If this is life’s way of pranking me, then it is very cruel.

"It's okay," Grace's soft voice stopped Haines, making him look back at her. "You're a guest, so you don't have to take your plate to the sink."

"I don't think that's proper, considering my mischievous niece has already bothered you enough."

Her lips stretched into a smile. "It's a treat, not a bother at all."

"Grace, please stop this madness." This time, Haines spoke kindly. "Tell me—what can I do to put an end to this?"

"Stop… what?" A flicker of confusion glistened in her eyes as she tilted her head to the side.

"You know what."

"Well, if you're talking about my interest in you, then… nothing." Her smile widened. "Even if you beg, I'm afraid I have to decline your request to stop pursuing you."

"Men should pursue women, not the other way around."

"But I don't want to stay single for life just because the man I want refuses to pursue me."