Chapter 163 She Was Unhappy, and He Was Tired of Coping
In a room at Montague Group Hospital, Grace was just lying there, looking all peaceful. She was out of the woods after the whole rescue thing, but still super weak and needed a few more days to chill in the hospital.
Henry was by the big window, just staring at the snow on the tree branches outside.
Behind him, the doc said softly, "Mrs. Montague downed over 20 sleeping pills. Looks like a suicide attempt from postpartum depression. I think she needs some serious psych treatment. It'll help her get better faster!"
Henry took a moment, then said calmly, "Got it."
The doc left.
Henry turned around, eyes on Grace lying there. His heart was still shaking.
Grace almost didn't make it. If he had come home just half an hour later, she might not be here, and Taylor would be without a mom.
Suddenly, Henry's eyes got a bit misty.
At 2 PM, Grace woke up. Sunlight was streaming through the window, warming her face. For a moment, she felt like she was in a peaceful world.
Henry was sitting on the couch next to her.
He had his elbows on his knees, hands forming a pyramid, and his deep blue eyes were locked on Grace. "You're awake? You took over 20 sleeping pills."
Grace remembered. She remembered the helplessness, the struggle, but in the end, she still took those pills. She spoke softly, "Henry, we need to talk."
Henry kept looking at her quietly, not saying a word.
Grace looked away, staring at the ceiling, and said calmly, "Henry, let's get a divorce. I can't get over what happened that day. Maybe I never will. Staying together is pointless. Our marriage was a mistake from the start."
With a heavy heart, Grace went on, "I don't blame you anymore. You had no obligation to help my family," she added. "Let's part on good terms, for Taylor's sake. Give me a way out, and give yourself one too. Henry, you haven't been happy lately, have you?"
Henry didn't answer right away.
He sat there, thinking about their good times and bad times, all of it unforgettable. But like Grace said, they were unhappy now.
Grace was feeling miserable, and Henry was weary of the situation. He felt it was time to go their separate ways.
Reflecting on the past, Henry wondered if he shouldn't have pushed for reconciliation after the previous divorce. He realized that a fractured relationship couldn't be repaired by force.
After deep contemplation, Henry leaned back on the couch.
His eyes were a bit misty, and he spoke hoarsely, "Grace, I didn't do anything with her last night. In my heart, I know I like you, but I admit I was moved by that music. When I heard it, it resonated with me. The emotions in that piece soothed my inner sorrow, so I took care of Elodie and hurt you."
"I'll divorce you. But Grace, you need to get better first. The Montague Group can't have a scandal, and Taylor can't have a mom with emotional issues. Once you're better, I'll let you raise Taylor. Plus, Taylor will be first in line to inherit the Montague Group, unless we have another son," Henry added.
But they probably wouldn't have another son.
When Henry talked about divorce, his tone was indifferent, just like before. Maybe it was because he didn't love her anymore.
Grace didn't argue. She lay there quietly, standing her ground. "I don't want any claim to your assets. Just give me custody of our child, and I don't need anything else. If I leave you and take our child with me, I'll be better off."
They had a disagreement over Taylor.
Henry wasn't having it.
He looked at Grace, but all that old affection was gone. Crazy to think it was just four months ago he promised to make things right.
After Henry left, Grace, still weak, dragged herself to the bathroom. She clung to the sink, staring at her reflection—so frail, so worn out.
Henry wouldn't let her go. Grace had no clue how long she could keep this up or how long she could stay with Taylor.
A few days later, Grace got discharged and went home, only to try ending it again, this time with blood.
The bathroom was a mess of bright red, the hot water washing it away. Grace lay in the tub, her already scarred wrists now had deep cuts.
When they rushed her to the hospital, Henry had to give her 3.4 pints of blood.
At the emergency room door, Henry looked pale as a ghost.
Aurora rushed over as soon as she heard.
She saw Henry's pale face and softly said, "You gotta take care of her and the kid now. You even have to deal with these sudden crises. Henry, how long can you keep this up? If you keep her around, the Montague Group will end up with a scandal. Don't hesitate anymore. Divorce is the best way to protect the Montague family's rep."
"The best choice?" Henry repeated, laughing bitterly.
Aurora was pissed. "I'm doing this for your own good! And for the Montague family!"
Henry didn't respond. He looked at Aurora under the light, seeing her still perfect and noble even in this mess.
After a long pause, Henry said flatly, "I used to think you were cold and heartless. Now I see we're no different."
Aurora was stunned.
Henry turned and walked to the end of the corridor. The night wind blew, and his voice drifted back. "I remember when I was a kid, I couldn't even keep a favorite toy."
After a bit, Aurora snapped out of it.
She called out sharply, "Henry!"
Henry stood at the end of the corridor. He opened a window, pulled out a pack of smokes, shook one out, and lit it. The wind was so strong it took him a few tries.
The glowing cigarette made his face look dark and unclear.
Henry quietly stared into the night, and the night stared back. After a long time, he finally said to the doctor beside him, "Get the sanatorium in the suburbs ready. Mrs. Montague will stay there for secret treatment."
The doctor was shocked. He knew "secret treatment" meant forced isolation. No family, just doctors, nurses, and cold meds and instruments.
He couldn't help but speak, "Mr. Montague!"
Henry's eyes were a bit misty. "Do as I say. I'll talk to Grace. She'll agree."
Grace made it through the critical period, but she hadn't woken up yet.
Henry stood by her side, murmuring, "Once you get better, I'll give Taylor to you."
But Grace couldn't hear him.
He left late at night and drove back to the villa.
The wind and snow were brutal that night, with big snowflakes covering everything, making the world look vast and empty.
As soon as Henry got out of the car, he heard Taylor crying.
He stood in the snow for a long time. The snow quickly covered him, just like the wedding dress Grace had draped over him that day.
Taylor was still crying.
Henry thought maybe Taylor sensed that he and Grace were going to split. So she was crying, she was asking for Grace.