Chapter 236 Henry Ignores Grace for the First Time
Grace had no clue about the dark stuff swirling in Henry's head. She just went about her day, taking care of their two kids. Her face looked all soft and glowy in the morning light, the kind of face guys dream about and wanna keep forever.
Taylor was a good kid, munching away happily.
Avery, though, was a different story. The almost two-year-old ate like a little robot, no expression, just shoveling food in like it was all the same.
Henry glanced at Avery and asked, "Who does he take after?"
Grace sipped her milk, her voice all gentle. "Henry, you used to be like that too. Everything tasted the same to you, and you never really cared."
"I still don't," Henry muttered. "There are way cooler things out there!"
Taylor, with mashed potatoes all over her face, piped up, "Daddy, what's cooler?"
Under the table, Grace gave Henry a little kick.
He didn't feel it much but knew it happened. He grabbed her leg and held it, then said seriously to Taylor, "Daddy's work."
Taylor just went, "Oh," figuring it was work stuff.
Taylor was off to school today. She finished her breakfast all excited and then kept an eye on Avery like a little boss.
After breakfast, Sawyer showed up, saying the car was ready!
Grace went upstairs to grab Henry's suit jacket.
Because of Taylor's interview, the whole family was dressed to the nines. Henry rocked a sharp suit with a crisp white shirt, and Grace looked stunning in a white Chanel outfit.
The interview was just a formality. Henry had dropped $3 million, so Taylor's spot in the kindergarten was a done deal. Plus, Taylor was cute and smart, and the teacher liked her right away, taking her to class immediately.
Grace and Henry, with Avery in tow, headed out.
On the way back, Sawyer said, "Time flies! In no time, Ms. Taylor Montague is off to school. In two more years, Avery will be going too."
Henry and Grace shared a smile.
Sawyer added, "Starting tomorrow, I'll hit the gym so I can still drive them when they go to college."
Feeling super happy, Henry turned to Grace and blurted out, "How about moving in together? It'd be easier to pick up Taylor in the evenings."
Grace just looked at him, not saying a word.
Henry suddenly realized he messed up. He was so into these days that he forgot they were only temporarily married, just for a while.
His face went blank, and Grace couldn't even bring herself to agree.
The vibe got tense, and even Sawyer kept quiet.
Half an hour later, the fancy black car pulled into the villa. The sky was kinda gloomy as they got out.
Grace carried Avery out of the car.
She also opened the car door for Henry. Henry turned his head and said softly, "I wanna smoke a cigarette in the car. You go ahead with Avery."
Grace replied, "Henry, it's gonna rain!"
"I know!" Henry grabbed a pack of cigarettes from the glove compartment, opened it with one hand, and put a cigarette to his lips. As he lit it, he turned his head and said in a light tone, "If it rains, there'll be caregivers."
Then he gave a faint smile.
His attitude was kinda dismissive, which stung Grace, but she didn't argue. She carried Avery into the house.
After she left, Henry gently shut the car door. He leaned back in the leather seat, puffing away absentmindedly.
Pale blue smoke swirled around him.
Henry coughed lightly. He knew Grace was pissed, but he didn't want her to see him struggling to get out of the car. He loved her care and soft touch but also felt a ton of self-loathing.
Grace stood on the second-floor balcony, quietly watching Henry. This was the first time since they got back together that Henry had straight-up ignored her. Before, his cold words had a playful edge, but today was different.
She watched Henry sitting in the car. He looked the same, but she knew his mindset had shifted.
Such a proud guy, unable to move his legs or right arm, must be eating him up inside!
Late into the night, Grace sat at the vanity in the guest room after her bath, quietly applying skincare products. She felt an arm wrap around her and saw Henry in the mirror.
He wore a white bathrobe, his face resting on her slender shoulder, and he softly apologized, "I was a jerk today. Sorry."
Grace responded softly, "I didn't take it to heart."
They kissed, and later, he lay on her bed, holding her waist and murmuring that he wanted her. Grace kissed him, gently undoing his bathrobe.
Then, she kissed him again, fully merging with his body. They kept their eyes locked the whole time.
Every bit of pleasure was cranked up by their intense gaze. Sweat rolled down his neck; her damp golden hair brushed against his chest, mixed with their heavy breaths.
Later, Henry felt unsatisfied and sat up, pulling her into his arms.
Grace clung to his chest, trembling all over.
The little friction that day was easily brushed aside.
They spent a long, super happy period together.
During the day, they took care of the kids together, and at night, they shared each other's bodies. They were better than ever before.
But the self-loathing buried in his heart wouldn't just vanish.
One day, Amara threw a party.
Normally, Grace might have bailed, but Juniper was going that night. Grace had been busy with Henry's stuff and hadn't seen Juniper in a while, so she agreed to go.
At 7 PM, Grace slipped into a black dress, understated yet sexy and elegant. Around her neck was the delicate diamond necklace Henry had given her.
Grace always wore it and loved it.
Before leaving, she went to the study to let Henry know.
Pushing the door open, she saw Henry sitting at the desk, reading documents. He had a video conference in the afternoon, so he was dressed formally, looking all serious. The light softened his sharp features.
Grace walked in, and he looked up, his eyes glued to her.
After a long while, he said hoarsely, "The dress looks nice!"
Grace walked over, leaned down, and gave him a light kiss. She placed a hand on his shoulder and asked softly, "Are you really not going?"
On the desk was an invitation, sent specifically to Henry by Amara.
Henry gently caressed her waist, glanced at the documents, and said, "I got too much work to finish! You go ahead and have fun!"
Grace murmured, "Then I'm off. I'll be back early."
Henry played with her hand for a bit longer before letting her go.
After Grace left, the sound of a car engine starting echoed in the courtyard. Henry listened quietly for a while, then picked up the invitation on the desk.