Chapter 66 His Talk of Starting Over Was Just a Joke
Henry had been spending so much time with Elodie that even Clara heard about it. Remembering how distracted Henry seemed last time, Clara got worried about Grace and invited her for coffee.
Clara sneered, "I heard she doesn't have long to live. People like her aren't worth pitying." Then she asked Grace, "What are you going to do?"
Clara, being old-fashioned, thought if she couldn't keep Henry's heart, keeping his wallet would do. Having a child would secure Grace's spot as Mrs. Montague.
Grace stirred her coffee quietly.
Henry wanted a kid, but Grace didn't. She had two percent of Montague Group's shares and didn't need to struggle anymore. Why have a kid and stay miserable with Henry?
Grace was already thinking about leaving but knew she had to plan carefully. Henry wouldn't let go easily, and rushing could cause problems.
A long silence hung over the table, making Clara uneasy. "Grace, please," Clara said softly, clearly worried. "How are things with Henry? Are you okay?"
Grace brushed her hair aside and smiled faintly. "He's too busy being heartbroken over Elodie to notice me. Don't worry, Clara; I'm not that fragile."
Clara's eyes filled with unshed tears, her voice firm. "We've been through worse; this is nothing."
Seeing Grace so calm, Clara felt both relieved and sad. Holding Grace's hand, she said, "Tomorrow is your anniversary with Henry. You two should talk!"
Grace nodded, saying she had booked a candlelight dinner at a fancy restaurant. Clara felt a bit better, but Grace knew this dinner wasn't a romantic date; it was her heart breaking for Henry.
October 28th, Henry and Grace's anniversary.
At 8 P.M., Grace sat in the top restaurant of the Sapphire Sky Hotel. She had booked the whole place using Henry's card.
Dressed in expensive clothes and jewelry, she looked lonely.
Henry hadn't shown up yet. She called several times, and Celeste always answered. Celeste's voice was low, like she was avoiding someone. "Mr. Montague is still in a meeting and might be late. Mrs. Montague, do you think..."
"I'll wait for him," Grace said softly, looking out the window.
Celeste was silent for a moment. She had always seen Henry and Grace's relationship clearly. She admired Henry and envied Grace, but now, seeing Henry by Elodie's sickbed, she felt it was a pity. Henry was so close to happiness but gave it up for Elodie.
After a pause, Celeste said, "Mrs. Montague, don't worry, I'll tell Mr. Montague."
Grace hung up and asked the waiter for a glass of red wine. As the wine poured, it added a touch of richness to what should have been a romantic night, and she stared at it, lost in thought.
At 9 P.M., the waiter gently suggested, "Mrs. Montague, how about starting with the appetizers? You must be hungry."
Grace, lost in her thoughts, smiled faintly and agreed. The appetizers were served, but she didn't touch them; she had no appetite.
Henry finally arrived around 11 P.M., when the city's hustle and bustle had almost faded.
Henry walked in, looking tired and a bit annoyed. "Didn't Celeste tell you? I've had a ton of meetings. Why wait so long?"
He started eating right away. Grace watched him quietly. In two minutes, he hadn't even looked at her. He probably thought she was being a nuisance for making a big deal out of their anniversary.
Grace lowered her head, lightly touching her earlobe. She responded calmly, like any wealthy wife, with a faint smile. "It's rare to celebrate with you. If you hadn't come, I would've left," she said softly. "Sorry to trouble you, Henry."
Henry finally looked at her under the crystal lights. For a moment, he admired her beauty and elegance. But then he thought of the hospital, the smell of disinfectant, the medicines, Rebecca's crying, and Elodie's pale face.
His expression softened a bit. "It's my fault for being too busy and breaking my promise," he said.
Seeing him in a better mood, Grace smiled and said, "Henry, I want to introduce you to someone important this Saturday. Can you make time? Even capitalists need a break, right?" she added playfully.
Henry thought for a moment. Saturday was special; he had promised to attend an event with Elodie. It was important to her, and he wanted to fulfill her wishes.
He didn't have time but needed to comfort Grace. He leaned in, pinched her cheek gently, and said, "What a pity! This week is the biggest shareholder meeting, and I have to be there. How about another day?"
Grace tried to stay composed, but her hand trembled. "My friend might only come once. Henry, what a pity!"
Henry kissed her cheek. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Montague. How can I make it up to you?"
Grace smiled, but her face trembled. Her heart broke. She knew he was leaving to be with Elodie.
She held back tears, caressed his face as if for the last time, and murmured, "I don't want any compensation. Being Mrs. Montague is enough."
Henry sensed her unease but chose to stay silent. Their unspoken understanding remained. His sweet words and promises were forgotten.
As Henry rushed out, Grace sat in silence. A bittersweet smile crept across her face.
She realized the harsh truth: she was the one emotionally invested. His promise was just a joke, and she was the only one who took it seriously.
Luckily, she hadn't let herself get too entangled. As the night ended, she softly said, "Check, please!"