Chapter 12 Is This Charity or a Deal?
Henry rocked a classic black and white suit, like he'd just left some fancy event. He had this chill vibe that made Grace look even more frazzled.
Their eyes locked through the rainy night, just staring at each other.
Grace's lips quivered from the cold.
She clung to her violin like it was her lifeline. She knew Henry was offering her a way out.
All she had to do was give in and get in the car. Soon, she'd be wrapped in a warm blanket, and by morning, no more busking at the mall. She'd wake up in a plush bed, back to being Mrs. Montague.
But that wasn't what she wanted!
Grace stood there in the rain, just looking at Henry.
The rain picked up, soaking her lashes and blurring her vision. After a minute, she shielded her head with one hand and ran forward.
Rain splashed against the expensive car.
Grace and Henry passed each other in the rainy night.
On the empty street, the sound of Grace running echoed in Henry's heart, faint and dull.
He stayed in the car, watching her. He noticed her delicate fingers wrapped in medical tape, her simple clothes, and the lack of any fancy jewelry.
But even so, Grace didn't bow to him.
The rain kept falling.
The wipers swung back and forth across the windshield.
Inside the car, both the driver and Celeste stayed quiet, knowing Henry was in a bad mood.
After a long silence, Henry spoke softly, "Celeste, why isn't Grace working at that agency? Why this undignified performance company? Does she enjoy suffering?"
Celeste was shocked. After a moment, she said quietly, "I thought it would make Mrs. Montague come home sooner! Mr. Montague, I can explain to Mrs. Montague that this wasn't your intention."
In the dim light, a red glow from Henry's cigarette added a touch of elegance.
Through the thin gray smoke, Henry's tone had a hint of mockery. "In her mind, is there any difference between what you do and what I do?"
Celeste felt a bit relieved. But then Henry turned to put out the cigarette, his voice cold and indifferent. "Get out of the car!"
Celeste was stunned. "Mr. Montague, it's raining outside."
Henry leaned back against the plush leather seat, his head tilted slightly, revealing his neck and prominent Adam's apple in the dim light. He chuckled, "Grace can run out into the rain, but you can't? Celeste, what makes you think you're more delicate than Grace?"
Celeste felt a wave of deep embarrassment wash over her. She knew Henry's words were a reprimand for her attempts to suppress Grace. The message was clear: either step out and run, or step out of the Montague Group altogether.
She had underestimated Grace's importance to Henry and overestimated herself!
Celeste got out of the car, her legs trembling.
The rain poured down, drenching her business suit. Her head and face were soaked, and with gritted teeth, she kicked off her high heels. Determined, she ran in the rain!
The driver in the front was stunned. Celeste was usually so arrogant, relying on her status as Henry's schoolmate to look down on others.
Who would've thought she'd have a day like this!
Henry leaned back in the rear seat, quietly watching, but his mind was on Grace.
He wondered why he had to make Grace come back.
Grace's personality was too gentle, not really his type. In fact, Henry had never liked anyone. Even when he considered marrying Elodie, it was only because he was captivated by the sound of the violin in his memory when he woke up.
But later, he didn't even like listening to Elodie play. It gave him a headache!
As for Grace, it was probably just a habit!
A few days ago, Henry had misplaced a pair of cufflinks that he couldn't find. If Grace had been there, she would've told him exactly where they were. And the morning before, when he went into the dressing room to change, he got shocked by the metal wardrobe handle—a sensation he hadn't felt since their wedding day.
When Grace was around, she paid close attention to the humidity in the house. Every fall and winter, she would cover all the items prone to static electricity with insulating covers. Life with Grace was actually very comfortable.
But he enjoyed it without caring about her.
In the rainy night, Henry leaned back in the car, thinking about Grace.
In the end, he concluded that the reason he wanted Grace to come back was because she was suitable to be Mrs. Montague, not because he had fallen for her.
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