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Chapter 3 A good girl never lies

When she was a student, Grace often used small toys when she was restless during late-night studying.

The greater the psychological pressure, the higher the frequency of using small toys.

She couldn't bear the anxiety caused by the pressure, so she temporarily immersed herself in a climax as a way to divert her attention.

Caesar said, "Good job."

In Grace's mind, it became "good girl".

She wanted to be someone's good girl, to be recognized and praised.

Using the excuse of going to the bathroom to escape the battlefield, Grace stood in front of the mirror.

Her black wavy hair cascaded down her back, and her slim waist was accentuated by the tight sweater.

Can she become friends with benefits with Caesar?

Would he disapprove of an office romance?

No, maybe he doesn't even think highly of her.

He wouldn't think highly of her.

Negative emotions overwhelmed Grace, and she felt weak and immediately wanted to lie on the floor.

Sara suggested she see a psychologist.

"I will consider it," Grace said.

Leaving the bathroom, Grace's phone vibrated in her hand.

It was a reminder she set: 8 o'clock.

She saw James replying to emails with his computer, while Caesar was still using his phone.

There shouldn't be anything else she needed to do before the plane arrived in Monaco.

Grace sat back in her seat, making sure James and Caesar were within her line of sight.

The phone vibrated again, it was C.

C: Do you have time to talk now?

Grace glanced at Caesar who was still engrossed in his phone, feeling somewhat relieved.

Grace: Yes.

C: Let me confirm with you again, you're looking for a Dom, right?

Grace: Yes.

C: Can you tell me why, if it's convenient?

Grace paused for a moment, for her, the reason was actually quite simple.

Almost unconsciously, her gaze turned to Caesar.

She needed someone to command her when she couldn't breathe: Breathe, Grace.

Grace: I want to find a Dom.

C: This is not the answer to my question.

Grace: I want someone to tell me... Grace typed out the word "Breathe" but quickly deleted it.

Grace: I want approval from a dominantDom.

There were a few seconds of silence after the message was sent. Grace clenched her lips tightly, and finally, a response came from the other side.

C: You're under a lot of pressure right now, aren't you?

Grace was taken abacksurprised, but she quickly suppressed her surprise and asked, "Why do you say that?"

C: It's the second time you haven't properly answered my question.

Grace could almost imagine his tone. It wasn't that she didn't want to answer his question properly, but complete honesty wasn't an easy thing for her at this early stage of getting to know each other. Self-defense was almost instinctual.

Grace: I'm sorry, I'm under a lot of pressure right now.

C: No need to apologize, we're just getting to know each other. Inappropriateness isn't your fault.

Grace: Do you think we're incompatible?

C: It's because you're too guarded around me.

Grace admitted that she had experienced failed dominantDoms in the past, so she had some level of guard up against these online individuals. But he was recommended by Sara.

Grace: Should I let my guard down completely?

C: When chatting without involving any personal information, bank accounts, real photos, or videos, you can be less cautious.

Grace lowered her head, silently curling up the corners of her mouth.

Grace: I'm under a lot of pressure, so I want to find a dominantDom.

C: Understood, you want someone to share some of your pressures and tell you what to do.

Grace: Yes.

C: What expectations do you have of him?

Grace: Stronger than me.

Grace only replied with those four words. There was a moment of silence from the other side.

C: You can ask me all the questions you want to ask first.

Grace's heartbeat accelerated unknowingly. She didn't know if this meant he thought he met her criteria. But after contemplating for a while, she typed out a row of words.

Grace: Do you have a partner? I don't train with people who have partners. If we're going to meet offline, I would like to have a complete medical report, and of course, I will have one too. Lastly, if we meet, I hope you can provide a clean criminal record certificate.

Grace's palms became sweaty, and after sending the message, she realized that she unconsciously used "Sir". Her heart kept contracting as she waited for a response, raising her head to look at Caesar.

He was bowing his head, typing on his phone. C's response came quickly.

C: 1. I don't have a partner. 2. I don't engage in offline training. 3. I will provide you with a clean criminal record certificate. 4. I like that you used "Sir".

Upon seeing the last sentence, Grace couldn't help but let out a low hum from her nose. Her body felt electrified. The few sentences on the electronic screen could elicit such a strong physiological reaction from her. But he said he doesn't accept offline training.

Grace feels a slight sense of disappointment in her heart, but she also feels that maybe not meeting in person can preserve the beautification that distance creates.

After all, nNot everyone is like Caesar. If she were to meet him and discover that he looks exceptionally ugly, Grace can't guarantee that she wouldn't run away.

Grace's gaze unconsciously falls on Caesar. She knows her underwear is wet.

C: Now I'll ask you a few questions.

Grace: Okay.

C: 1. Are you in a relationship? 2. Are you an adult? 3. Are you studying or working? 4. Do you live independently or with others?

Grace mimics his responses: 1. No. 2. Yes, I'm an adult. 3. I work. 4. I live with others.

C: Okay, do you accept online training through video and phone?

Grace: Yes, I do.

C: Do you accept the use of tools?

Grace: Yes, I do.

Grace's mood is starting to become hopeful, but in the next second, C's message continues to come.

C: Today's understanding is enough. Next time, I'd like to hear about your stress. You can set the time.

It's like the climax came to a sudden halt. Grace checks the time and realizes that the agreed-upon fifteen minutes haven't passed yet.

Grace: You said fifteen minutes, and there are still three minutes left.

She sends the message, but there is no immediate response from the other side. Grace feels like a rapidly melting pool of ice, suddenly devoid of life. He might be angry at her for being so calculative.

"Just kidding." She just typed those three words, but a message comes from the other side.

C: Sorry, it's my fault. In that case, let me tell you about things we might need in the future.

Grace quickly deletes "just kidding" and types: Go ahead.

C: Anytime you send me photos or videos, don't show your face. Choose a background with no distinctive features, like a plain white wall, and don't wear clothes with obvious characteristics.

Grace: Why?

C: You should say "yes" instead of "why."

Grace: Apologies, yes.

C: What is the main source of your stress? Give a brief answer.

Grace trembles all over, sensing something ominous. But she doesn't dare to lie: It's the new boss.

C: Is the boss with you now?

Grace quickly checks the time, it's already 8:15, not normal working hours.

Grace: I'm already off work now.

Even though C is not physically present, Grace still breaks out in a cold sweat for lying through the screen. She holds her phone with both hands, and soon a message comes back from C.

A slight vibration makes her body covered in goosebumps.

C: Good children don't lie, Grace.

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