Chapter 48 Being Provoked by Grace
How could Grace not figure out Esme's motive? Still, she chose not to argue. Instead, she let Henry make the final call, knowing a smart woman doesn't need to show off her brains in these situations.
Everyone thought Henry would disagree. But to their surprise, he leaned in, put out his cigarette, and calmly suggested, "Why don't we all play together?"
He'd been to these gatherings before and wasn't a fan of the childish games, but today, he decided to join in.
Grace sat next to Henry, her hand gently on his arm. They looked like a deeply affectionate couple.
When Grace got punished, Henry would pull her closer, his warm hand gently touching her face, looking very loving. Grace knew he was doing it on purpose, and she played along.
Everyone went along with it except Felix and Esme, who looked increasingly upset, especially Felix, who was visibly angry.
Grace lost again. This time, the punishment was to tell the truth, and Felix, the winner, got to ask the question.
Felix took a big gulp of strong liquor. Frank, sensing trouble, whispered, "Felix, take it easy! We've all been friends since childhood, and they've been married for years. No need for this!"
Felix pushed Frank aside, staring at Grace's calm face, and asked, "Grace, is there someone who has captured your heart right now?"
The room went silent. Everyone knew Felix's question implied feelings for Grace, which was tricky since she was married to Henry.
All eyes were on Henry, who stayed calm, seemingly unsurprised. He kept his hand on Grace's shoulder. It seemed he already knew about Felix's feelings.
Esme was the first to speak. She looked at Felix and couldn't hold back. "Felix, are you crazy!"
Esme tried to intervene, but Felix brushed her off and asked Grace again, "Grace, is there someone special in your life right now?"
The tension rose. Grace was in a tough spot.
Felix was putting her on the spot, and Henry wasn't helping. She thought this might be why Henry brought her here. He had probably figured out Felix's feelings and was provoking him.
Grace knew the best move would be to declare her love for Henry, even if it wasn't true.
But she decided to go a different route. With a slight smile and lowered gaze, she looked at Felix and said, "No!"
The room froze. No one expected that answer, not even Henry.
Henry's face darkened, clearly upset by Grace's response. He grabbed her hand firmly and said in a controlled tone, "It's time to leave."
Grace knew he was angry, but she didn't regret it. She figured his anger would just lead to him taking it out on her later, and she didn't care anymore.
As they were about to leave, Felix's words hung in the air. "Henry, Grace doesn't like you anymore!"
Henry let go of Grace. He turned to Felix and sneered, "Whether she likes me or not, she is Mrs. Montague! Felix, that's a fact that will never change."
Felix started unbuttoning his shirt, ready to confront Henry physically.
Esme screamed, "Felix Rodriguez, are you crazy?"
Ignoring her, Felix lunged at Henry, shouting, "I'm not crazy! What's wrong with liking a woman? So what if she's Henry's wife? She doesn't love you, Henry. Every second she's with you, she's just tolerating you. Why can't you admit it?"
Henry, usually above physical fights, especially over romance, found himself in a fierce brawl with Felix. It was a rare departure from his usual calm demeanor. They clashed intensely, neither backing down.
Finally, Henry kicked Felix hard and said to Grace, "Let's go!"
Felix, in pain, grabbed Grace's arm. Bruised but determined, he looked into her eyes and said, "You once told me I only make things difficult for women. You said only Henry could help you. Grace, I'm telling you now, I can too! Whatever Henry can give you, I can, and what he can't, I can! Why go back to him? Why stay in a loveless marriage? You said you don't like him anymore!"
Grace looked at Felix quietly. After a moment, she gently pushed his hand away and smiled faintly. "Felix, I think you misunderstood. I'm going back with Henry willingly. Our relationship is good. In an adult's marriage, there's more than just love, right?"
She added, "You should understand this better than I do."
Felix's gaze turned cold as if he didn't recognize her. Grace's face remained calm.
Finally, Felix gritted his teeth and said, "You're so hypocritical, Mrs. Montague!"
Grace lightly took Henry's arm, looking up at him with soft eyes. "Henry, I'll bandage you up when we get back."
Henry looked down at her, his blue eyes deep and unreadable.
Half an hour later, the driver took them back to the villa.
As soon as the car stopped, Henry grabbed Grace and led her to the second floor. Seeing his injured face and assertive demeanor, the servants wisely stayed out of their way.
The bedroom door opened, and Grace was thrown onto the bed. Before she could react, Henry pinned her down.
Grace's golden hair spread across the pillow. Her slender arms clutched the sheets, barely coping with Henry's demands and anger.
As their bodies intertwined, Henry's actions turned forceful. He grasped her hair and kissed her passionately, his blue eyes locked onto hers. "No one you like anymore, huh?"
Grace, breathing heavily, met his gaze with determination, choosing not to respond. Henry's movements grew more aggressive, disheveling the bedcovers.
Grace finally wrapped her arms around his neck and spoke, her voice hoarse and trembling with a mature woman's unique charm. "Henry, honestly, not having feelings for you anymore makes being Mrs. Montague quite effortless."
Henry paused, looking down at her. His blue eyes were stormy, filled with emotions even he couldn't understand.
Grace lifted herself to kiss the corner of his mouth. She caressed his face and spoke softly, "I don't think you want my affection either. Henry, isn't this good for us? I don't demand your feelings and loyalty, and you shouldn't try to control me."
Henry's demeanor shifted unexpectedly as laughter replaced anger. Leaning in close, he whispered into Grace's damp hair, "If that's the case, then prove your loyalty, Mrs. Montague."