Chapter 160 Grace's Condition Worsens
Henry and Grace split on pretty bad terms.
After that, things just got icier between them, and it felt like the only thing keeping their marriage together was Henry's obsession.
He wasn't about to let Grace go.
But he had no clue that Sierra showing up made Grace's postpartum depression way worse. She started popping antidepressants, quit breastfeeding, and Taylor was on formula full-time.
Henry was totally in the dark about all this.
The promises Henry made didn't mean squat against their frosty relationship.
Maybe he still had a soft spot for Grace, but he was way more into Sierra's sweet, cute, and adoring vibe. That was enough to keep Henry out and about, not wanting to come home.
After a while, Grace got really sick.
She couldn't sleep at night and started taking sleeping pills. At first, it was just one a day, but soon she needed three to knock out. Even then, she'd wake up when Taylor cried and soothe her with lullabies in the dead of night.
Henry still had no idea.
They lived under the same roof but were like strangers. He was a thorn in her side, and wasn't she one in his too?
They treated each other like ice. Henry was still looking sharp and full of life, but Grace was like a wilted rose.
In the past, Grace would show up at the Montague Group's annual bash as the hostess, but this year she was a no-show.
Everyone in Evergreen City knew about their chilly relationship, making a lot of women think they had a shot. But Henry didn't invite anyone; Aurora was the hostess.
At the Azure Palace Hotel, the banquet hall was buzzing.
Henry danced the first dance with Aurora and then got ready to bail.
Last night, Taylor caught a cold and had a slight fever this morning. He was worried and wanted to get home early to be with the kid.
Henry was starting to realize he hadn't been spending much time with Taylor lately.
Aurora stopped him and walked up, speaking in a low voice, "I heard you've been getting close to some female intern lately. Henry, I get you need comfort, but with Grace's health being so bad, why not find a new wife who can support you? I still think Esme's great; she's still waiting for you! As for that intern, better keep your distance from someone like that."
Henry frowned a bit. "Mom, there's nothing going on!"
Aurora was about to say more when the banquet hall doors swung open, and Sierra walked in all graceful.
Sierra was rocking a white satin dress, looking both pure and sexy. Grace had worn that same dress three years ago.
That was the first banquet Henry and Grace went to after their wedding.
The similar look, the same dress, and the admiring stares hit Henry hard!
Right then, the coldness he felt from Grace seemed to melt away!
Henry was a grown man, and he knew Sierra dressed like that to offer herself to him. If he wanted, he could have a night of fun.
He could do with Sierra what he wanted to do with Grace, and this girl would go along with it until he was satisfied.
Henry quietly stared at Sierra, his eyes carrying that mysterious look, a charm only mature men have.
Sierra's face turned red, and she shyly said, "Mr. Montague!"
Sierra thought Henry would make a move, but when he walked over, he just paused slightly. "The dress looks nice."
She was about to say something, but Henry had already walked past her, leaving her feeling let down.
Sierra could totally feel Henry's amazement. He was into her; otherwise, he wouldn't have given her that look or let her ride in his car last time. But why wasn't he making a move?
While Sierra was feeling bummed out, Aurora gave her the once-over with her sharp eyes. She asked Celeste next to her, "Is this the intern?"
Celeste replied respectfully, "Yep! A real inconsiderate young girl! She keeps finding excuses to be around Mr. Montague, and he lets her!"
Aurora sneered, "Don't bite off more than you can chew!"
Aurora's words hit Sierra hard, making her super embarrassed. She knew she shouldn't be messing with a married man, but she just couldn't help herself.
She liked Henry!
Two days later, Celeste showed up at the villa to drop off some documents.
Henry was in the study on a video call, so Celeste took the papers to the living room, hoping to catch a glimpse of Grace and Taylor.
As luck would have it, Grace was in the living room.
Celeste put down the documents, with an annual report on top as a reminder for Grace.
Grace held Taylor in one arm and gently flipped through the annual report with the other. Then she saw a picture of Henry standing next to Sierra, who was wearing the same dress Grace had worn before. That brand was way out of Sierra's budget, showing she put in some serious effort.
Henry's look was that of a man checking out a woman.
Grace, being a woman, knew that even if they hadn't gone all the way, there was something going on between them. Otherwise, why would a seemingly pure and cute Sierra do something so bold for him?
Grace smiled faintly and closed the annual report.
Celeste got anxious and whispered, "Aren't you gonna do something? Are you just gonna watch Sierra constantly flirt with Henry?"
At that moment, Taylor started crying, probably hungry.
Grace got up to make some formula, holding Taylor with one hand and preparing the milk with the other. "Celeste, thanks for the heads-up, but I don't care anymore. Even if I did, I don't have the energy. Right now, all I can do is live well and take care of Taylor. I can't handle anything else."
Celeste felt a pang of sadness hearing this. She walked over to Grace, took Taylor from her arms, and gently asked, "Why are you feeding formula? The baby is only three or four months old, not time to wean yet."
Grace smiled weakly. "I've been on meds lately, so she can't have breast milk anymore."
Celeste's eyes welled up with tears, and after a long pause, she softly asked Grace about her plans. She figured someone like Grace must have a long-term vision.
Grace looked at the gray weather outside and said vaguely, "As long as I have the child, I have to hold on! Celeste, if one day I can't hold on, I'll let go. The child needs to grow up healthy. But I hope I can raise her myself and teach her love and happiness."
After speaking, Grace took Taylor back and patiently soothed her.
Grace didn't look like someone with postpartum depression at all. She buried all her pain and gave all her love to Taylor, the child she had fought to bring into the world.
When Celeste walked out of the villa, snow started falling from the gray sky again, and she suddenly broke down in tears.
Celeste couldn't believe this was the same Grace she had once envied. Grace had been so dazzling and talented. Even after she couldn't play the violin, her career had flourished.
But now, Grace was like a bird with broken wings, licking her wounds alone.