I Was Her Stand-In for Four Years.

This time, Peter was completely caught off guard. He had brought up the topic of the marriage arrangement several times before, but this was the first time she had agreed so quickly.

"Grace, are you sure you won’t regret this?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

"Well, I’m actually here on business for a few days, but I’ll be heading back to Eldara City in a week. You can come with me then," she replied, her voice soft.

"By the way, when are you free? We should go over the engagement details."

Peter spoke quickly, as if he feared she might change her mind. After all, he had mentioned several times how perfect the marriage candidate his family had chosen for her was.

Grace’s mind was still in a fog. She muttered a quick "good" and hung up the phone.

Exhausted, she collapsed onto the bed and drifted into a deep, heavy sleep.

When Robert returned, it was already the next day.

He entered quietly and gently helped her take off her shoes, his voice full of tenderness and concern—nothing like the coldness from the night before at the club.

"You’re this tired? Not even taking off your shoes? Why didn’t you come to the gathering last night?"

Grace sat up, subtly pulling her foot back. "I wasn’t feeling well, so I didn’t go."

When his gaze fell on the bruise on her face, Robert’s expression shifted immediately.

"Your face..."

His worry was clear, and even his usually well-groomed brows furrowed in genuine concern.

He hurried to lift her up. "You have a blood clotting disorder. It’ll take longer to heal. Come on, let me take you to the hospital."

Despite Grace’s resistance and her insistence that her wounds had already been treated, he wouldn’t hear it.

"No, we need to see an overseas specialist. Don’t worry, I won’t let any scars stay on your face."

He didn’t seem to notice her swollen eyes, nor the hoarseness in her voice. He didn’t see the broken heart she was trying so hard to hide.

He only cared about her face. As expected.

On the way to the hospital, Grace dozed off in the passenger seat, but then suddenly lurched forward.

She frowned slightly, looking at Robert, who had just slammed on the brakes.

He was shaking as he held the phone, his voice trembling with excitement, but the joy in his eyes couldn’t be hidden.

"You’re back? When did you get here? That’s great—I’ll come right away."

He turned to Grace, forcing a smile. "Sorry, Grace. Something urgent came up. I’ve already arranged for the expert, so go to the hospital first, and I’ll come pick you up later."

Grace had clearly seen the name on the phone screen: Evelyn.

The dust kicked up by the car seemed to sting her eyes, but why did it also make her nose feel so sore?

She wiped her eyes dry, turned away, and hailed a taxi.

At the hotel, Peter noticed the dark bruise under Grace’s eyes and the injury on her cheek, his face hardening with concern.

"Tell me, who did this to you?"

When no one was around, Grace could hold back her tears, but in front of her family’s worried gaze, all her frustrations came flooding out.

She leaned gently into Peter’s embrace, but still hesitated, not wanting to worry him too much.

"I just accidentally bumped into something. I’m fine… just missing home."

Peter didn’t press her further, only sighing, his tone one of helpless affection.

"At your age, still acting like a little girl. You’ll be home in a few days. Take care of the business here, and get ready to be a bride."

"Trust me, the guy I’ve picked for you is perfect. He’s definitely someone who deserves my little sister."

"Okay."