he was supposed to let you and Theo know.”
I let out a frustrated sigh and make a mental note to ask Devon why we’re the last to know about something so important.
“Okay.”
“Besides, after the interview that Alexia did a few days ago, it’s necessary.”
“What do you mean?”
“Theo didn’t tell you?”
“Clearly, none of us are communicating with each other. How about you start telling me things rather than expecting others to do so? I would like to eliminate this confusion in the future.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“I apologize for being snarky. I haven’t been sleeping much.”
“It’s understandable,” she smiles.
“Alexia Carter did an interview and slammed Theo and your relationship with him.
The gist of it was that she felt she needed to tell you what kind of man he was.
And if you were stupid enough to continue seeing him, it was on you.”
“Lovely,” I groan.
I’d done my research on Alexia back when I started falling for Theo. She’s a manipulative, catty, and self-serving woman who claims to be a girl’s girl.
She’s always looking for ways to use Theo and anyone else she can find to climb the social ladder.
She’d fed the tabloids lies about their relationship, portraying herself as the victim and him as a villain. For months, she’d twisted the narrative, and the press had lapped it up like eager puppies.
Now, with things finally quieted down for us, she’s back.
And she’s ready to start the cycle all over again.
I stand and straighten my shirt, taking a deep breath. "I’ll handle it."
Jenna doesn’t look convinced, but she gives me a slight nod. “Just remember, Grace... stay calm in the interview, especially if they mention her. She’s only done this, trying to provoke you.”
“I know,” I say, forcing a smile. “I’ve got this.”
When we arrive at the studio, the atmosphere is tense, and I feel the weight of what’s about to happen. The production team is already setting up, and there’s a buzz of activity.
But as soon as my eyes land on the blonde in the corner, I realize that Alexia has decided to take her slander on the road.
She’s sitting in a corner, waiting with a smirk on her face; I feel my blood start to boil.
Why is she here?
I can already feel the tension in my chest. As I walk into the room, she looks up, her eyes flicking to mine with an all-too-familiar glint of malice.
“Grace,” she says, her voice dripping with sweetness, but her eyes tell a different story. “I didn’t expect to see you here today. How quaint.”
I force a smile, keeping my voice steady. “You shouldn’t be so surprised. I’m involved in a lot of things these days.”
She raises an eyebrow, clearly amused by my response.
“Oh, I’m sure you are. It must be nice to have everything handed to you on a silver platter. But we all know how that works, don’t we?”
I won’t let her get to me. Not today.
I take a seat across from her, a polite distance between us, making sure to keep my posture calm, my expression neutral.
“I’ve been working hard,” I say, my voice calm.
“Building something real, something that will help people. It’s not about ‘platters.’ It’s about dedication and purpose.”
“You’re so cute, pretending like you’re better than the rest of us.
It must be nice to be Theo’s ‘perfect woman,’ isn’t it?
You’ve really got him wrapped around your finger.”
I hear the way she says “perfect,” like it’s a derogatory term. Like there’s something wrong with it. I know exactly what she’s trying to do—undermine me, provoke me, get me riled up.
And I’m not going to give her the satisfaction. Not today.
“Theo and I are happy. We’ve worked hard to get where we are. I’m not interested in playing games.”
Her lips curl into a sly smile. “Oh, Grace. You don’t even see it, do you? You’re just another pretty face to him. Another steppingstone. Just like I was.”
“We both know that’s not true. Why don’t you let the past be the past.”
She leans forward, crossing her arms.
“Oh, I’m not interested in talking about the past, darling.
I’m interested in the present.
And let’s face it, everyone knows he’ll get bored of you sooner or later.
It’s only a matter of time.”
I shake my head. “You’re wrong. If you’re here to stir up trouble, you’re wasting your time.”
She smirks, but I can see the flicker of uncertainty in her eyes now. She knows she’s losing this battle.
“You really think people care about your ‘shelter’ or whatever it is you’re doing now?
Please.
The only reason you’ve managed to hold on to Theo is because you’ve convinced him you’re some kind of savior.
But I’m telling you, it’s all a lie.
He’ll move on from you just like he did with me.”
I take a deep breath, standing up, my hands steady.
“You don’t know anything about us.
And you don’t get to speak for Theo or anyone else.
People see through your lies.
You’re not the victim here.
You’re the one who caused the pain, and it’s about time the world saw that.”
I glance around the room, noting the cameras now focused on us, the crew trying to pretend they’re not listening, but I know they are.
The tension in the air is thick and palpable. I turn back to her.
“You’re a liar, and everyone knows it. Maybe it’s time you finally take responsibility for what you did, instead of dragging others down with you.”
Her face flushes, the rage in her eyes flashing for just a second before she forces a smile. But it’s too late. The seed of doubt has been planted.
I turn to the interviewer, who looks stunned but impressed. “I’m happy to answer any more questions you have, but I think it’s clear this woman has a vendetta.”
The room is silent for a moment before the interviewer nods, breaking the tension.
“Miss Carter, why don’t you step out and let us finish the interview.”
“I was…”
“No need to argue,” she says calmly as she gestures for security. Within minutes, she’s escorted away.
I’m certain this isn’t over.
“I apologize, Miss Simmons. She wasn’t invited today; I’m not certain why she’s here. I’ll be honest, I thought she was part of your shelter.”
“No ma’am, just a manipulative woman who likes to twist the narrative for attention.”
As we continue the interview, I can feel Theo’s presence in the back of my mind, his support behind every word I speak. I don’t need to fight her alone. Not anymore.