Chapter 2. A Glimpse of You

[2018, June]

"It's time to move on, Grace. How many years has this been?”

Grace glanced briefly at Nita, her closest office mate, as she cleared up the papers on her desk. "Don't start," she cut her off, not wanting to get more stressed after having a long day.

However, Nita didn't seem to want to stop yet. She continued, "Well, you've been waiting for the guy who's been ghosting you for years. We met four years ago, right, but he's already gone. In fact, you told me that a year after you guys were separated, the communication stopped. That being said, I can say that he already has a life there, and wants to forget you. So don't expect him to come back." Nita expressed her opinion at length, feeling anxious to see her friend doing something unreasonable.

"Are you done with work? For the past few days, you've been working overtime because you don't finish your work in time. So, mind your own businesses,” snapped Grace, not wanting to discuss the subject. She knew she was a little to harsh, but she couldn't help it. After all, she already warned her not to continue this discussion but she ignored it.

Nita sighed, feeling annoyed. "You're already like a sister to me, Grace. So, sorry if I'm such a pain in the neck. But this is for your own good," she uttered, defending herself. "Instead of you struggling with that guy, what’s his name again? Evan? Well, you’d be better off with Mario. You two are already close. He also cares about you. Just say yes to him. Live happily. You deserve to be happy."

Grace's desk looked neat. She was ready to leave the office, given that work hours were almost over. It was her habit to finish work on time so she wouldn't be late for home. Her mom needed her help.

“What else do you expect from Mario? He's a manager here, Grace. Your life with him will be definitely settled. I have looked into him so I know that he's the perfect husband material. You know what? If I weren't engaged, I'd definitely grab this opportunity you're wasting." Nita was still talking, trying to shake her friend's strong stance.

Grace turned her chair to face the medium-length-haired woman. "Have you finished lecturing me?" She said a little more sarcastically again. Her ears were itching to hear those words.

Feeling ignored but not offended, Nita touched Grace's arm and said, "I will try my best to make you happy to repay your great kindness in my life, Grace."

Ever since Grace helped Nita out with some financial issues when her dad was hospitalized, she felt indebted to her. In fact, she was the only one who was there for her even when all of her relatives refused to give her a helping hand. Hence she was committed to repaying her kindness.   

"Pay it forward. I didn't help you just to expect something in return." Grace refused Nita's help to matchmake her with Mario. “And please take note of this. I don't like rich men."

This time Nita was silenced. Being close to this bull-headed girl made her know when to stop talking. Grace's last statement signified her seriousness. The keyword was 'rich men' which referred to her dad.

Grace's phone alarm went off in vibrate mode, letting her know that office hour was over. Grace got up from her chair and said goodbye to Nita. She walked toward the elevator, leaving her work area. Though she regretted being too hard on her and knew she actually meant well, she was not in the mood to return and apologize.

The sun was still shining, golden hues adorned the western sky. As soon as she walked out through the lobby of this famous Bali hotel, Grace's face was sun-kissed and the breeze blew her long brown hair to the side. If only there was a professional photographer around, surely this would make the perfect pose.

The problem was that reality didn't always meet expectations or fantasies. Blinded by the sun, Grace's right foot went too wide and landed on the next two steps at once. Unaware of this situation, her body swayed right away.

"Ah!" Grace exclaimed, resigned to finally kissing the ground. She didn't even have the chance to protect her body with her hands.

Fortunately, luck was on her side. A pair of strong arms caught her in a warm embrace, saving her from any pain and embarrassment that might befall her.

Due to the sunlight, the face of the man who was helping her was faintly visible. But then he asked, "Miss, are you alright?"

Still not fully aware of what had happened, Grace nodded. She seemed to need a while to recover from the 'almost' fall.

The man straightened the sloppy girl's body back into position. Without saying a word, he turned and left as though in a hurry.

"Thank you!" Grace exclaimed as soon as she realized she hadn't said it yet. Not once in her life did she ever forget to say thanks after receiving any help, no matter how small it was. It was all thanks to Evan. 

Still walking forward, the man half-raised his hand to the side of his head, showing Grace a thumbs up.

With eyes not leaving the man's figure, Grace learned his attractive physical features from behind. He was tall and quite bulky as far as she could see. His hair was like Liam Hemsworth's when he went to the 2019 Met Gala. He might be good-looking. It was only normal when any girl would have a crush on him at the first meeting.

"What am I thinking?" Grace shook her head, brushing off her idea about him. But then a flash of memory, when she was saved by the man, popped out. "Ooh, it was strangely similar to a Korean drama scene, wasn't it? Nah. I might've watched too many dramas." Grace said to herself shaking her head. "Never mind. Forget it. Mom is waiting for me at home."