Chapter 164 Reconciliation

Henry switched off the wall lamp and held her close, yet sleep eluded him entirely.

Alice lay on her side, staring blankly at the curtains, feeling a chill in her heart.

Henry hadn't explained anything. She'd waited all afternoon and evening. Maybe she had been too confident in their relationship.

For the next two weeks, Alice left early and came home late, even spending her days off at the studio.

Esme noticed something was up and called Alice into the office. "What's going on? Not even taking a break on your days off?"

Alice sipped her coffee, "Nothing."

"Did Henry cheat on you?" Esme's eyes widened when Alice didn't deny it." Did I guess right? Who's the woman?"

Alice put down her coffee cup and sighed, "There's a woman bothering him. He turned her down, but it wasn't with his usual indifference."

"A half-hearted rejection?"

"No, before he would likely rebuke the women approaching him and expel them from Loshanda. Now, it's more of a "keep your distance from me" kind of rejection."

Esme frowned, "So Henry's going soft on her?"

"You could say that." Alice didn't want to admit it, but she ultimately gave in.

"Who is she?"

Alice didn't hide it anymore, "Isla."

"You haven't met her many times, right? Once at The York Manor and once at the resort. When did Isla and Henry get involved?"

"I don't know." Alice took a deep breath, feeling a sharp pain in her heart.

"Could it be that Henry had something with her before you?"

Alice shook her head, "I'm sure they had nothing before. I don't know what went wrong in between."

"Has Henry shown any other strange behavior?"

"Yeah, he's been sleepwalking a lot, but it's gotten better recently."

"That's a psychological issue! But is he crazy? In every regard, Isla falls short of you. How can she compare to you? I'm curious why Isla firmly believes she can lure Henry away."

Alice shook her head, "I don't know."

"But you're so cold to him, doesn't he notice something's wrong?"

"He just thinks I'm busy with work and too tired."

"How about I let Charles test him a bit?"

"No need. I hope he can tell me on his own, not through someone else." Alice sighed.

Esme sighed too, "My poor Alice."

"Nothing to pity." Alice smiled, but the smile quickly faded.

After work, Alice walked out of the design studio.

The weather at the end of October had turned cold. She tightened her scarf and walked down the steps, seeing Henry leaning against the car door, smoking.

"You're early today." Henry put out his cigarette and walked towards her with a smile, hugging her tightly. "Honey, I missed you so much."

"Aren't we seeing each other every day?"

"Nope." Henry released her, "You leave early and come back late. I can only hold you while you sleep. Honey, we haven't been intimate for so many days."

Alice knew what he meant. She just couldn't bring herself to be close to him because of the grudge in her heart. She pursed her lips, "Stop saying such improper things."

Henry looked at her slightly red nose, finding it particularly cute. He couldn't help but kiss it, then moved down to kiss her lips.

Alice gently pushed him, "There are people around."

"Then we'll continue tonight." Henry put his arm around her shoulders, "What do you want to eat? How about Bernardin Restaurant?"

"Sure, it's been a while since I tasted Anna's cooking."

"Eat more this time."

"Okay."

When they walked into Bernardin Restaurant, Anna was already at the door, "Alice, it's been a while. Why so busy?"

Alice linked arms with Anna and walked inside, "Work's been crazy at the design studio. I'm drawing designs all day."

Henry followed behind them, his eyes full of affection.

Anna introduced a few new dishes to Alice, "Try these and let me know what you think."

"Sure." Alice smiled slightly.

Soon, the dishes were served.

Alice looked at Henry, "You set this up in advance?"

Henry smiled, "I didn't want you to be hungry, so I gave Anna a heads-up."

"How did you know I'd get off work at this time today?"

"Because I wait outside the design studio every day after work. But I never see you."

These words moved Alice to tears. She embraced Henry, "Henry."

You've been distant lately, Alice. I don't know what I did wrong, but I'm terrified when you ignore me."

Alice knew Henry hadn't done anything to betray her, but she was upset with how he handled Isla.

She shook her head, "I'm sorry. I'll try to come home earlier from now on, okay?"

"Okay. Then can we make up for the time you ignored me tonight?"

Alice lightly punched Henry's chest, "You're so annoying!"

Henry laughed and hugged Alice tightly. At that moment, he was in a great mood and felt full in his heart.

Alice had been leaving early and coming home late every day. Even when he held her, she didn't respond. He felt very lost and lonely inside.

Not long after, the door to the private room was pushed open, and Anna brought in the dishes.

Henry served Alice, taking care of everything.

Seeing her full stomach, Henry gently rubbed it, "Are you full?"

Alice instantly became alert, "Is your next sentence going to be 'you're full, now it's my turn'?"

"You stole my line." Henry laughed, "But you just finished your meal, and I can't bear to exhaust you right away."

"And then?"

"I'll take you to do some other exercise first."

Prompted by Alice's curiosity, Henry drove to a quaint street.

Everywhere was bustling and lively; there was an event tonight.

Henry and Alice wandered through the crowd, acting like an ordinary couple.

Henry bought her a lamp that said: [A family together for a lifetime.]

Henry smiled and said, "This suits us. Alice, how about we have a baby?"

Thinking of the danger Mike posed, Alice smiled, "Let's wait a bit."

The disappointment in Henry's eyes was fleeting, but Alice still caught it.

She stood on tiptoe and kissed his lips, "Let's wait a bit, okay?"

Henry was pleased by the kiss and tightly wrapped his arms around her waist. He kissed her lips greedily, prying them open to chase Alice's tongue.

Alice and Henry embraced and kissed passionately in the crowd, as if there were only the two of them left in the world.

Back at Bluewater Bay, as soon as they entered the door, Henry pinned Alice against the wall, showering her with kisses.

Alice passionately kissed him back, calling his name over and over.

After a passionate lovemaking session, Alice lay lazily, "We didn't use any contraception just now. We have run out of birth control pills at home. Can you go buy some?"

Henry said, "Sorry, I got too excited."

"It's not your fault. Go quickly."

Henry kissed her forehead, "I'll be back soon."

Alice thought the barrier between them should be gone now.

Ten minutes later, Henry returned. He brought water and took out the pill.

Alice reached out to take it, but Henry pulled his hand back.

"What's wrong?" Alice asked.

Henry placed the water and pill on the bedside table, unbuttoning his shirt, "Let's go one more time before you take the pill."

Alice remained silent.