Chapter 251 Nursing Home
Clara spent three days in the hospital, and when she finally got out, it was snowing lightly.
Sitting in the car, Clara couldn't stop blaming herself. "I'm getting up there in age; my legs just aren't what they used to be. I'm just a burden to you. Grace, I've been thinking. Once Avery's a bit older, I should move into a nursing home. I'll have more company there with people my age."
"Clara, there's no way I'm letting you go to a nursing home!" Grace kept her eyes on the road, her voice gentle. "Things were crazy before, and I didn't have much time for you. But now that Henry's better, he can help with the kids, and I can take you out more."
Clara went quiet for a bit.
After a long pause, she said softly, "Now that he's healthy, his focus will be on you and the kids. But men are like that; if he doesn't get what he needs emotionally from you, he'll look elsewhere. Grace, I'm not defending him, but I can tell you still care about him. Why not give it a shot? Why waste time?"
Grace was 31, and Henry was 35—not exactly young anymore.
Clara had seen them go through so much and just wanted them to be happy.
Grace knew all this. Lots of couples stayed together for the kids, but she never wanted to compromise her feelings for that reason.
She went back to Henry because she loved him, and she didn't want to go back if she didn't love him as much anymore.
As they were talking, Grace's phone rang. It was Henry.
She answered softly, "Henry, I'll pick up the kids tomorrow. Let them stay with you tonight. Is that okay?"
She thought it would be good for the kids to spend some time with him.
Henry paused and then asked gently, "Is something wrong? Do you need my help?"
Grace didn't hide it. "Clara broke her leg. She just got out of the hospital today and needs more care. I'll pick up the kids tomorrow."
Henry agreed, "Alright. Give Clara my best."
Grace hung up.
Clara, with her sharp ears, asked, "Was that Henry? You two seem to be getting along better."
Grace smiled faintly, keeping her eyes on the road. "There's not that deep hatred anymore. Plus, we have to raise the kids together. Clara, maybe I'm not young anymore; love and hate aren't as intense. Sometimes I feel like, this is just fine."
Clara disagreed, "You're only in your early 30s! It's the best age."
Clara had been worried about Grace's love life, but after Henry's call, she felt reassured.
With the snow falling, Grace drove slowly, and by the time they reached the villa, it was already 4 PM.
A thin layer of snow covered the ground. At the villa's entrance, a small truck was parked. Movers were coordinating with the housekeeper, carrying boxes of items into the house, including food and supplies.
Grace didn't remember buying these things. She parked the car and got out to ask.
The lead mover said calmly, "We were sent by Mr. Montague. He wanted to get some things for Ms. Windsor. Everything was carefully selected by him."
Grace was stunned.
At that moment, Clara, leaning on her cane, went to check the items and quickly said, "These are all the best products from the store, and the brands we like! Henry really put in the effort."
The manager grinned, "Mrs. Clara Windsor is right! Mr. Montague personally called, and we rushed over the best stuff from the store. The seafood and meat are prepped and ready to cook. Everything else is top-notch."
Grace didn't turn them down and accepted the items, thanking them softly.
The villa's staff were busy moving things and getting to work.
Grace helped Clara into the house, then went back to the car to grab the luggage. As she stepped onto the stairs, the thick layer of snow on the marble floor crunched under her feet.
Inside, it was warm and cozy.
The staff were arranging fresh flowers and fruits. One of them smiled and said, "The flowers Mr. Montague sent are quite special. They smell better, and the colors are more vibrant! Ms. Windsor, I'll put a vase in your bedroom later."
Grace declined.
She went upstairs to get a wool blanket and covered Clara's knees to keep her warm. Sitting close, Clara lowered her voice and said, "I see Henry really cares about you. Have you really not thought about it?"
Grace's fingers paused.
After a while, she spoke softly, "Clara, I can't deny there are still some feelings there. But I'm not about to jump back in just because of his temporary efforts! He has let me down too many times."
Clara nodded. "He truly didn't do well in the past!" She didn't bring it up again.
Grace settled everything and started to get busy. Not only were there things to do in the villa, but the Serene Petal Dining restaurant was also bustling, with many matters needing her attention.
By the time she finished, it was already dinner time.
The staff prepared a sumptuous dinner and started setting the table, bustling in and out. Grace helped Clara to the dining room.
Clara, being older, didn't have much appetite; and with the two kids not there, the atmosphere felt a bit empty.
She sighed, "If Taylor and Avery were here, it would be so nice! Grace, call them. I want to hear Taylor and Avery's voices."
Grace didn't want to disappoint her, so she dialed Henry's number. After a few rings, Henry answered.
Fireworks sounds came through the phone.
Henry's voice was light and gentle. "Have you eaten? I'm setting off fireworks in the yard with the kids. Avery is very brave though he looks quiet and shy."
His tone was full of fatherly pride.
Grace responded softly, then said Clara wanted to talk to the kids. Henry moved to a quieter place and handed the phone to the kids, letting them talk to Clara.
Taylor was sweet, and Avery was affectionate with Clara.
Clara was delighted, constantly telling them to come back soon, saying she missed them.
"We miss you too!" Taylor said sweetly, then ran off with Avery.
The phone was back in Henry's hand, and he warmly greeted Clara, asking about her health. Clara, now older, found even ordinary greetings heartwarming.
Hearing Henry's voice, Clara also started to miss Oliver and handed the phone back to Grace.
Grace was about to say goodbye to Henry when he said gently, "Grace, I miss you!"
Hearing this, Grace was silent for a long time, and neither of them hung up the phone.