Chapter 157 She Didn't Want Him to Touch Her!
Henry was puffing on a cigarette, lost in thoughts about Grace and her illness.
The doc said to keep her happy, keep her spirits up. But he had no clue how to do that anymore. Felt like everything he did just messed things up more.
Behind him, a slim figure stood. It was Sierra!
Sierra didn't wanna bug Henry. She just stood there, watching his back. She thought Henry looked super lonely. Wasn't he supposed to have a happy family? He had a wife and a kid, so why did he look so bummed out?
Henry only smoked two cigs before deciding to bounce, but when he turned around, he saw Sierra.
To a guy like Henry, Sierra's feelings were an open book; he could tell right away that she had a thing for him.
Henry's gaze was intense as he walked towards her, making Sierra's heart race. She thought he'd at least say something; they knew each other, right?
Yet, to Sierra's chagrin, Henry just walked right past her without a word.
Sierra felt a pang of disappointment. She couldn't help but think, he must still be head over heels for Grace!
Henry went downstairs and hopped into the car.
Grace was in the back seat, feeding the hungry Taylor. Her brown coat was tossed aside, showing off a light pink shirt dress with a few buttons undone, revealing her slender figure.
Henry closed the car door and turned to face her. His gaze was intense and sincere, tinged with a tenderness that spoke volumes, much like how a man looked at a woman he deeply cared for.
Even the nanny felt a bit awkward!
Grace noticed Henry's stare and turned slightly, saying softly, "You should drive."
Henry felt a weird sense of happiness when she spoke.
He wondered how Grace could be depressed. She had Taylor, she looked so gentle and loving right now. She was just blaming and hating him!
Henry reached out and gently touched Taylor's face, full of affection.
He loved going out with Grace and taking Taylor along. He thought that if he spent more time with her, she'd eventually get better, even with her depression.
For a long time, Henry was super good and patient with Grace.
Grace, apart from being a bit cold, was normal in other ways. She didn't talk about leaving him anymore.
Henry thought they had finally made it through. She was willing to stay with him for Taylor's sake.
Winter came, and Taylor had been in this world for 60 days.
Henry had the kitchen whip up a special meal and gave bonuses to the household staff and nannies. He was so stoked that he even popped open a bottle of red wine and drank half of it.
After the celebration, he worked in the study until late at night.
When he got back to the bedroom, Grace and Taylor were asleep, and the room smelled sweet.
Henry didn't turn on the light. He walked to the crib by the moonlight and gently touched Taylor's soft face. He couldn't help but lean in and kiss her, feeling happy and content.
Henry took a shower and lay down beside Grace. She was wearing a water-red silk robe. The soft silk fabric clung to her body.
From behind, her shoulders and back were thin, and her butterfly bones were especially enticing.
Henry had been abstinent for a long time, and being in his prime, he couldn't help but want to make love. Besides, it had been 60 days since Grace gave birth, and the doc said it was okay to get back to it, just to be gentle.
Henry turned over and leaned over Grace, supporting himself with one hand and kissing her, while the other hand loosened her robe's belt.
They hadn't hooked up in ages, and Henry was quick to finish, desperate to be with her.
Maybe 'cause she was still half-asleep, she wasn't as icy as usual; she actually felt something.
When Grace woke up, she looked kinda lost.
Her red lips parted slightly, breathing softly, like she hadn't fully come down from the high. She had that mature woman vibe mixed with a touch of innocent temptation.
Then, Grace buried her face in the pillow. She didn't wanna face Henry, didn't wanna think about the pleasure she just felt. She was drowning in guilt!
Henry turned her face and leaned in for a kiss, softly asking if she wanted to go again.
He was all fired up, his whole body burning with the need to be with her again. Grace softly said no, but Henry acted like he didn't hear. His strong desire for her body made him ignore her "no."
He felt good, so he figured she did too.
Henry's masculinity clashed with Grace's softness. At that moment, Grace cried out in pain, not from physical hurt, but from emotional agony.
She didn't want Henry; she didn't want him to touch her!
Grace's fingers gripped the bedside lamp, repeatedly saying no. In those forceful yet gentle moments of possession, she couldn't control herself and smashed the lamp onto Henry's forehead.
Blood slowly trickled down his forehead.
Henry grunted, looking at Grace in disbelief. He couldn't believe she had hit him at such a moment. But he didn't get mad; instead, he held her gently and asked, "Did I hurt you? What's wrong?"
Grace pushed Henry away, refusing to look at him. She curled up at the head of the bed, hugging her thin body, repeatedly whispering, "Don't touch me! Henry, don't touch me."
Henry covered his forehead and turned on the light.
The bright light made Grace shrink even more, like a scared little animal.
She rejected his closeness, his kindness. She feared his touch, refused to live as husband and wife with him, even though her body had felt something just now.
Finally, Henry realized that Grace was sick; she had postpartum depression.
Henry wanted to hug her and comfort her but was afraid she'd freak out. He could only say gently, "Grace, let's go see a doctor, okay? You're sick! Seeing a doctor will make you better!"
He didn't approach her or force her anymore.
Grace finally relaxed a bit, tears in her eyes, looking at him and saying softly, "Henry, let me go, and I'll get better! I'm begging you."
But Henry didn't wanna let go. He took Grace to see a psychologist, who suggested that Grace should not take care of the baby for a while.
Henry mentioned it once, but Grace didn't agree.
Every night, she slept with the baby, and Henry crashed in the study.
He no longer asked to share a bed. He was still gentle and considerate to Grace, but since they didn't sleep in the same bed, they naturally grew distant and cold.
Men had needs, but Henry didn't look to fulfill them outside. He was kinda picky and didn't wanna betray his marriage or Grace.
However, their marriage was on the rocks.
Around Christmas, the Montague Group had a campus recruitment event. After the initial screening, about 50 graduates were left for Henry to pick his staff from.
To his surprise, Henry saw Sierra's name in the personnel files and was slightly stunned.
Celeste also saw it and was quite surprised. She wondered why Sierra applied to the Montague Group? She should've avoided it!