Chapter 61 Grace, Are You Avoiding Me?
The next morning, Henry woke up and noticed Grace wasn't beside him. Thinking she might be in the walk-in closet, he quietly got up and checked.
His suit and shirt for the day were neatly arranged, along with a watch and cufflinks, but no sign of Grace.
Henry figured she might be downstairs making breakfast. After getting ready, he headed down.
In the dining room, the maid was setting the table with two croissants and Henry's usual black coffee. The morning paper was on the left, just as Grace had instructed.
Seeing Henry, the maid greeted him respectfully. He sat down, flipped through the newspaper, and asked, "Where's Grace?"
The maid looked surprised but then said, "Mrs. Montague went out early this morning. She went to Clara's and said she'd stay for a few days."
Henry replied, "Got it."
He sipped his coffee, smirking. 'Grace must be playing hide and seek,' he thought, amused.
Reflecting on the previous night, Henry couldn't shake off his words and their tender kiss. Grace's eyes had glistened with unspoken emotions.
After breakfast, Henry headed to the office. In his car, he checked his phone, hoping for a message from Grace. There was none.
At the Windsor family's apartment, Nathan had been discharged from the hospital and only needed weekly rehab visits. He stayed in his room, not coming out.
Grace was cooking with Clara, who gently said, "In a few days, your father will come around."
Grace nodded.
Clara noticed Grace's upbeat mood and asked, "Is Kimberly still in touch with Henry?"
Grace thought of last night when Henry said there was nothing between him and Kimberly, and he hadn't touched Elodie either. She believed him.
She bit her lip and said softly, "He said it was a misunderstanding."
Clara patted her hand. "If it's a misunderstanding, why did you come back to stay for a few days?"
Grace couldn't answer. She felt uneasy. She preferred Henry occasionally coming back for physical needs and then leaving. But last night, Henry seemed different, like he wanted to start over.
Grace's phone rang; it was Henry. Clara stepped away.
Grace hesitated but answered. Silence hung between them, broken only by their shallow breaths, reminding her of the night before. She remembered how he had whispered seductively in her ear, yearning for her but restrained, his breath heavy and lingering in her ear.
Refusing to dwell on those memories, Grace broke the silence. "Henry, I want to stay home for a few days to be with Dad."
Henry paused, then asked gently, "Grace, are you avoiding me?"
Silence fell again.
Henry's voice softened. "Is it because of last night? Are you scared?"
Grace's heart raced. Flustered, she accidentally hung up. She sat there, her hand hovering over her phone, cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
Henry glanced at his phone, a sly smile forming. He was used to getting his way, and Grace was no exception.
Grace hung up and walked out. Clara noticed her expression and asked, "Did you fight with Henry again?"
Grace shook her head. "Things were rough a few days ago, but last night he seemed different. Clara, I can't figure out his intentions."
Clara disappeared into the bedroom and returned with a ticket. "It's an exhibition of your mother's paintings. If you're feeling confused, go take a look. Come back for dinner."
Grace took the ticket, caressing it lovingly.
Her mother, Donna Johnson, was a renowned artist in Evergreen City but passed away young. Her works were highly valued, each worth between $600,000 and $1.2 million.
Clara saw Grace's interest and gently urged, "It might clear your mind."
Grace nodded, feeling confused and missing Donna.
The exhibition was at the most famous gallery in Evergreen City. Visitors could discuss purchases with the gallery manager.
Grace examined each painting carefully, her eyes lingering on one priced at $1 million. She didn't have that much money and wanted to save for her father and Clara's retirement. She didn't want to touch the household money Henry gave her and could only wait for her year-end bonus.
Lost in thought, she stood before the painting, unaware of someone approaching. A familiar voice broke the silence. "Do you like it? If you do, I'll buy it for you!"
Grace turned around, stunned. It was Felix! She thought he had given up.
Seeing her silent, Felix sneered, "Don't want to accept it? Makes sense! Now that you're back with Henry, just the 2% shares of the Montague Group can ensure you a lifetime of wealth. What's $1 million compared to that? But how does it feel to share your husband with other women? Or do you not care anymore?"
Grace didn't want to engage. "I told you, it's none of your business!"
As she turned to leave, Felix grabbed her wrist, his touch landing on an old scar. A moment of discomfort crossed her face, and Felix noticed the mark.
After a long pause, he asked softly, "Grace, what did I lose to him?"
Grace couldn't answer. Felix didn't seem to care. "I can give up everything for you! Can Henry do that? He can't even let go of Elodie, let alone..."
He didn't finish. Growing up in the same circle, there were things about Henry that Grace didn't know, but Felix and Frank did.
Grace gently freed herself from his grip. "Felix, don't like me, and don't give up everything for me! Waiting for a love that doesn't belong to you is too painful."
She added softly, "Thank you for liking me, but I can't accept it."
Grace turned and left.
Felix stood quietly, watching her slender figure fade into the light and shadow. He couldn't even tell if Grace still loved Henry.