Chapter 142: Collapse

Chapter 142: Collapse           "...What? Why not?" Keegan's voice cracked under the weight of disbelief. His brow furrowed, eyes wide with hurt. "Grace, what do you mean no?"   Grace slowly stood from her chair, steadying herself against the armrest before walking a few steps away. Her bare feet padded softly against the floor as she wrapped her arms around herself and turned to face him.   "Why are you suddenly asking me this?" she asked in a trembling and fragile voice.  "Can't you see what's happening to me right now?"   Keegan stepped forward instinctively, as if drawn by her pain. "Yes, I see exactly what's happening. That's why I'm asking," he said. "Because I don't want to wait another second. Because if I don't ask you now, I'll go crazy knowing that I could've—"   "You could've what?" she snapped, her voice rising just a little. "Made yourself feel better? Given yourself peace of mind that you married the dying woman before it was too late?"   He flinched. "Don't say that," h