Chapter 84 Grace, Is This The Life You Want?
The next morning, Henry was getting ready for work when the servant mentioned someone from Artisan's Haven had dropped off two items.
Henry, fastening his cufflinks, asked, "Where are they?"
The servant brought out two fancy paper boxes and was about to take them upstairs, but Henry said, "I'll handle it."
He took the boxes upstairs and opened them gently. The items were restored, clean and neat, but as Donovan had said, no technique could fix past memories or bring back Grace's words.
The diary was half-filled with Grace's passionate and silly notes, the other half blank.
Henry's fingers traced the words tenderly. It felt like Grace was still 18, madly in love with him. He stared at them for a long time before hanging the photo on the wall.
Three days later, at a social event, Grace ran into Henry. She had Owen with her, hoping to secure sponsorship, and felt tipsy after two glasses of red wine. In the restroom, she splashed cold water on her face, but the discomfort lingered.
Tonight's plans were ruined again. Grace knew too well: being Henry's estranged wife got her no favors. Their public fallout was well-known, making it hard for anyone to invest her concert.
Footsteps echoed outside the restroom, and soon, Henry appeared in the mirror.
Grace and Henry's eyes met. He looked sharp and handsome, a stark contrast to her disheveled state.
Grace turned off the faucet and tried to leave, but Henry grabbed her wrist, pulling her into his arms. Her face pressed against his suit, smelling of dry-cleaning solvent and faint tobacco.
"Let go of me," Grace said softly.
Henry held her gaze. She wore a champagne silk blouse and a black pencil skirt, her shapely calf peeking out, exuding sophisticated allure.
Henry frowned. "You dress like this for socializing?"
Grace pushed him away, turned the faucet back on, and washed her hands. "It's none of your business! We're separated."
Henry watched her. "We're still married, and I haven't agreed to anything!"
Grace finished washing her hands and turned to leave. At the door, Henry said softly, "I had your diary restored, Grace. Come back with me."
She hesitated, his words heavy in the air. Henry's gaze in the mirror showed her uncertainty. His voice softened, "Grace, please, come back with me."
Tears welled up in Grace's eyes. Before she was Mrs. Montague, she was just Grace to him. He hadn't forgotten.
Grace's voice trembled. "Henry, maybe you care a bit now, but the hurt you've caused over the past three years is real! You want me back? To be Mrs. Montague in name only, or to watch you make amends to Elodie? And then, just when I think there's hope, you disgust me all over again?"
"Henry, ask yourself, has Elodie disappeared from your life? No, right? If you truly care about me, let me go!" Grace said firmly.
Under the chandelier's glow, Henry's face paled as he locked eyes with Grace. "I'll send her abroad! She won't bother you anymore."
Grace didn't argue; it was pointless. She quietly walked out. Outside, Owen stood, looking concerned. "Are you okay?"
Grace shook her head. "I'm fine, just a bit dizzy. I'm heading back first."
Owen nodded, hands in his pockets. "I'll give you a ride."
Grace knew Owen had other things to do. "You've been drinking too. I'll take a cab. I'm fine. About the sponsorship..."
Owen smiled. "That's what I'm here for. Don't worry, Mr. Garcia and I will handle it. If there's nothing else, I'll head back in. There's still some entertainment later."
Owen was firm. Since Elodie gave up her music dream, he hadn't contacted Henry again.
Grateful, Grace put on her coat and said goodbye to Owen.
Downstairs, Grace found herself among the crowd trying to get cabs during rush hour. Braving the cold, she stood patiently, growing paler by the minute until a cab finally arrived.
In the parking lot, inside a black Bentley, Henry watched Grace's legs tremble as she waited for a cab, saw her tighten her coat against the wind, and check her phone anxiously.
'Is this the life she wants? No chauffeur, no driver—just shallow pleasantries, fake smiles, and scrutinizing faces. Is she really happy without me?' Henry thought.
Sinking back into his seat, Henry called Celeste. "Check the funding gap for Mr. Garcia. Also, take Grace's car to her."
Celeste agreed immediately.
The next day, in the Montague Group's president's office, Henry was reviewing documents.
Celeste came in, placing an itinerary on his desk. "This is the preliminary schedule for Mr. Garcia's 32 concerts next year. Due to the original sponsor's withdrawal, there's a significant funding gap—at least $30 million. And..."
She handed a car key to Henry. "I took the car to Grace's apartment, but she refused the key. She said she didn't need it. Do you want to deliver it yourself?"
Henry took the key and said softly, "You can go now."
As Celeste left, silence filled the office. Henry's gaze lingered on the car key.
He remembered Grace shivering in the night wind, her words about wanting his respect and care. He cared for her now, but she didn't want it anymore.
Henry walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, looking out at Evergreen City. Amidst the bustling cityscape, a longing for Grace gripped his heart, underscoring a profound loneliness.
With hesitation, he reached for his phone and dialed Grace's number. Just before the call connected, he stopped and ended the attempt. A mix of caution and concern enveloped him, stemming from his genuine care for her.
After work, he drove to deliver the key.
Grace's rented apartment was in a bustling downtown area, a hotel-attached building. It was small but fully equipped.
As Henry parked, he saw Grace getting into a sleek white BMW, a familiar license plate catching his eye.
Lucas stood by, holding the door open with a gentle expression as Grace got in, a touch of joy on her face. He pondered, ' Did she really enjoy being with Lucas that much? Was she growing closer to Lucas, ready to leave Henry?
Henry sat in his car, gripping the steering wheel, knuckles white. Before the white BMW started, he lightly stepped on the gas, bumping into the car in front.
With a screech, the two cars collided.
Henry sat in his car, quietly watching the car opposite, watching Grace.