Chapter 169 Leaving Henry!
At that moment, the servant brought in the grub.
She set it down carefully, tears in her eyes, "Mrs. Montague, the meal's ready. If you need anything else, just holler."
Grace gave a weak smile. "Thanks!"
The servant, knowing better than to meddle in the master's business, slipped out quietly.
Grace had a plan brewing.
She leaned against the couch, trembling as she held the bowl and ate, even downing all the soup. The food gave her a bit of a boost, but she was still feeling pretty weak.
After eating, Grace glanced at Taylor in the crib before heading to the walk-in closet for a change of clothes.
When she came out, Henry gently grabbed her wrist. "You're weak now. Let me help you clean up."
Grace shook her head.
Henry's eyes narrowed a bit. "I just want to take care of you. Is that so bad?"
Grace gave a faint, weak smile. "Henry, you're not my husband anymore. It's not appropriate."
Henry's pupils tightened slightly; Grace ignored him and walked into the bathroom.
She had her pride.
She didn't want Henry's help, nor the servants'. She knew how thin and frail she looked.
The reflection in the mirror showed a Grace who was almost skin and bones.
Grace gently touched her face; she was only 26.
She spent 20 minutes just cleaning up and changing into fresh clothes.
When she walked out, Henry was standing by the crib, looking down at Taylor's sleeping face. Hearing her footsteps, he whispered, "The divorce papers are on the small table. I've signed them. Look them over, and if there's anything you want to add, let me know. If everything's cool, you can sign now, and I'll have the lawyer wrap it up."
Grace picked up the document and read through it silently. She said softly, "No issues." Her voice had a hint of bitterness.
They'd been through a divorce before, with all its emotional rollercoasters. But this time, it was the final nail in the coffin, no going back.
If it weren't for Taylor, they wouldn't even need to acknowledge each other if they crossed paths on the street.
Maybe it was because of Taylor, or maybe it was the long time spent in that private sanatorium, but Grace had become more composed.
Grace picked up the pen and signed, without any resentment or nostalgia. She only took what she deserved. She wouldn't be lenient, nor would she be grateful to Henry. These favorable conditions were exchanged with her life.
As the pen touched the paper, Henry suddenly spoke in a hoarse voice, "When I was in a coma, the person who played the violin for me every day was you, wasn't it?"
Grace was startled. Then, she gave a faint, distant smile.
Back in those days when Henry was in a coma, Grace cried every day, and Oliver teased her for being a little crybaby.
If Henry hadn't brought it up, she would've almost forgotten how deeply she had loved him!
In that private sanatorium, when there was no food or drink, and her whole body was frozen stiff, love and hate seemed insignificant!
Grace said softly, "Whether it was or not, it doesn't matter anymore." With that, she signed her name.
She closed the agreement, her slender fingers gently resting on it. When everything was settled, she felt a sense of unreality, her eyes welling up with warmth. She held back and said softly, "Have the lawyer finalize it ASAP."
Henry's gaze was intense.
Grace didn't give him another glance. She headed into the closet to grab ID card and other important documents.
Henry trailed behind her.
The crystal chandelier lit up the room. Grace opened the cabinet to get her stuff. Her profile was soft, like those mornings she used to get his clothes ready, those simple mornings that were gone for good.
Henry's eyes grew warm. From behind, he couldn't help but wrap his arms around her slim waist, burying his face in her neck. His voice shook. "Grace, give me another shot! I won't mess up again."
Grace paused but stayed silent.
Henry turned her around, looking at her with bloodshot eyes. He was desperate to kiss her, to prove she was still his, that it wasn't too late for them.
Grace gently stopped him with her hand.
On her thin arm, the numerous needle marks were like a chasm between them, impossible to cross.
Henry's eyes darkened. He gently held her arm in his hand.
He didn't say anything more about getting back together, only softly asked, "Grace, can you iron my shirt one more time? I really liked the one you got last time."
At that moment, a car horn sounded from downstairs, signaling the car was ready.
Grace said softly, "I have to go."
With this departure, they would have no more ties.
With this departure, they would be strangers.
Henry had never been so distraught. He half-knelt, pressing her against the wardrobe, his face buried in her overly flat stomach, his voice hoarse as he begged her not to leave.
After a moment, Grace felt a warm patch on her clothes, uncomfortable against her skin.
When she glanced down, she was taken aback, wondering, 'Is Henry actually crying? Even someone as stoic as him can shed tears. But now, what's the point?'
In the courtyard, two shiny luxury cars were parked.
The morning light was soft, and a gentle breeze blew.
Juniper supported Clara, anxiously waiting by the car.
They had rushed over after getting Celeste's call, unaware of what had happened recently. Celeste had only mentioned a few things.
Celeste also mentioned that Henry and Grace had probably gotten divorced. Due to this revelation, Clara hesitated to enter the house and instead opted to wait for Grace at the door.
Two nannies came out holding Taylor and carrying luggage, followed by Grace. Even though she was wearing a thick down jacket and her face was covered, it was still clear how emaciated she had become.
Clara immediately burst into tears.
She rushed over, touching Grace, crying, "How did you get so thin?! How could you get so thin?!"
Juniper was also heartbroken, crying heavily.
Grace hugged them. After so many days and nights, she had missed Clara and Juniper very much, and now they were finally reunited.
After a brief embrace, Grace looked up at the morning light and said softly, "It's all over."
Henry stood on the steps.
He watched from a distance, not daring to approach, afraid he couldn't bear to let go of Grace, afraid he couldn't bear to let go of Taylor.
Juniper saw him and wanted to confront him.
Grace stopped her.
She looked at Henry, her voice calm. "I have nothing to do with him anymore! Don't get angry over someone or something that isn't worth it! He never treated me well, but he did help me. From now on, it's all over!"
Henry heard everything she said.
He didn't argue. He just watched her in the morning light, watched her hold Taylor and get into the car, watched her exit not just the villa, but his life.
He didn't stop her. Grace had expressed her desire to depart. His Grace wished to depart.