Chapter 53 Henry, What Else Do You Want?
Grace struggled in vain as Henry, despite being sick, easily overpowered her. Eventually, she gave up, burying her face on the sofa, avoiding his eyes.
Henry, furious, tightened his grip on her jaw, forcing her to look at him. "Mrs. Montague, who really gets to you?" he spat.
Humiliated and angry, Grace tried to turn away, but Henry's grip was firm. She met his gaze with tears and flared nostrils, staring at his chiseled features.
The dim light made Henry look gentle, but he showed no kindness. He was sweaty and intense. Finally, he whispered in her ear, "Grace, do you still like me?"
No one liked being forced, and Henry was loud. Grace knew the servants downstairs could hear and tears filled her eyes.
Grace wasn't the composed Mrs. Montague now; she was just a woman being forced. She looked at him and murmured, "Why should I like you?"
Henry raised an eyebrow.
"Henry, why should I still like you?" she repeated.
Her emotions flared, and she started struggling again, unable to bear his touch.
Her voice, filled with anger and sorrow, burst out. "I had a new life, but you dragged me back. You make me wear what you like, style my hair your way, and even prefer certain sounds in bed! Henry, why should I still like you? Am I that cheap?"
Silence filled the room; only the rustling of the night wind outside could be heard.
In the bedroom, their sweat lingered, but their hearts had turned cold. Grace's warm heart had chilled, mirroring Henry's icy demeanor.
Henry moved to the other side of the sofa, lit a cigarette, and took a few puffs.
He looked at Grace and asked, "Without me, could Oliver have come back? Mrs. Montague, are you burning bridges now? But remember, Oliver hasn't crossed the river yet. I can withdraw my support for Dylan anytime!"
Grace, visibly tired, covered herself with her nightgown and replied softly, "Henry, are we just using each other? You've said everything has a price, that feelings and marriage are commodities. I came back under that premise. Now, what more do you want beyond the forced physical and social engagements, Henry?"
Henry stood by the window, his white shirt highlighting his handsome features, unaffected by the darkness outside. He listened to Grace's words, then smiled wryly. "You really have a hard heart!"
Grace knew the argument was ending. She relaxed a bit, looked at the night outside, and said softly, "Not nearly as hard as Mr. Montague's."
After three years of marriage, with her loving him so much, even a stone would have been moved. How did they end up like this? They were unhappy with each other.
That night, even though Grace took care of him, ran his bath, and got his clothes, Henry didn't appreciate it. He didn't touch her at all, not even once.
Grace had a rare good night's sleep. When she woke up early, Henry wasn't in bed. She heard a car engine starting outside. Surprised, she wondered if Henry was leaving early.
She put on her robe and walked to the balcony. The car hadn't left yet, and Henry was standing by it, smoking.
It was mid-October. Henry, dressed in all black with a thin coat, looked striking in the morning light. The breeze lifted his neatly trimmed hair, making him even more handsome.
Noticing Grace watching him, Henry lifted his head slightly, and their eyes locked. Neither of them looked away.
Henry squinted a bit, trying to see her more clearly. He saw Grace standing in the dim light, facing the sun, catching a glimpse of her.
His Adam's apple moved as he took a deep drag of his cigarette, his cheeks hollowing, exuding a strong masculine charm.
Then, he sneered lightly, almost mockingly.
At that moment, Celeste came out with luggage. The driver loaded it into the trunk, and Grace realized Henry was going on a business trip. The phone rang in the bedroom.
Grace went back to check. It was Celeste, speaking politely, "Mrs. Montague, could you bring Mr. Montague's cold medicine down?"
Grace knew Celeste wouldn't dare order her around. It was Henry's idea.
She didn't say much, changed into more formal clothes, gathered the medicine boxes from the sofa, and paused before leaving.
Henry had made a mess the previous night, dirtying the sofa. On closer inspection, there was a small white stain.
As Grace went downstairs, she thought she should clean it up later to avoid gossip from the servants.
By the time she reached the parking lot, Henry was already in the car, but the rear window was down. Grace handed him the medicine box and softly told him to take one pill twice a day.
Henry listened absentmindedly. When Grace finished, he spoke indifferently, "Aren't you going to ask where I'm going or how long I'll be gone?"
Grace, keeping her composure, responded, "Take care of yourself out there! Celeste, please take good care of Mr. Montague!"
As the window rolled up, Henry's blatant disregard for Grace in front of the driver and secretary was clear. His lack of respect puzzled Grace; maybe he was irked again, though she didn't know why. She quipped inwardly, 'Must be early menopause!'
With Henry away, Grace found a rare moment to relax. Despite his absence, she kept up her caring routine, ensuring he took his medication and stayed warm in the cooling autumn air. Playing the devoted wife, her meticulous attention didn't go unnoticed. Even Henry's business associates commended her for her thoughtfulness.
Henry's icy gaze lingered as he hung up, mocking silently, 'Grace, considerate? She probably enjoys my discomfort.'
On the fourth day of Henry's business trip, a scandal broke out.
At 9 PM the previous night, when Grace called him, a young woman answered, "Mr. Montague is in the shower and might not be able to take the call. Should I get him?"
Grace knew it wasn't Celeste. But she wasn't surprised. After all, Elodie wasn't particularly attractive, and with Henry being young and energetic, it was normal for him to seek other mistresses.
She didn't reveal her identity; she just spoke gently: "Henry still has a slight fever. Tell him to avoid strenuous activities."
Kimberly Davis blinked in surprise. Just as she wondered what Grace meant, the phone was taken away. It was Celeste; she was a bit flustered.
Henry had been discussing an endorsement deal with Kimberly, an A-list actress. During the meeting, a waiter spilled something on Henry's shirt. He went to another room to clean up, and Celeste brought him a change of clothes. She hadn't expected Kimberly to answer Henry's phone.
Celeste looked at the phone; the call had ended. It was from Grace.
As Celeste's eyes scanned the phone, noting Grace's missed call, Henry made a casual entrance. Sensing the tension, he retrieved his phone and casually inquired, "Grace called. What's the word from her?"