Since their conversation that night, Grace felt lighter than air. Keeping this all a secret from Annie was the only thing weighing her down. But the day finally came when Oliver would tell her. The locket arrived early in the morning. Keeping focused on work was the only thing keeping her suspense in check. Oliver, however, looked less than enthused. Grace assured him, perhaps a bit more tenderly than she should have, that Annie would be happy with this proposal.

And she had every reason to believe she would… not once did she imagine the child throwing the locket to the floor and breaking down in tears.

She had parents somewhere. No one saw it coming. Why would they? Annie hadn't said a word. Grace wasn't sure what hurt her more: hearing Annie's sobs or the look of grief that entered Oliver's eyes. The two people she cared for more than anyone stood before her looking devastated on a day that was supposed to be utter joy.

After the busyness came to an end for the night, Oliver locked himself away in his study. It was a silent rule among the staff that nobody bothers him in there unless invited. Those occasions were few and far between. Drake visited most, bringing him his brandy and cigar. Grace could count her visits on one hand. Aside from a couple of the maids, no one else stepped over the threshold. With this in place, Oliver didn't feel the need to use the lock when seeking refuge in the quiet. Tonight was the first time.

"Mr. Warbucks…" Grace tapped lightly on the door after several agonizing minutes of consideration, hoping he would make an exception for her tonight.

He didn't respond.

"Mr. Warbucks, I know you're in there. I know you don't want to be bothered but I'd like to speak to you. Only for a moment, then I'll be on my way. I promise."

Still no answer.

She took a couple breaths, thinking of what she should do. Her mind told her to walk away and give him the space he so clearly needs. The rest of her? She didn't want to be by herself. Not until she knew how he was really doing. The onset of gruff indifference didn't fool her for a minute. She knew this was tearing him up inside. And it was doing the same to her.

So she stepped up to the door for a final attempt. "Oliver… please. I'm worried about you. Just let me see you."

She pressed her ear against the door attempting to hear some movement on the other side. She waited almost a minute before admitting defeat. But as she started down the hall, the door then creaked open behind her.

She turned around, being sure not to speak too quickly. She took the steps over to him slowly, looking closely at his face. He looked drained to say the least, and overall, miserable.

Once standing a few paces in front of him, she said in a low voice, "I am so sorry."

All he could do was nod.

"Are you going to be okay?"

His voice was rough and dry. "I have to be."

"Is there anything I can do?"

"There's nothing. Nothing is going to change what she wants and I can't blame her. I know what it feels like to want your parents."

Grace nodded, knowing how lousy the feeling was as an adult. She couldn't imagine having lost hers as a young child.

Oliver looked down at the floor before casting his eyes back up again, uncomfortable with the sudden silence.

Picking up on his cues, Grace cleared her throat. "I'm sorry I bothered you. I will leave you be. I just… needed to make sure."

"Thank you."

Not bothering with a goodnight, Grace turned around again. She didn't get far. Soon after, Oliver spoke again.

"Answer me something?"

She looked back at him. "Anything."

"You're not going to quit any time soon, are you?"

"Please don't add to your worries. You know I'm not going anywhere."

"Must've had too many drinks."

Knowing this was (mostly) a cover-up, Grace walked over to him a final time. "I'm staying right here." She kissed his cheek and gave his arm a loving squeeze. "And I'm here if you need to talk. Always."