Chapter 72 Satisfied Body, Empty Heart
Henry got back to the villa around eleven. As he stepped into the foyer, the servant whispered, "Mr. Montague, you're back! Want a late-night snack?"
Henry took off his coat and unbuttoned his shirt. "Something light, please. Is Mrs. Montague asleep?"
The servant took his coat and replied, "She had a bite, practiced the violin, and hasn't come down since."
"Got it," Henry said indifferently.
The servant left, and Henry sat down at the dining table, opened the floor-to-ceiling window, and lit a cigarette. In the smoke, he remembered how Grace used to wait for him with a table full of dishes or snacks, hoping he'd try them. Even a single bite made her happy for hours.
The dining table used to feel cold and lonely. Now, it still did, but the person sitting there had changed to Henry.
Lost in thought, Henry was surprised when the servant brought the food. "Sit and share this meal with me," he said unexpectedly.
Silence hung in the air. When Henry finally looked up, he was startled to see the servant, not Grace.
He shut his eyes, a fleeting look of pain crossing his face. He thought it must be the light that was too bright.
After the meal, Henry went upstairs to bed. Grace was sound asleep in the dark room, undisturbed by his movements. He treaded lightly, careful not to wake her.
Feeling a sense of loss, Henry wanted to hold her. But when he did, Grace's voice broke the silence. "Henry, do you want to have sex?"
Henry stiffened. Grace began to undress, her silk nightgown slipping off to reveal black lingerie glowing faintly in the dim light.
Henry's desire had always been strong, but now he just wanted to hold her.
Grace, however, preferred he only wanted her body. She even said calmly, "If you really want to have sex, hurry up. I'm a bit tired. And remember to use a condom."
Her words hit Henry like a slap. His face burned with embarrassment.
He sat up, staring at Grace. "Grace, do you think I'm with you just for sex?" he asked through gritted teeth.
Grace turned away, her tone cold. "What else could it be?"
Henry felt a chill in his heart.
Henry was spending more time with Grace. He'd come home every evening, have dinner with her, and share the same bed.
They had intimate moments a couple of times, but Grace's lack of response made Henry feel like he was alone in it.
While his physical needs were met, the emotional connection he craved was missing, leaving him feeling hollow once the passion faded.
Clara called once, having heard some news. Grace brushed her off, saying Henry had been treating her well and came home every night.
Clara was happy to hear that and kept saying it was good he came home. But Grace wasn't happy.
The strain of their relationship took a toll on her. In just two weeks, she looked like she was carrying a heavy burden. Her features became more fragile, and her frame seemed as delicate as glass to Henry, as if a light touch could break her.
Over time, Grace started to recover emotionally. She threw herself into her career, set up her own studio, and organized Gavin's upcoming global classical music concert. She occasionally did media interviews and often told reporters, "Don't call me Mrs. Montague, please call me Ms. Windsor!"
In magazines and newspapers, she looked dazzling. Henry, sitting alone in his office, often found himself staring at her photos, lost in thought. Celeste had to call his name several times when she brought documents before he snapped out of it.
Henry wanted to reconcile, but Grace wasn't interested, so they continued living together with separate dreams.
By early December, the autumn chill was gone. Juniper, back from Crystal City and likely hearing some gossip from Frank, sought out Grace. Determined to show her a good time, she took Grace to a bar. Grace used to avoid such places because Henry disapproved, but now she embraced Juniper's invitation, ready to explore a side of life she had long neglected.
The music was loud, and Juniper couldn't resist dancing. She loved the hedonistic lifestyle and found joy in letting loose. Pointing to a bottle of red wine, she playfully assured Grace, "This wine won't knock you out!"
Grace pulled Juniper to sit down and asked softly, "Why here?"
Grace was worried about Juniper. No one knew Juniper had lost hearing in her left ear due to a childhood incident. Although Grace begged Oliver for treatment, and they visited the best ENT specialists in Evergreen City, her hearing couldn't be restored.
Juniper was momentarily stunned, then flicked her hair and smiled. "It's an old injury, doesn't hurt anymore! Enjoy the present. Who cares about Henry, Frank, or Elodie? They can all go to hell!"
A young guy approached, asking for Grace's Facebook. Grace was about to refuse when Juniper leaned over, her red-painted nails gently touching his hand. The boy blushed, and Juniper laughed, "You're so cute!"
Juniper took Grace's phone and added him. Grace couldn't stop her and gave the boy an apologetic smile. "My friend’s had too much to drink!"
The boy, clean and well-mannered, said it was okay and returned to his friends.
Grace turned to Juniper, who was gulping down wine. "Grace, do you know? Frank's getting engaged to a woman who matches his status. I met her at a fashion show; she's beautiful and aloof. I bet she would even be patronising during sex! I said I wanted to break up, but Frank's holding onto my resources. He's dating a wealthy woman while still sleeping with me. All men are bastards!"
Grace was surprised. She thought Frank had feelings for Juniper. How could he be getting engaged so suddenly?
Juniper ranted about taking a lot of money from Frank before breaking up and using it to find other men, one after another.
"How much do you want? Do you want me to give it to you?" a male voice interrupted. Grace looked up and saw Frank. He nodded at her and picked up Juniper. "I'll take her back! Grace, are you leaving now? If you are, I'll give you a ride."
Feeling uneasy in the bustling bar, Grace wanted some solitude. Hoping to give Frank and Juniper a chance to talk, she decided to find a quiet spot.
Frank carried Juniper out and, once in the car, called Henry, telling him Grace was at a bar being pestered by men and that he should come quickly to pick her up.
After hanging up, Juniper threw up on him, treating the luxury car like a sewer.
Frank looked at the mess but didn't care about the car. Instead, he glanced at the miserable-looking Juniper and said, "I should throw you into the river to clean you up."
Juniper sobered up a bit. Leaning against the leather seat, she smiled seductively. "No matter how dirty I am, I'm not as dirty as you! Going on dates everywhere, doesn't your fiancée mind? Aren't you afraid of getting sick?"
Frank had other women besides Juniper. He never hid it from her; she was just a woman he spent money on for fun.
Frank leaned in closer and whispered, "I'm a walking petri dish! Tonight, I'll pass on all my germs to you!"
Juniper, unable to hear with her left ear, looked at Frank in confusion. "Frank, what did you say?"
Exasperated, Frank decided to take action. He guided Juniper out of the car and took her to a nearby five-star hotel, where they indulged in a moment of intimacy without delay.