Temptation of my Father-in-Law

Chapter 5- Continental shift

The room erupted into applause and congratulations, but Grace felt like a stranger in a foreign land. Her marriage had already inextricably linked with the Kennedy family's business empire, and this new responsibility only added another layer of complexity to their already troubled relationship.

“The office in Europe is waiting for its new head and well Grayson, I am sure that you are up for the job?” It was a test, everybody knew and without a single thought, Grayson agreed eager to get his grandfather’s approval.

As the family members continued to chat and offer their well-wishes, Grace's thoughts were consumed by the impending move to Europe. Leaving behind her friends and her life in America was a daunting prospect and in the back of her mind, another person started to shadow her.

She had built a comfortable existence in the city, with cherished friendships and a career that had once held great promise. It was difficult to fathom the idea of leaving it all behind for the uncertainties of a new continent.

Grace turned to look at Grayson. This could be a blessing in disguise. They need a fresh start needed their relationship, but Grayson not discussing the move with her and just agreeing within a second made her a little uncomfortable. This is what her life was going to be like, wasn’t it? She asked this question to herself, all the way on the drive back home.

Grayson and Grace remained quiet. Grayson was thinking about his future and his newfound position in the company. Grace was about her future as Kennedy and now the first lady of a billion-dollar company.

“Grace- Grace!”

“Huh? Yea!” Grace was so lost in her thoughts that she hadn’t heard a word Grayson had said.

Grayson noticed the distant look in Grace's eyes and gently took her hand. "Grace, is everything okay? You seemed lost there for a second."

Grace sighed and turned to face him, a hint of uncertainty in her voice. "I've just been thinking, Grayson. With your new role in the company and this move, I can't help but wonder where I fit into all of this. I'm not sure what my role should be or if I can even balance it with everything else."

“I have already gotten the job offer here and I have accepted it. I would have appreciated a little heads up, that’s all.”

Grayson looked at Grace with a reassuring smile. "Grace, you are my partner on this journey, and I want you by my side every step of the way. Your intelligence, your insights, and your presence are invaluable to me and the company. You are my equal, and that hasn't changed."

Grace's doubts persisted. "I know you say that Grayson, but it's a whole different level of responsibility. I don't want to hold you back or hold myself back either."

They were in the penthouse building, and Grayson parked the car.

Grayson gently cupped Grace's face, his eyes filled with sincerity. "I am so sorry. In the excitement of this change, I completely forgot about it. Grace, this is our journey, and I want us to face it together."

“Don’t you think this move would be a great start for us? These changes took place because of our wedding, but I want us to own it and live our life on our turns away from all this wretched memory.”

Grace winced. Yes, there were wretched memories, but there were good parts as well. Her parents lived with her, she has spent all her life here and everything she has achieved has been here so far and there were those unique golden brown eyes that kept on making appearances among the list. Can she really deem all of them wretched and uproot her life?

"Grace, I know this is a big change, and I understand your reluctance," Grayson said as he sat beside her on the terrace of their home. "But we can look at it as an adventure, a fresh start for us."

Grace's eyes softened, and she leaned into his touch. "Thank you, Grayson. I guess I just needed to hear that from you."

Grayson kissed her forehead tenderly. "We got this!”

In the days that followed the announcement, Grace and Grayson found themselves discussing their move to Europe in more detail. Grayson was excited about the professional opportunity and the chance to prove himself within his family's business. He believed that the change could breathe new life into their marriage and that the European experience might be exactly what they needed.

His optimism and this newfound excitement were communicable. She felt excited and started to look forward to the move.

"Grace, I am so glad I am doing this with you. We'll have the chance to explore new cultures, travel, and experience like we always dreamed of in college." Grayson led Grace to the terrace of their home.

“Do you remember the scrapbook we made on one of our dates, all the places we listed, all the food we added we can try all of it? This is a sign, love.” Grace nodded her head.

As the days turned into weeks, Grace slowly began to come to terms with the idea of their move. The prospect of a new adventure started to seem less daunting, and she found herself looking forward to exploring Europe with Grayson.

She spent more time with her friends, cherishing each moment, and making plans to stay connected despite the distance. Their preparations for the move took shape, and Grace realized that she could embrace this change as an opportunity for growth and transformation.

The cafe was abuzz with activity as Grace, Olivia, and Alex sat around a small, familiar table. This has been their hangout place since college, and time and again they like to revisit it. The atmosphere was a blend of warmth and nostalgia, but an underlying sense of melancholy permeated their last meeting before Grace's departure to Europe.

Olivia, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, reached across the table to hold Grace's hand. "I can't believe you're leaving, Grace. It's going to be so strange without you."

Grace squeezed Olivia's hand and offered her a reassuring smile. "I don’t even how I will live there without you both."

Alex, who had always been the pragmatic one in their trio, chimed in. "We're going to miss you like crazy, Grace. But this is a fantastic opportunity for you, and I know you're going to do great in Europe."

Grace nodded, her voice tinged with gratitude. "Thanks, Alex. It's just... It's hard to say goodbye to the life I've known for so long. I don’t want to say goodbye to you both."

Olivia wiped away a tear and looked at Grace. "This is so not a goodbye. We'll make sure to stay connected, no matter how far you are. Video calls, messages, everything. We're not letting you go that easily."

The thought of staying in touch brought a small smile to Grace's face. "I promise I won't disappear on you guys. You're stuck with me, even if I'm an ocean away."

“Now that you are there, I think we will finally get the chance to see the wonder of Europe. So, where are you going to live?”

“Paris. Grayson has decided to move the office HQ from London to Paris.”

“Ah, the city of love….” Olivia said with a dreamy voice.

Their laughter filled the cafe, momentarily dispelling the heaviness in the air. As they chatted, they reminisced about their shared memories of New York, and Boston, the laughter, the heartaches, and all the adventures they had embarked on together.

Olivia leaned in, her expression becoming more serious. "You remember that road trip we took to the countryside, Grace?"

Grace's eyes sparkled with fond recollection. "Of course, how could I forget? That was one of the best trips we ever had."

Alex nodded a wistful smile on his face. "We were so young and carefree back then."

They began sharing stories of that memorable road trip, reliving the moments of spontaneity, the breathtaking landscapes, and the mishaps that had made it unforgettable.

As the conversation flowed, Grace knew that these memories would sustain her in the coming months. She was leaving behind a life that had meant everything to her, but the love and support of her friends would always be with her, no matter where she was.

After a while, their reminiscing led to a more somber topic. Olivia's eyes brimmed with tears as she voiced her fears. "What if we drift apart, Grace? What if the distance changes everything?"

Grace looked at her friend, her eyes filled with empathy. "Liv, we've been through so much together. I don't believe that distance can break what we have. We'll make an effort to stay connected, and we'll visit each other whenever we can."

Alex, always the voice of reason, added, "And we'll have new adventures to share. You can tell us all about Europe, and we'll live vicariously through you."

With the promises and excitement, Grace made her way home. She had already called HM publishers and they were more than happy to move her to the Paris branch but Grace knew it was more because of her last name now.

Grace found Grayson on a call when she reached home.

“Alright, alright Mom. I will call after I talk to Grace.” Grayson saw Grace walking in, “Wait, Mom, I will put you on speaker. Grace is here…” Grayson mouthed ‘it’s mom’ to her.

“Hey, Amelia.”

“Hey darling, how is everything going?”

“It’s good. How are you?”

“I am good too, honey. I called to invite you both to your going away party,” Amelia said excitedly. “We've decided that we must throw you and Grayson a grand farewell party. It's only fitting, considering the journey you're about to embark on!”

Grace was touched by Amelia's gesture. "Oh, Amelia that's so sweet of you. I appreciate it, but you don't have to go through all that trouble."

Amelia chuckled. "Nonsense, Grace. We want to send you off with love, great celebration, and best wishes." Grace looked up at Grayson who was waiting for her response. Amelia continued,

“and Dominic is in town, he has even agreed to have the party at his farmhouse.” With the mention of just one name, all the color drained from Grace’s face….