In the Lap of Luxury novel (Grace and Benjamin) novel Chapter 565

Grace lifted her face. Her breath left a mist in the air, partially obscuring her view.

After a long time, she asked, "Why didn't you tell me?"

"Back then, you said you wouldn't marry anyone but him."

Grace closed her eyes and came to a realization. "No wonder I never heard from you after that."

"The night you got married, I promised my father that I would join Fulton Group and put my focus on work. Within two years, I joined the board of directors, becoming one of the nine members."

Hazel drove the car, following Grace and Xander from a distance. The headlights illuminated the two and cast a long shadow on the street, resembling the years that had passed.

"Work numbed a lot of my pain, but more often than not, I felt regretful.

"So much so that when I learned about your divorce, I dropped everything and came to Pamore. I established Futurelink and kept seeing you using that as an excuse.

"Whenever I heard that you weren't doing well with the Hawkins family, it cut me like a knife."

Xander's voice was filled with pain. It broke Grace's heart. She could hardly imagine how he had spent these years holding onto hopeless expectations.

She couldn't help but feel uneasy. "I … I'm sorry."

"You have nothing to apologize for. You were just following your heart."

Xander took her hand again and continued, "Even if you choose Benjamin again today, I will respect your decision. If you get hurt, just come to me. I will protect you without a word."

Grace shook her head vigorously, tears pooling in her eyes.

"No, Xander, not anymore. I won't choose him again."

Xander was surprised and pulled her into his embrace, holding her tightly.

"I won't let go again, Grace. I love you. I have loved you for many years and will for many more years to come."

He had loved her from their first meeting until now and would do so for the rest of his life.

Grace couldn't express her feelings. She thought she had fallen in love too early, never realizing that he had started loving her a long, long time ago.