Chapter 63 Henry, I'm Afraid You're Acting on a Whim
Henry turned on the bedside lamp and sat up, eyes on Grace. "What do you think?"
He smiled faintly, his voice deep and captivating. "Grace, I've never really loved anyone. I don't even know what love feels like. But for the first time, I care about someone enough to break my own rules, enough to come fix your plumbing."
He paused. "Or do you think I just want someone to sleep with? If that were the case, there are plenty of beautiful women out there."
Grace didn't indulge him. "I'm not stopping you."
Henry chuckled. In the light, his handsome features and mature charm were evident. Grace knew he could easily find another woman if he wanted.
He gently touched her cheek, whispering, "As I've gotten older, I've started longing for a family. Grace, I want us to have a child together. Boy or girl, it doesn't matter. But more than anything, I want your love and devotion, just like you wrote in your diary, where your heart is only for me."
As he spoke, Henry initially thought he was just trying to keep her. But as the words hung in the air, he realized he wanted to let go of the past and start anew with her, to love her sincerely.
That thought was fleeting. Maybe his heart had softened from living a family life too long. He actually wanted to truly love Grace.
Henry's words stirred something deep in Grace, reminding her of the young woman who once cared for him. Despite being moved, years of a tough marriage made her hesitant to invest her emotions, especially in Henry.
With tears in her eyes, Grace leaned against the headboard, staring at the blank wall, lost in conflicting emotions and memories.
After a long silence, she spoke softly, "Henry, I don't know if you're sincere, but if you are, it's too late for us. A world of three is too crowded. I don't know if this is just a whim for you, something that will fade as quickly as it appeared."
Her voice trembled, "Henry, liking someone takes courage, and I'm not that 18-year-old girl anymore."
Grace finished, looking at him with tear-filled eyes, touched and sad.
Henry gently wiped her tears. "Grace, this isn't a whim. I really want to start over with you."
He caressed the back of her neck and leaned in to kiss her. In that moment, he felt surprisingly moved, thinking that even in a long-term marriage, hearts could soften. He might be developing genuine feelings for Grace, though he knew it wasn't quite love yet. Still, he wanted her and was willing to make compromises.
He told her Celeste would handle everything with Elodie from now on, showing his commitment to distance himself from Elodie. Grace looked at him, torn between rationality and emotion. Despite her inner caution, her feelings won, and she was open to trusting him again.
She said softly, "Henry, my feelings for you might take years, even decades, to come back. By then, will you still want them?"
Her robe was loose, her blonde hair slightly messy, giving her a fragile beauty. Henry kissed her gently. After a long kiss, he held her and whispered, "I will."
Henry left for a week-long project in Crystal City.
Despite his desire to rekindle their relationship, Grace stayed guarded and didn't reach out often. She didn't want to seem too eager. With age and experience, she knew the balance between showing interest and preserving self-worth.
Grace knew Henry's initial excitement would eventually fade. After all, they had been married for three years.
But Henry called her around ten every night, and if it was too late, he'd send a message on Facebook. He was as attentive as a man in love or a devoted husband. It seemed almost too good to be true, leaving Grace in disbelief at the depth of his love and dedication.
On Friday evening, Henry flew back to Evergreen City.
Celeste and the driver picked him up at the airport. Once in the car, Celeste asked, "Mr. Montague, are we heading to the office or the villa?"
Henry, exhausted from a busy week, rubbed his temples. "Go to Grace's place."
Celeste felt a pang of jealousy. After a moment, she asked softly, "Are you bringing her back home? Did you two have a fight?"
Henry frowned. "Celeste, you're overstepping."
Celeste didn't dare ask more. She clutched her skirt tightly, sensing Henry's growing attention to Grace. A few days ago, a photo of Grace had appeared on his desk.
After three years of marriage, Henry had finally come to like Grace.
The car dropped Celeste off halfway. When they arrived at the Windsor family's villa, it was dusk, with only a faint glow of light left.
Grace was walking with Nathan, chatting softly.
A black car stopped in front of them. Henry stepped out, looking exceptionally dashing in his dark suit.
Nathan felt a headache seeing him but didn't show any displeasure. He sighed inwardly, thinking if the Windsor family were still in its prime, Grace wouldn't have to endure such grievances.
Henry took gifts from the trunk and handed them to the driver to take upstairs. He smiled at Nathan, "Nathan, you look well."
Nathan hesitated, then patted Grace's shoulder. "Henry's here to pick you up. Go upstairs, tell Clara, and then go back with him."
Grace didn't want Henry staying at her place, so she went upstairs with Nathan, packed a few things, and got ready to leave. She felt a bit reluctant.
As Clara handed Grace a check, Grace's eyes widened in disbelief. The amount was $3 million. "Clara! This money is for you and Dad's retirement!" Grace exclaimed.
Clara's voice caught as she spoke, "This is from selling the villa. Take it. If you can buy the villa back, that would be best! Your dad went back to look at it a few days ago. He stood outside the gate for a long time. That place means a lot to him."
Grace's heart ached. She nodded, determined. "If I get the chance, I'll buy it back!"
But she knew reclaiming the villa at a fair price would be tough.
Her eyes glistened with unshed tears as she settled into the car. Henry glanced at her, his tone weary yet comforting. "Hard to say goodbye? If you ever want to return, you're always welcome."
Grace didn't mention the villa. She just responded perfunctorily. Henry kissed her chin and then her lips, murmuring, "I missed you, Mrs. Montague. I never felt this way before."
Grace blushed. With a man as handsome as Henry saying such things, no woman could resist.
Back at the villa, Grace found a heartwarming surprise. The painting she had longed for now adorned her music room, where she practiced the violin.
She touched it with her slender fingers, almost unable to let go. "How did you know this was my favorite?"
Henry stood close behind her, leaning in with a soft chuckle. "Because Felix wanted to buy it. The manager called me, and I offered double the price. I wanted to buy all your mother's paintings, but I thought that would be showing off. An artist's work should be shared, not hoarded. So I bought the one you love most and gave it to you."
In three years of marriage, he rarely said so much to her. And it was touching.
Grace felt a stir of emotions but maintained her composure.
Henry, sensing the shift, smiled and embraced her, whispering softly in her ear, "Do you like it? If you do, then tonight, let me in, okay?"