In A Different Time

Chapter 30

James Ryder POV

We got back home from Boston today. I said goodbye to coach as he came early in the morning at Dotty's house to see us off. I promised to him I would come back and visit him soon. I also promised Keith to come back and play football with him when Grace and I came to visit my father's house. I smiled at the memory when Grace told me the only person she likes is Keith. I kept an eye on Brandon and I controlled myself not to punch him the way he was watching her. I never let her be alone with him and it also looks like she doesn't want to be near him which is good. Grace is mine and if I have to hurt my brother to leave her alone so be it.

The moment I saw Grace in that white dress I knew she's the one for me. I could picture her walking down the aisle towards me. I could see my future with her and there's nothing more I want in life. All I need and want is her. The moment her beautiful caramel brown eyes connected with mine I was already in love with her. It took me a while to realize my feelings for her. I questioned myself if it was possible to fall in love with someone so quickly. I never believed in love at first sight but Grace changed that. Being with her felt right like we are meant for each other. It's nothing like the relationship I have with Lucy.

My relationship with Lucy was arranged by Judy. Martin reluctantly agreed with it because it will be good at promoting our movie and the idea of two actors falling in love in real life was even better. I never much cared about the arrangement back then. She's a beautiful woman and all men admire her. Who wouldn't want to be with her? Our connection is rooted in physical attraction and both of us help each other's needs in that area but nothing more beyond that. She never really cared and loved me but a small part of me wished she was. I wanted us to have something more but all she really wanted was the benefits she receives from being with me. The sad part is I held on to that thinking it's better this way than having nothing at all. But now I know I was wrong because Grace showed me how to value myself.

It's hard to be open and vulnerable with other people, especially not knowing if you can trust them and if they won't judge you. Before, I reminded myself of my father's words to me as a kid about being a man. He taught me to toughen up because a man never shows weakness.

"Be a man, don't be soft. You're not your mother." he would always say and go back reading the newspaper while my mom remained silent and brushed away a tear on her cheek. Be the leader of the household and the wife has to obey the man of the house. I didn't like how he treated my mother and he would always scold her whenever she wanted to communicate how she feels. It sickens me how he treats her and what's worse he left her heartbroken after leaving us with a younger woman. She doesn't deserve it. After my mother's funeral, I made a promise to her and to myself I would never be like him. I would respect women and vowed to be loyal, honest and faithful to the woman I love. Even if my relationship with Lucy is superficial, I remained true to my word. I never cheated on her. But now I have fallen in love with Grace, it's only best for me to end our relationship. I have to fix this arrangement before I can be with her. There will be a lot of difficulties especially with Judy but I hope Martin can help me with this and I also hope he would accept to end my relationship with Lucy. That's why I woke up early in the morning driving on my way to Martin's house.

I left home while George and Grace were still asleep. Before I stepped out, I went to her room and softly kissed her cheek. The sunlight illuminated her, casting a gentle radiant glow.

My Angel.

"So beautiful." I whispered to myself. I'm excited for the day where the first thing I see in the morning is her beautiful face. Lightly caressing her cheek, I reluctantly left the room. This is for me and her and I made it my motivation. I will do anything to be with her.