Chapter 58 Henry, I Am on My Period
Grace whispered, "No."
She looked away and spoke even softer, "I'm on my period, and it's not over yet."
Henry was stunned for a moment, then gently touched Grace's makeup-free face. Her skin felt incredibly soft, and he didn't want to let go.
He chuckled, "Grace, you think I'd force you to have sex on your period?"
Grace stayed silent, her eyes glistening. Henry sensed her unspoken thoughts, realizing he might have seemed selfish in the past. He knew he hadn't always been gentle, but he had never pushed her during her period.
Henry gently pulled her onto his lap. Grace wasn't used to this kind of closeness. He usually only held her when he wanted sex.
Looking at her reddened eyes, he softly asked, "Did I make you uncomfortable last time?"
Grace felt embarrassed. The memory of the degrading position and hurtful words still unsettled her.
She tried to brush it off, but physical contact was inevitable in marriage. Henry's skill in bed made her nervous. Despite their years together, he had never initiated intimacy during her period.
She stayed silent. Henry sensed the impact of their last encounter.
He noticed the small box in her hand, grabbed it, and tossed it aside. Grace stared in confusion.
Henry kissed her gently and guided her hand inside his shirt. His warm skin and the thin layer of muscle felt good under her touch.
Despite their years of marriage and countless times together, she had never touched him like this. Her hand followed his lead.
As Henry guided her touch and kissed her, they both felt a wave of unfamiliar sensations, like an electric current.
Henry thought it was just physical pleasure.
After a long kiss, he pressed her against his chest, his voice hoarse. "How many more days of your period?"
Grace's face was hot; she wasn't used to discussing this. Her voice trembled. "Two days."
Henry chuckled and leaned back on the sofa, bringing Grace closer.
After a while, he lazily asked, "Is your period still six days long?"
Grace's period lasted longer, making those six days tough for Henry.
Grace hummed softly, her thoughts wandering. Was Henry's tenderness a result of a broken heart? Or was this how he treated other women, too?
Lost in their thoughts, a sharp knock broke the silence. "Mr. and Mrs. Montague, dinner is served. Shall we begin?" the servant announced.
Henry replied, "Alright!"
The servant's footsteps faded, but Henry still held onto Grace. She struggled. "Didn't you say it's time to eat? Let me get up."
Henry's piercing blue eyes were fixed on her, his thoughts a mystery. When she tried to rise, he gently caught her wrist, placing it back on his chest. His heartbeat pulsed steadily beneath her hand.
Startled, she pulled her hand away as if it had touched fire. Henry playfully lifted her chin, amusement in his voice. "Afraid of this too? What's on your mind, Mrs. Montague?"
Grace wasn't ready for Henry's teasing. The uncertainty left her feeling adrift, unsure of their next steps.
She turned her back to him to straighten her clothes. After tidying up, she walked to the door. "I'll help you bring your luggage back to the bedroom, Henry. You tidy up."
With no response, Grace lingered before turning the doorknob. She met Henry's intense stare as he leaned against the sofa.
As she prepared to exit, Henry smiled. "Grace, are you shy?"
Grace pressed her lips together and softly said, "We've been married for so many years. How could I be?"
Henry didn't push further. After Grace left, he lit a cigarette. Thin smoke rose, and his expression was unreadable.
Henry, skilled in reading people, saw through Grace's pretense. He knew women appreciated gentleness, a charm they found irresistible.
He wanted to treat Grace well but chose not to apologize or explain. He knew Grace had liked him before. If he showed a bit of charm, she would fall for him again, and he would watch her with clear eyes.
He didn't mind having a child with her. This year was too rushed, but next year, they could plan for a baby. With a wife and child, Henry thought it would be nice.
He finished his cigarette and went downstairs to eat. During dinner, he was indifferent, not displaying any charm. After dinner, he went into the study to handle business.
Grace sighed with relief. Later that night, after her bath, she sat at the dressing table applying skincare products.
She thought about the earlier moment, guessing it was just a whim of Henry's. Coldness seemed to be the main theme of their marriage.
Thinking about it, she took out Dylan's business card from the drawer.
"Mrs. Montague, this is my card. Perhaps after Oliver's case is over, you might need it." Dylan's words made her heart race.
She heard movement at the bedroom door. Recognizing Henry's footsteps, she quickly hid the card in her diary. Henry had always been uninterested in her girlish thoughts.
Henry entered and saw Grace in a silk nightgown, applying skincare products.
Even though she pretended to be calm, Henry noticed something was off. When Grace was nervous, the back of her ears turned red.
He approached her from behind, pulled her into a warm embrace, and deftly opened the small drawer with one hand. "What's got your attention?" he asked casually.