Chapter 6 Pretending to Be in Perfect Harmony
The black Bentley cruised into the villa where they usually lived.
Henry parked the car but didn't get out right away. Instead, he rolled down the window, pulled out a pack of cigarettes, shook one out, and placed it between his lips.
He lit the cigarette, letting the smoke curl around him. Through the rearview mirror, he watched Grace struggle with the door.
He took a deep drag and finally spoke. "Grace, I've arranged for your dad to be transferred to the Montague Group hospital. They've got the best team there, so you don't have to worry about money anymore. And..."
He stubbed out the cigarette, turned around, and looked at Grace, who was huddled in the corner. "If you need money, just let me know. I'll give you my private number. And you don't need to check with Celeste when you want to wear your jewelry and clothes." His tone was gentle, a rare concession from him.
He didn't love her, but after three years, he was used to her. Plus, it would hurt his reputation and the Montague Group's image if Seraphina found out they were having issues or getting a divorce.
'Whatever, she just wants more benefits. I'll give them to her,' Henry thought.
Whether he loved her or not, Grace's figure and face were top-notch. At least in bed, he was satisfied.
Thinking of this, he lowered his eyes, turned around, and said, "I'll make up for your birthday. This time, you can buy anything under two million dollars."
Grace laughed bitterly at this. After three years of marriage, she knew this might be Henry's biggest concession. Was it because of the crisis caused by Lucas?
Two million dollars? Yesterday's fireworks show probably cost more than that. But it was the first time in three years he had spoken to her so gently.
However, she didn't care anymore! He didn't mention Elodie, which was the real issue. If she compromised now, there would still be a third party in their future, and she wouldn't be able to do anything about it.
Grace looked at him and said calmly, "No need. I've been celebrating my birthdays alone for the past three years. I'm used to it."
"My father is fine. He doesn't want to change hospitals. Let's leave it at that," she added.
Henry's previously calm mood turned to anger upon hearing this. He got up and went to the back door. Under Grace's fearful gaze, he opened the door and leaned in, pressing her down.
Henry grabbed her chin, his eyes filled with desire. "Grace, what exactly are you trying to do?"
Grace turned her head away, but Henry forcefully turned it back, making her look into his deep eyes. She wanted to push him away, but the stark difference in their strength rendered her efforts meaningless, and the sensation beneath her palms only heightened her awareness of his power. Realizing just how strong the man in front of her was, a blush spread across her delicate face, adding a touch of allure.
Henry was very tempted by this side of her and swallowed hard. The desire that had been building up for days completely overpowered his rationality. His hand slipped inside Grace's silk shirt.
The touch of skin made Grace even more overwhelmed. "Henry, no... we can't..."
But before she could finish her sentence, the warmth enveloped her, taking over her last bit of rationality.
Their noses touched, and so did their foreheads. Henry kissed her passionately.
Grace's body was soft. He knew all her sensitive spots. In just a moment, she felt weak all over.
It was fine when Henry didn't touch her, but now, he couldn't stop himself. He lowered his head to kiss her delicate neck, pinning her hands above her head, their fingers interlocked.
Grace seemed to snap back to reality in the cramped space. She pushed with all her might, but to Henry, it looked like a playful struggle, which only excited him more.
"Grace, aren't you trying so hard to get more from me? I'll fulfill your wish," he sneered.
Grace shook her head vigorously, her eyes starting to redden. "Henry, no, we can't..."
Her voice was pleading, and as she shook her head, tears fell on his hand, adding a touch of timidity to her already tender face.
Henry lowered his eyes, kissing her lips, taking what he wanted. "Why can't we make love? You're my wife. Aren't you enjoying this? Or is it because of Lucas?" As he spoke, a hint of possessiveness flashed in his eyes.
Just as he was about to move on to the next stage, Grace suddenly bit his lip, and the taste of blood filled his mouth.
Henry's eyes flashed with anger. He got up, wiped the blood from his mouth, and looked at Grace with a harsh tone. "You've got some nerve, biting me. Who taught you that? Lucas?"
"No," Grace shook her head in denial.
Henry was about to make a move when his phone rang. Annoyed, he picked up the phone. Seeing it was Celeste, he sat up, wiped the blood from his lips, and sneered.
"Mr. Montague, Miss Williams fell again and hurt her leg..." Celeste said.
Henry thought about responding but was somewhat concerned about Grace beside him. But Grace just gave Henry a cold glance, pushed him away, and stepped out of the car, heading towards the villa. Because of their recent intimacy, she needed a shower.
As for Elodie's matters, she didn't want to get involved, nor did she have the right to. After all, she was already about to get divorced.
Henry watched Grace's awkward walk, sneered, and then said into the phone, "Find the best doctor for her. I'll go to Harmony City in a few days."
"By the way, did you find that ring? Who bought it?" He asked.
"Mr. Montague, it was bought by someone named Lucas, and the price was very high, a full three million dollars," Celeste replied.
After hanging up the phone, Henry's eyes darkened. Although he didn't love Grace, she was still the mistress of the Montague family. Lucas repeatedly approaching Grace had crossed Henry's line.
But thinking that Lucas had saved Nathan, Henry rubbed his forehead, his eyes filled with complexity.
A moment later, Grace came out wearing a white dress, looking absolutely stunning. What was just an ordinary dress on anyone else became a work of art when draped on her.
Henry had always known she was beautiful, but now she looked like a princess straight out of a fairy tale. For a moment, he understood why Lucas harbored feelings for her. Even Henry, her husband for years, couldn't help but swallow hard
Grace wanted to avoid him and was about to go to the back seat, but Henry got there first and opened the passenger door. "Get in."
She had no choice and silently got in the car.
An hour later, the car drove into the estate where Henry's grandma lived. The ornate gates slowly opened, exuding an air of grandeur and luxury.
After the car stopped, Grace was about to get out when Henry grabbed her slender wrist. "Grandma's health isn't good. You should know what to say and what not to say."
Grace nodded, shook off his hand, and said flatly, "Don't worry. At least Grandma treats me sincerely." There was a hint of resentment in her voice, one that wasn't lost on Henry.
Watching her walk away, he got out of the car and quickly caught up, grabbing her wrist again. Grace was about to break free, but when she met the threat in Henry's eyes, she stopped struggling.
Because they were still married, they had to at least pretend to be a loving couple.