Chapter 83

When Elena brought up marriage, I froze for a moment. Marriage? My instinctive response was to glance at Rose. Her smile, so warm just moments ago, had faded slightly. Was it because Elena's question was too abrupt? Or was there some other reason? Rose didn't address the question directly. Instead, she shot Elena a subtle look before turning her attention to me. "Gracie, where are you from? Do your parents know you're with Tom?" Ah, this was her way of asking about my family background. Quickly composing myself, I replied evenly, "I'm from Fuvine. My parents have both passed away, but I have an older brother…" "You poor child. What a hard life you've had," she said softly, her eyes brimming with what seemed like genuine sympathy. Then, without missing a beat, she turned to Tom. "Tom, you'd better treat Gracie well from now on. No bullying her." "Me? Bully her?" He gave my hand a quick squeeze and smirked. "I'd be lucky if she didn't bully me." I immediately lowered my gaze, p