A little while later, Victoria came to Grace's room. Her heels clicked sharply on the floor as she stopped at the door.
"Grace," she said, her tone polite but firm. "Chriss and I are going for a short walk . I want you to watch the children while we are gone. Make sure nothing goes wrong and that they don't wander off."
Grace nodded quietly, keeping her expression neutral. "Yes, ma'am. I will take care of everything."
Victoria gave a small, tight smile. "Good. I'll expect everything to be perfect when we return."
As Victoria left the room, Grace closed the door behind her and exhaled slowly.
Perfect opportunity, she thought. Now I can observe, watch, and finally figure out the truth about this house and my daughter.
The children returned from school, their small backpacks bouncing as they ran into the living room. Isabelle poured some juice for herself and Felicity, and they both sipped quietly.
"Where's mom?" Isabelle asked curiously, glancing around the empty house.
Grace smiled gently, kneeling down to Felicity's level. "She had a small emergency, but don't worry. She won't be gone long. She'll be back soon," Grace explained softly.
Felicity nodded, though a small frown lingered on her forehead. "I hope she comes soon," she murmured, taking another sip of juice.
Grace ruffled their hair and added, "In the meantime, finish your homework. I'll help if you need me."
The girls got out their books and began writing, while Grace quietly watched them. She made sure they were focused, safe, and comfortable.
As she looked at Felicity's small, serious face, Grace thought to herself:
You're my priority now. No one will hurt you here. Not Victoria, not David , not Isabelle, not anyone.
Grace sat quietly on the sofa, watching Felicity carefully as she worked on her homework. The little girl's small hands moved quickly over the page, and her focus made Grace's heart ache with love and longing.
I wish to tell her the truth, Grace thought, her eyes softening. I wish to tell her that I am her real mother… but I can't. Not yet. Not now. I have to wait… I have to make sure everything is okay first.
She leaned back slightly, letting a deep sigh escape. Her mind was full of plans and worries, but all she could see right now was her sweet girl Felicity.
Just a little longer, my little girl. One day, you'll know. One day, I'll tell you everything… and no one will ever hurt you again.
Grace reached out silently and gently brushed a strand of hair from Felicity's face, careful not to disturb her. The little girl looked up and smiled innocently, unaware of the storm of truths swirling around her.
Grace's heart both ached and strengthened. She had a mission now — to stay patient, stay hidden, and make sure Felicity was safe until the right moment came.
Night had settled over the house, and the children were fast asleep. Grace sat quietly on the sofa, her eyes wide open, watching the clock tick slowly. Victoria still hadn't returned.
Suddenly, the faint sound of a car engine echoed from outside. Grace's heart skipped a beat. She tiptoed to the window, peering through the curtains.
Her eyes widened in shock, and she instinctively covered her mouth with her hand to stifle a gasp.
She couldn't believe what she saw. Victoria was getting out of the car, and Chriss immediately went to her. They embraced tightly, their bodies close. Grace watched as they kissed passionately, lingering in the dark driveway. She hurried took her phone and record a scene. "This will be useful one day, she thought, a proof to reveal your dirty game Victoria"
Grace was still standing near the window, heart racing, when she heard the front door click open. She froze, holding her breath.
Victoria stepped inside, looking slightly tired but smiling as if nothing had happened. She scanned the living room and suddenly her eyes landed on Grace, who was quietly standing near the window.
"Oh… Grace," Victoria said slowly, her smile tightening just a little. "I didn't expect to see you here at this hour."
Grace's heart pounded. She kept her expression calm, though inside she was on high alert. "Good evening, ma'am," she replied politely.
Victoria took a slow step closer, her gaze sharp, almost calculating. "I thought you were supposed to be in your room… or did you forget something?"
Grace held her ground, her mind racing. She must not suspect anything. Not yet. I need to be careful.
"I just wanted to drink water , ma'am," Grace said softly, keeping her voice steady.
Victoria's smile didn't reach her eyes this time. She tilted her head slightly, observing Grace. "Hmm… drinking water ! I see . But… remember, Grace," she said, leaning just a little closer, "you're still a guest here. Everything in this house… belongs to me and my family."
Grace nodded, hiding her shock and anger. Inside, she whispered to herself:
I see you, Victoria. But I will protect my daughter. One way or another.