Chapter 85 She Was Never My Mistress!
Grace locked eyes with Henry, a raw honesty in her gaze. After a moment, Henry dialed her number. When Grace answered, Henry's cold voice came through. "Get out of the car."
Grace replied softly, "Henry, we're separated. Who I hang out with is none of your business. I'm not cutting off my friends for you anymore. It's Heather's birthday; I just went to dinner, not to cheat."
"But you know Lucas likes you!" Henry shot back.
"So what? Doesn't Elodie like you too? Did you avoid her?" Grace's voice was skeptical as she abruptly ended the call.
Through the car window, Henry saw the tears in her eyes. Was it because of Elodie? She still cared.
Lucas started the car, lightly tapping the gas pedal, but suddenly, a collision! The vehicles grazed each other, making a grating noise.
Henry, known for his temper, never backed down, especially not to Lucas. But with Grace in the car, he worried about her safety.
The black Bentley slowly backed up, letting Grace leave. As the car passed, Henry's hand reached out through the window, trying to grab her but only grasping air.
"I like you," he whispered, but only he heard it.
Grace slouched in the leather seat, her gaze distant, tears glistening in her eyes.
Lucas glanced at her in the rearview mirror and softly asked, "Do you want to give him another chance? Henry rarely cares about anyone."
Lucas knew Henry well. Surprisingly, Henry had backed down this time. He claimed his feelings for Grace weren't love, just a desire for excitement. If this wasn't love, then what was it?
Heather, Lucas's mom, lived in a quaint old house with simple decorations. Grace approached her with a small gift and a warm smile. "Happy birthday, Heather," she said softly.
Heather's face lit up. "Thanks!"
It had been a while since she last saw Grace. "You've grown so much! You look just like your mother," Heather said, her voice filled with nostalgia.
Grace helped Heather with the cooking, and they relaxed in front of the TV while eating. Meanwhile, Lucas was in the study, engrossed in an academic report. Actually, Heather had wanted to see Grace today.
After dinner, Heather did the dishes while Grace wandered onto the terrace, gazing at the night skyline.
It seemed to be some festival, and a large firework exploded in the sky. Grace stared at it, a faint smile on her lips. She thought it would be nice if there were fireworks every day, so Donna wouldn't be lonely in heaven.
When Grace smiled faintly, she looked very cute, just like in her twenties.
Downstairs, Henry stood quietly, looking up at Grace. Her gentle smile made him smile too. Then Lucas came out and handed Grace a small firework. The fireworks were colorful and dazzling. As Grace looked at Lucas, her eyes sparkled like stars. Henry's smile faded, watching the moment between Grace and Lucas.
When Grace was leaving, Lucas walked her downstairs. As soon as the door opened, Henry pulled her into a warm embrace.
In front of Lucas, Henry held Grace tightly, even cradling the back of her head. Grace felt that if she moved, Henry would kiss her.
He was crazy!
When Grace looked up, Henry was staring at her, his eyes telling her he was crazy. His eyes were bloodshot.
He murmured to her, letting her come was already his biggest concession. He forgot about dignity, forgot that Lucas was the person he disliked the most, and couldn't help but kiss Grace's lips. The dry touch wasn't very pleasant, but he was almost trembling.
Grace, worried Henry might do something crazier, said calmly, "Let's go!"
Henry slightly loosened his grip on her.
She said goodbye to Lucas, who smiled faintly. "Grace, come over whenever you have time. My mom misses you."
Grace nodded resolutely, ignoring Henry as she walked purposefully to the sleek black Bentley. Without a second glance, she opened the passenger door and settled into the plush seat. Henry hesitated for a moment, then followed her into the car.
Lucas stood there for a long time until Heather came downstairs and stood beside him. She gently patted his shoulder and smiled faintly. "No wonder you like her."
Lucas put his hands in his pockets. "Mom, I think I'm a step too late."
Heather linked her arm with his, still smiling. "Then keep her in your heart and help her when she's in trouble."
Henry drove fast. About five minutes later, the car stopped abruptly on a deserted roadside.
Grace remained composed, her voice gentle. "Today is Heather's birthday. He picked me up after work. Don't overthink it."
Henry looked at the darkness outside the car and spoke softly, "Are you explaining to me, or are you afraid I'll go after him?"
Grace met his gaze unflinchingly. "I'm afraid you'll go after him!"
Henry took out a cigarette, put it to his lips, and lit it, but before he could take a puff, he put it out. Then came the sound of the seatbelt being unbuckled.
Leaning in close, Henry's hands rested on Grace's shoulders as he locked eyes with her, his voice soft and low. "Do you like him? Have you ever fantasized about making love with him?"
Without hesitation, Grace slapped him. It was as if he had foreseen her reaction, for he made no attempt to evade it, almost as if he had provoked it intentionally.
The atmosphere in the car was tense.
Unwilling to stay close to Henry, Grace felt the urge to escape. But as she reached for the door handle, Henry locked the car doors.
Henry stared at her, leaning back in his seat, and spoke softly, "Grace, my commitment to caring for Elodie goes beyond mere affection or a sense of obligation for a past favor. She lost a leg and can't have children. Now she's dealing with multiple organ failures and won't live long."
After a brief pause, he added, "She was never my mistress."
Grace didn't say anything.
Turning his gaze towards the darkness outside, Henry's voice carried an even deeper rasp. "Grace, I've struggled to understand how to truly satisfy a woman. I once believed it was simply a matter of wealth, lavish gifts, or prowess in the bedroom."
Grace remained indifferent. "Are you done? Can I get out of the car now?"
As she tried to free her hand, Henry's demeanor remained composed. Only a keen observer would notice the pressure he exerted to restrain her. With Grace immobilized, a tense standoff ensued.
After a long time, he finally let her go and took out two things from the glove compartment: a car key and a key to Tranquil Heights.
Henry's eyes were deep and gentle. "Arrange your own transportation to social gatherings and ensure you have a driver to escort you back. Also, Tranquil Heights has been renovated. Your dad and Clara can move in anytime."
Grace hesitated, avoiding the key to Tranquil Heights. Her voice, though light, carried a hint of raw emotion. "Henry, I don't want this. Stop going out of your way to please me. We're living separate lives. We might still have the label of husband and wife, but it's just that—a label. When you're ready, we can proceed with the necessary paperwork."
Henry stared at her for a long time, then asked softly, "Grace, no matter how much I make up for it, you won't accept it, and you won't change your mind, will you?"
"Yes!" In the dim car, Grace blinked her sore eyes and repeated, "Yes!"
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