Chapter 3 - The Reality of Astoria
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The armored SUV glided to a halt in front of a crumbling brick apartment building in Astoria, Queens. The contrast between Ethan’s world and Grace’s reality was stark, illuminated only by a flickering orange streetlamp.
"You don't have to walk me to the door, Marcus," Grace said, clutching the oversized suit jacket Ethan had draped over her shivering shoulders.
"Mr. Whitfield's orders, ma'am," Marcus replied stoically, opening his umbrella to shield her from the freezing drizzle.
Ethan rolled his window down, the cold rain misting against his sharp cheekbones.
"I will have someone from legal contact you tomorrow morning, Grace. Just to ensure Vanessa’s family doesn't try anything foolish. Get some rest."
"Goodnight, Ethan," she said, the name still feeling strange and heavy on her tongue.
She climbed the three flights of narrow, poorly lit stairs. The moment she unlocked her apartment door, the stale smell of damp plaster and cheap heating hit her. It was a tiny, one-bedroom unit, but it was safe.
"Mom?" a small, raspy voice called out from the darkness.
Grace dropped her keys and rushed into the bedroom. Eight-year-old Micah was sitting up in his narrow bed, clutching his inhaler. His breathing was shallow, a wheezing sound rattling in his chest.
"I'm here, baby," Grace whispered, immediately sitting beside him and rubbing his back. "Take a slow puff. Deep breath in."
She guided him through the asthma protocol, her heart breaking as she looked at the peeling wallpaper behind his bed. The medical bills were drowning them. She had taken the extra shift at the gala tonight specifically to pay for his next round of corticosteroids.
"You look pretty," Micah wheezed, his breathing finally steadying. He touched the sequined fabric of the borrowed dress. "Like a princess."
"Princesses don't ride the subway, sweetie," Grace chuckled softly, kissing his warm forehead. "Go to sleep. Mommy is right here."
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After Micah drifted off, Grace sat at the tiny kitchen table in the dark. She pulled out her phone. Her screen was illuminated with dozens of notifications. A video of her catching Vanessa's wrist was already trending on Twitter.
She put her head in her hands. She had stood up to a billionaire's fiancée. Tomorrow, the rich and powerful Cole family would undoubtedly crush her like an insect.
