Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism novel Chapter 195

She stayed silent, thinking Declan had just come out to the terrace for some air. So, she strode past him, ready to leave.

But just as she passed him, he grabbed her wrist.

"Grace ... "

Grace was puzzled.

Then she jerked her hand back, as if she'd been touched by something toxic.

"What's your deal? Are you out of your mind?"

Declan hesitated for a moment, then withdrew his hand with a hint of frustration. "Sorry, I didn't mean anything else. I just wanted to ask how you've been lately."

Grace retorted, "How I've been has nothing to do with you. Just focus on living your own life. Why are you so nosy? Got nothing better to do?

"Excuse me."

Grace passed by him coldly.

Perhaps due to the alcohol, Declan found himself struggling to keep his composure as he watched Grace walk away.

Back then, the time he spent with Grace was the best part of his youth, and his feelings for her were genuine. If it weren't for Vivian deliberately tempting him, he wouldn't have fallen for it.

Now, after being married for many years, Declan has realised just how much Vivian loved showing off.

Thinking about it now, Grace was still the better choice. She was not into showing off or comparing herself to others.

"Grace, I know you've been single all these years because you've been waiting for me ... "

What the?

Grace felt utterly disgusted, as if she had swallowed something dirty. Her throat tightened, and she couldn't speak a word because of the nausea.

While her decision not to marry did have some indirect relation to Declan, it was mostly because Grace wanted to devote herself to the stage. She had no intention of getting married or having children, as it would affect her physique.

She had long committed herself to the stage and had no interest in romantic relationships.

Grace turned around, ready to slap Declan across the face.

"What are you doing?!"

On the nearby corridor, Vivian and a few friends were walking towards them. They were shocked to see Grace and Declan embracing. Vivian's face turned ashen, and she glared at Grace.

Declan realised the situation and quickly let go of Grace.

"Vivian, it's not what you think," he hastily explained.

Vivian's lips trembled with anger as she strode forward, raising her hand to slap Grace across the face.

Grace caught her hand, then swiftly delivered a slap to Declan's face with her other hand.

Smack!

The crisp sound of the slap echoed in the corridor.