Chapter 5: His Secret—Always My Simp

This was way better than any DoorDash order.

My stomach growled for real.

At the table, three dishes and a soup were already set out.

Carter is seriously impressive.

Seeing him in an apron, serving me rice, I felt a little dazed.

He looked so at home, like he’d always belonged here. For a moment, it was like Carter and I had been living together for years.

This meal was a whirlwind of emotions, especially when Carter picked out food and peeled shrimp for me with that deep affection in his eyes—I nearly dropped my fork.

Yeah, I chickened out.

I was about to say something when Carter suddenly got up, reached across the table, and gently wiped my lips with his long, fair fingers.

"Why are you like a kid, getting rice on your lips? All clean now."

His voice was low, warm, and it sent shivers down my spine.

I felt goosebumps rise on my arms.

Carter’s voice in my ear was so soft it made me shiver.

What a simp.

After dinner, Carter, ever the diligent simp, washed the dishes and even cut up fruit for me.

He even arranged the fruit into little hearts on the plate. Looking at the neatly arranged fruit skewers on the porcelain plate, my drama lost all its flavor.

All afternoon, Carter tidied my little apartment until it was spotless.

Not a single hair left on the floor.

Whoa.

I’ve truly awakened Carter’s inner simp potential.

Since that’s the case, I won’t be polite.

I sprawled out on the sofa and stretched my feet toward Carter. "My feet are cold, warm them for me."

He looked at me, eyebrow raised. "Did I do this often before?" Carter asked, his smile a little strange.

I lied with a straight face. "Yes."

As soon as I finished, Carter sat down without hesitation.

He lifted his shirt, and seeing his defined abs, I swallowed unconsciously. Then Carter took my feet and pressed them to his abs.

The heat made me instinctively want to pull away, but Carter held me still.

"Gracie, don’t move!" Carter’s voice was low and husky.

His tone left no room for argument.

I froze, my heart racing.

I didn’t dare move.

So I just let him hold my feet.

After a while, I couldn’t stay still anymore.

Carter’s big hand started tracing circles up my calves.

It was ticklish and tingly.

I had to move.

Otherwise, that hand...

"Carter, my feet aren’t cold anymore, let go."

I kept my voice steady, afraid Carter would pick up on something.

Carter let go, obedient as ever.

Simp Carter is too dangerous—my self-control is weak. Scary.

I needed to hug Biscuit for courage.

But as soon as I reached for Biscuit, he darted away.

When I turned around, Biscuit was already snuggling in Carter’s arms.

Are you kidding me?

Biscuit, just you wait—I refuse to believe I can’t win you over.

I groaned, flopping back on the bed.

Lying on the bed, staring at the ceiling, I didn’t even feel like scrolling through Instagram.

Carter was acting weird today. Are all amnesiacs like this?

Thinking and thinking, I got drowsy and didn’t even know when I fell asleep.

In a daze, I seemed to hear someone calling me, "Gracie."

Again and again.

Who?

Who’s calling my name so gently, so deeply?

I wanted to open my eyes, but they were heavy—I couldn’t open them at all.

Forget it. Maybe I’m dreaming.

But what a beautiful dream!

I drifted off with a smile.

In the morning, my phone’s vibration woke me up.

Eyes closed, I fumbled around as usual.

Wait.

My bed is soft.

But what I touched was hard—and especially springy when I squeezed it.

My eyes snapped open, confusion flooding in.

My sleepy brain cleared instantly.

Looking down, my hand was resting on a large patch of bare skin.

Ahhhh!

Who am I, where am I, what am I doing!

Must still be dreaming.

I closed my eyes again.

Then, a hoarse, deep "Gracie" sounded above my head.

I froze, then a wave of anger surged.

Carter actually took advantage of me sleeping, came into my room, and slept in my bed.

I flung off the covers and pointed at Carter, righteously indignant.

"Carter, I brought you home to help you recover your memory, but you actually took advantage of me. You—you villain!"

Carter frowned, looking wronged.

"Gracie, look closely—whose room is this?"

Uh...

I instinctively glanced around. Guest room?!

"Gracie, last night, you came into my room, didn’t say a word, just crawled into bed and snuggled into my arms. I was startled, called your name a few times, but you didn’t respond. I thought you were sleepwalking, so I didn’t dare disturb you."

His voice was soft, almost apologetic. I stared at him, mortified.

That kind of pouncing—I... only do it in dreams.

My gaze accidentally landed on Carter’s chest.

My face heated up.

No time to argue, I bolted out of the room.

Naturally, I didn’t see the smile overflowing in Carter’s eyes behind me.

Back in my room, I leaned against the door, racking my brains but still couldn’t figure it out.

My mom never said I sleepwalked.

While washing up, the scene from this morning kept replaying in my mind.

Carter holding me, my head on his arm, my hand on his waist...

I wasn’t disgusted by that kind of intimacy at all.

On the contrary, I even felt... secretly happy?

Ugh.

Lust clouds the mind!

Just as I came out of the bathroom, I sensed something off in the house.

Looking out—

Whoa.

Sure enough.

Bestie Mariah was standing at the door, her round face looking exactly like the wide-eyed shocked emoji.

And Carter was squatting, cleaning up after Biscuit.

"You..."

Seeing bestie about to speak, I rushed over and covered her mouth.

"This is my bestie, Mariah."

"This is my simp, Carter."

I gave her a look, daring her to say anything.

The atmosphere didn’t get any better after my introduction.

Bestie Mariah quieted down.

But seeing her gossipy eyes darting between me and Carter, I was afraid she’d say something crazy, so I quickly dragged her to my room.

Once inside, Mariah looked at me excitedly. "Wow, Gracie, your childhood friend is really handsome. Tell me, how did you make him your simp? Did you take advantage of him?"

She waggled her brows, and I rolled my eyes. I couldn’t believe her.

Bestie, get a grip.

How can you suspect your sister just because of a man’s looks?

Though, he is a bit too handsome.

"Sis, you’re amazing—keeping the good stuff in the family. Now you have the cat and the man."

She grinned, and I groaned. Seriously?

Man?

Where?

Carter?

I shuddered.

"Don’t talk nonsense. There’s nothing between us—I’m only interested in Biscuit." I denied it forcefully.

Mariah grinned openly. "Really? Come on, what’s up with him? How did you two end up living together, how far have you gotten? Held hands? Kissed? Did you wear the headband I gave you?"

I groaned. Please, no.

I took a deep breath.

Heh.

Almost forgot to "thank" her.

I shot her a look of warning.

The wailing in the room only stopped when there was a knock at the door.

Mariah was pinned against the wall by me, teary-eyed, her round face even redder.

I couldn’t help but smirk.

I did that.

I opened the door, and there was Carter, holding a plate of fruit.

"Gracie, I cut some fruit for you."

Carter looked at me dotingly.

But I wasn’t buying it.

Taking the plate, Carter reached out and gently tucked a stray lock of hair behind my ear.

His fingers lingered for a second, sending a shiver down my spine. "If you need anything, just call me. I’ll be in the living room, okay?"

"...Okay."

After the door closed, bestie came over, grabbed a grape, and teased, "Gracie Miller, if you and Carter haven’t hooked up, I’ll eat my hat."

I snorted. Yeah, right.

Better not.

Too bloody—I can’t handle it.

Seeing me silent, bestie got even more excited. As soon as she opened her mouth, I hurried her out.

She said,

"I’ve been through this—I can definitely give you tactical guidance."

Carter in the living room saw us pushing and shoving, was about to come over, but I quickly kicked her out and changed the door code.

Looking back, I saw Carter’s surprised face.

"Her boyfriend called, she had to rush home."

Carter smiled, that unreadable smile again.

Thinking of what bestie said, I looked at Carter and felt a little conflicted.

Me and Carter? No way.

No no no.

I shook my head, tossing out that dangerous thought.

Not to mention I’m tricking him right now, and when he gets his memory back, he’ll go back to being his old, cold self.

Just then, my phone rang. Still dazed, I unlocked it, and bestie’s voice blasted through the house.

"Ah, Gracie, I forgot to say, the headband I gave you is super pink—wear it and you’ll be a total heartbreaker. Just saying..."

My cheeks burned. Mortifying.

I hurried to hang up, but the more anxious I got, the slower I moved.

"When the time comes, just wear that and pounce on Carter. As long as he’s straight, he won’t be able to resist."

My jaw dropped. Unbelievable.

Bestie’s voice stopped abruptly.

I froze, blood rushing to my head.

If I go out now to chase her, maybe it’s not too late.

Carter didn’t give me the chance. He stopped me, looking at me with sparkling eyes. "Gracie, so our relationship is already that close?"

"No..."

Before I could finish, Carter’s finger pressed against my lips.

His touch was gentle, but his eyes were full of fire. "Gracie, from now on, leave the pouncing to me."

I stared at him, speechless. Completely at a loss.

Heh.

Mariah, I’m going to kill you!

I muttered under my breath, fuming.

At noon, Carter cooked again while I worked in the study.

Biscuit, who’d only spent one night at my place, was already wandering into my study, sometimes rolling over belly-up at my feet.

Just seeing Biscuit’s squinty eyes made me so happy.

After finishing my emails, I stretched and heard noise from the living room.

At some point, several men in suits were standing in my not-so-big living room.

I just stared. Wait, what?

They looked like they were reporting to Carter, each holding documents.

When I came out, Carter signaled to them with his eyes.

In no time, the living room was quiet again.

I was confused.

Isn’t Carter amnesiac?

"Who are they?"

"Company employees, delivering documents."

"You remember them?"

Carter looked at me matter-of-factly. "After sleeping with you last night, I remembered some company stuff this morning. Gracie, your method works—being with you, I’ll definitely recover soon."

His words were casual, but there was a teasing glint in his eyes.

I blinked, my mind whirling.

That sounds both right and wrong.

I wanted to ask more, but Carter took my hand, his thumb rubbing my palm. "Gracie, it’s so good to have you."

I felt dizzy.

Something felt off, but Carter didn’t give me a chance to think. He handed me a box of desserts.

"You worked all afternoon, you must be hungry. This original cheesecake is fresh—try it."

He even handed me a fork, smiling like he was the world’s best boyfriend.

I stared at him, lost for words.

Ugh. Seriously.

It’s great having Carter.

So tasty!

Night fell quietly.

When I returned to my room, Carter was sitting on my bed.

"Gracie, I warmed up the bed for you. Your feet won’t be cold."

He patted the comforter, looking so sincere I almost laughed.

I just shook my head, amused.

My feet are always cold. When I was little, my dad was like a human hot water bottle—always warming the bed before letting me in.

Carter...

While I was zoning out, Carter got off the bed. Watching his tall figure walk toward me, my heart started racing.

"Gracie, good night!"

Carter ruffled my hair, then left, thoughtfully closing the door behind him.

Whoa.

I’d prepared a thousand countermeasures for Carter trying to sleep in my room.

But this?

Nothing at all.

Just sleep!

Lying in bed, I tossed and turned.

Actually, Carter isn’t so bad. Maybe I hated him as a kid just because I always got scolded for not being as good as him?

Maybe bestie is right—I hated Carter mostly out of jealousy?

If I could win over this childhood rival, then my mom... Just imagine. Thinking that, I closed my eyes.

That night, I seemed to dream again.

In the dream, my mom happily announced that I was the pride of the family for bringing home such a great guy!

I smiled in my sleep, feeling oddly content.

In the morning, glaring sunlight shone in. I groggily opened my eyes and saw someone sitting by my bed, smiling at me.

I closed my eyes and turned over, ready to keep sleeping.

But the next second, I shot up, fully awake.

It was really my mom!

I was dumbfounded.

What’s going on?

"Hurry up and get ready."

My mom patted my shoulder and left.

Leaving me alone in the room, questioning reality.

I got ready as fast as I could, then dashed out.

Sure enough.

On the living room sofa, my mom and Carter’s mom were chatting happily.

"Gracie’s up, come here to Aunt Linda."

Carter’s mom always liked me when I was little, often inviting me over and saying she wished she had a daughter like me.

"Hello, Aunt Linda."

I walked over in a daze and let her hold my hand.

But my eyes searched for Carter.

Where did he go?

"Mom, Aunt Linda, how did you come together?" I tried to act calm.

"Yeah, I haven’t seen Carter in a long time."

My voice was a little shaky, but I hoped they didn’t notice.

"He’s been mysterious lately. Last time he came home, he said he’s chasing a girl and will bring her home soon."

Carter’s mom couldn’t hide her smile.

My heart dropped.

"Really? Congratulations, you’ll have a daughter-in-law soon. Remember when we went to St. Jude’s Church together to pray for love? You got results so quickly, but me..."

My mom looked at me and shook her head in disappointment.

Oof.

I felt so wronged.

Did St. Jude really forget me?

Carter’s mom looked at me and smiled. No wonder they’re mother and son—even their smiles are equally mysterious.

"No, I have to go pray again—this time I’ll bring back a St. Jude statue."

My mom, in a hurry, dragged Carter’s mom away.

I was left bewildered in the living room.

Carter’s mom’s words echoed in my mind.

Carter already likes a girl, is chasing her, and is about to succeed?!

But because of an accident, he lost his memory, got tricked into coming home by me, and is now cleaning, cooking, and warming my feet.

Maybe sensing my mood, Biscuit jumped into my arms and snuggled in.

"Biscuit, is it because you smell Carter on me, so you treat me as one of your own and want to get close?"

I scratched his chin, and he purred.

He meowed.

"Then stay with me from now on, okay? I’ll love you and never get a second cat."

He meowed again.

Oof.

Why does it hurt so much?

I want to run away from home with Biscuit.

I’d just changed my shoes when the door opened.

Carter walked in, sleeves rolled up, showing off those fair wrists and sexy veins.

I won’t look.

No looking, no thinking.

"Gracie, why are you up so early? Don’t you love sleeping in?"

How does Carter know I love to sleep in?

Before I could speak, Carter looked down at me. "Heading out?"

Wait, this is my house—why should I leave?

I got bold, hugged Biscuit, and pointed at Carter. "Ten minutes to pack your stuff and go."

Carter frowned. "Gracie, are you trying to run away as soon as you get up? Hmm?"

Carter pressed in, trapping me in the foyer.

Biscuit, sensing danger, jumped out of my arms and ran.

"Don’t talk nonsense."

I just want to set things right—let everything go back to normal. The girl he likes is still waiting for him.

I lowered my eyes, hiding my disappointment.

"Nonsense? When your feet are cold, I warm them. When the bed’s cold, I warm it. Gracie, are you trying to back out, hmm?"

His voice was teasing, but there was something serious in his eyes.

"I..."

"Hey, Gracie Miller, if you dare abandon Carter, I’ll twist your ears off and hand them to your dad."

My mom’s voice rang out from the hallway, sharp as ever. I cringed.

I looked up and saw both moms standing by the elevator.

It’s over!

My mind felt like mush—dizzy and blank.

I wanted to explain, but my mom didn’t give me a chance.

She pulled Carter’s mom and affectionately dragged Carter inside, leaving me—the real daughter—standing in the cold hallway.

"Carter, don’t worry. Since you and Gracie are so close, Auntie will always look out for you."

"Mom!" I tried to interrupt her wishful thinking.

But my mom didn’t even look at me.

Carter, though, looked at me, then slowly and seriously said, "Auntie, you decide."

His eyes met mine, and there was a promise there I didn’t understand.

I swallowed hard, feeling trapped.

My mom immediately called my dad.

In less than half an hour, my little living room was packed with both sets of parents.

Carter and I stood opposite the four of them, listening as they happily discussed wedding plans.

I couldn’t get a word in.

Carter’s mom, aren’t you forgetting something?

I had no choice—I tugged on Carter’s sleeve.

I was going to confess everything.

Carter leaned down, a smile in his eyes, his voice low and gentle. "Pumpkin, don’t worry, I’m here."

I almost cursed out loud.

All four parents looked at me, especially my mom—her stare was sharp.

I shivered and lowered my head.

Oof.

No one understands me.

When I was little, my dad really wanted a daughter. When I finally arrived, he was so excited he named me Gracie Pumpkin—

Meaning, his little treasure.

Whoa.

Who can understand the pain of a cute, pink little girl being chased around and called "Pumpkin, Pumpkin"?

When I got older, I cried and begged my dad to change my name at the courthouse.

That’s how I got the nice name "Gracie Miller."

I’m Gracie Miller, not some silly cutie.

No wonder Carter felt off—turns out he never lost his memory.

Bestie Mariah’s info was wrong. That pig only knows how to eat, sleep, and bug her boyfriend, Tyler.

While I was mentally roasting her, my hand was suddenly grabbed.

Carter knelt on one knee, took out a delicate velvet box, and opened it.

Whoa.

So shiny!

"Gracie, I love you!

"If you ask me when this love started, maybe it was when you first learned to walk, wobbling toward me, or when you held my hand, smiled, and gave me your favorite candy, saying it was sweet.

"I’ve always waited for you to grow up. Even though there were ups and downs, my love for you never faded.

"Gracie, marry me.

"Then Biscuit will be our joint property as a couple. Not just Biscuit—I’ll be yours too!"

His words made the whole room go quiet. I could hear my own heartbeat.

I stared, tears threatening.

Oof.

My eyes blurred with tears. Carter is too good at this.

Cat seduction, he pulled out all the stops.

Who could resist?

Honestly.

With our parents as witnesses, Carter put the ring—symbolizing promise and eternity—on my finger.

That afternoon, both families urged us to get our marriage certificate.

Looking at the date on the certificate, I realized it was my birthday according to my grandma’s old calendar.

Excited, I hugged Carter and kissed him.

Then...

Carter sped home, and as soon as we got in, a flurry of passionate kisses rained down.

The foyer became our battlefield.

Between breaths, I pressed against him, "Carter, not here..."

"Call me what?"

"Husband!"

Carter smiled, seductive, his eyes deep and fiery.

God, he’s so...

So shy!

---

Carter’s extra:

I don’t know when it started, but Gracie Miller became more and more distant, even avoiding me.

When she was little, she loved grabbing my sleeve, calling me Carter.

She’d comfort me when I was down, tilting up her pink face, smiling and putting her favorite candy in my hand.

Girls really change when they grow up, even their hearts.

Heh.

How could I let that happen!

Any guy who showed interest in Gracie was immediately shut down by me.

So Gracie Miller stayed single for twenty-three years.

As for me, a few years longer.

But that’s okay. For the rest of our lives, I’ll make up for her years of being single with all my love.

After graduation, once my company stabilized, I started planning to win her over and bring her home.

Gracie’s cousin-in-law is my college buddy. At his wedding, I asked him to tell his love story, especially about the two cats.

I know my mother-in-law best.

Sure enough, Gracie was forced by her mom to buy a pet.

She’s lazy, so the pet shop near her place was as far as she’d go.

I told the owner, no matter which cat Gracie liked, I’d pay double.

Later, Gracie picked Biscuit. Seeing the way she looked at Biscuit, I even felt jealous.

Heh.

I’m not even as good as a cat.

Gracie’s bestie’s boyfriend, Tyler, is my roommate. I had him leak the news about my accident and amnesia to his girlfriend.

Gracie came.

As expected of the wife I picked—so bold, seriously saying I’m her simp.

Yes.

Since childhood, I’ve always been Gracie’s simp.

Even if I have to be one for life, I’m happy to do it!

Gracie Miller, I love you—far more than you can imagine!