Chapter 65 Love and Indifference, Clearly Defined
Henry gazed at Grace's calm face, glowing softly in the twilight. He leaned in and whispered something suggestive. For a typical couple, it would have been playful, but Grace found it repulsive.
A servant peeked from behind. Grace gently reminded, "Isn't it time for dinner?"
Henry took her wrist and led her to the dining area, excitedly mentioning the fresh crabs for dinner. "Aren't these your favorite? Have some more tonight," he said with a grin.
During dinner, Grace hid her displeasure and played along with Henry's affection.
Later, when he wanted to make love, Grace didn't refuse. At the crucial moment, she reached for a small box in the nightstand and asked him to use it.
Henry was momentarily stunned. He didn't like using it, and Grace probably didn't either.
He kissed her and whispered that he wanted a child, saying he was almost thirty and many of his friends already had kids.
Grace traced Henry's handsome face. She thought, 'No wonder he was so confident, easily winning me over and making me fall for him all over again. He definitely had the charm.'
She softly said, "It's too soon, Henry. We need to work on our relationship. Besides, you're busy with work. I want you to have the energy to take care of the baby."
Henry propped himself up, looking at her. After a while, he kissed her passionately, agreeing in his way.
After their intimate moment, Grace took a relaxing bath and did her skincare routine. Henry excused himself to the study.
Despite the facade of intimacy, Grace sensed Henry's emotional distance. During their lovemaking, she felt his mind was elsewhere, likely on Elodie.
A few days ago, Clara had said that bad people get their comeuppance, and Elodie's medication switch was her karma.
While Grace finished her skincare, Henry was still in the study. Determined, she grabbed his clothes and headed to the laundry room. Rifling through his pockets, she found a private party invite with Owen's signature design. The guest listed was Elodie.
Grace smiled wryly, set down Henry's jacket, and walked out to the small balcony.
The night was chilly, and she hugged herself lightly, feeling pathetic and ridiculous.
'Grace, how can you still hope for his affection after three years of an indifferent marriage? You're just dreaming!' she mocked herself silently.
Grace placed the invitation back in the pocket and hung the jacket where she found it. Despite the ache in her heart, she chose to preserve Henry's dignity while safeguarding her own.
Lying on the bed, she dimmed the bedside lamp. Henry remained absent.
Grace couldn't help but think he might be in the study, pouring his heart out to Elodie.
In the study, smoke filled the air. Henry was indeed thinking about Elodie, but also about Grace.
He leaned on the sofa, smoking, holding a medical report from the Montague Group hospital. After multiple consultations, it was confirmed that Elodie had kidney failure.
Two years was optimistic. More likely, she had only one year left.
Elodie had her flaws, but she had saved Henry once. He'd thought about marrying her, but that very thought led to her current situation. Henry didn't love her romantically, but he felt guilty.
Promises echoed hollow in Henry's mind as he wrestled with his dilemma. Grace's ultimatum loomed, urging him to cut ties with Elodie for the sake of their fragile relationship and potential child.
As Henry weighed his priorities, he realized Grace, despite her allure, held a transient place in his heart. Their bond was shallow, a facade of possession without true love. The thought of her fleeting sorrow over his actions didn't sway him much.
With a final exhale of cigarette smoke, Henry made his decision. He reached for the phone and informed the hospital of his impending visit.
After the call, Henry didn't rush to leave. He sat quietly, flipping through his photo album until he landed on a picture of Grace. He lingered on the image, lost in thought.
When he returned to the room, the dim lights provided a peaceful backdrop as Grace dozed off.
Perched by the bedside, Henry's eyes fixed on Grace's serene face, his fingers lightly tracing her contours. As he felt her warmth, a sense of tranquility washed over him.
Just as he was about to leave silently, Grace stirred awake, her voice gravelly with sleep. "Henry, are you going out again?"
Henry still touched her face, responding softly, "There's an urgent matter at the company."
Grace lay on the pillow, quietly watching him, seemingly disappointed.
Henry leaned down and kissed her. "I'll be done soon! Then I'll spend more time with you, okay?"
Grace forced a smile. Maybe because she was so compliant, Henry couldn't help but kiss her for a long time, whispering sweet nothings. Normally, she would blush and her heart would race, but now she only felt pathetic.
She didn't want to test him, but she needed an answer.
When Henry was about to leave, Grace grabbed his arm, kneeling on the bed and hugging his waist, murmuring that she didn't want him to go.
Henry felt a softness in his heart, patting her. "Why are you so clingy tonight? Wasn't it enough just now?"
Grace pressed against his abdomen, her voice raspy. "The day after tomorrow is our wedding anniversary, Henry. Let's have dinner together that day!"
"Is that all?" Henry chuckled, "Of course, anything you want, Mrs. Montague"
Grace looked up at him from his embrace, smiling serenely. "That day, I'll book the most expensive restaurant in the city, on your card."
Henry's phone rang; he knew it was the hospital. He leaned in to kiss Grace and hurriedly left.
Sitting in his car, Henry was about to start the engine when a sudden realization hit him.
The invitation!
Without hesitation, he reached over to the passenger seat and retrieved his jacket, fingers searching for the slip of paper. It was Gavin's exclusive invite to Elodie's private party, where he had promised to be her plus one.
Assured the event was secret, free from reporters, Henry convinced himself Grace wouldn't find out. Even so, he lit a cigarette, feeling agitated.
After Henry left, Grace got up and walked to the balcony, letting the night wind blow on her.
A wave of desolation washed over her. In a moment of vulnerability, she had gambled, hoping Henry had real feelings for her, that he would pick up on her cues. Yet, to her dismay, he remained oblivious, his thoughts solely on Elodie's well-being.
Love and indifference were so clearly defined.