Chapter 88 Fear or Unfamiliarity?
Grace sat on Henry's lap, feeling super embarrassed. His iron-gray trousers against her delicate skin made it hard to look away.
When Henry leaned in, Grace's nostrils twitched like a shy girl. If he hadn't been her husband for three years, he might've thought she was new to this.
"Scared or just not used to it?" Henry asked, his eyes darker than night.
"No!" Grace rested her face on his shoulder.
Every time she did this, it felt like submission, which Henry loved. He enjoyed being in control, and everything about Grace captivated him.
But right now, he didn't plan to take things further. He gently touched her face, noticing it was hot and red everywhere he touched.
Henry, not an innocent man, carried Grace to the white hospital bed, letting her hair spread across the pillow. Her sweaty face pressed against the pillow, looking dazed.
He bent over to kiss her, soothing her tenderly. "If you're sleepy, just sleep. I'll be here, nothing will happen."
Half-awake, Grace reached out to touch his face, tears streaming down. Despite her grogginess, she asked tearfully, "Henry, why are you pushing me like this?"
The light softened Henry's face. He spoke gently, "I don't know! Maybe it's because I don't want to let go, maybe it's because I know that once I do, I'll never get you back."
Grace kept crying, and he held her hand tightly. He whispered, "You're just like a child! Stop crying, my heart is breaking."
As the morning light filtered in, Grace slowly opened her eyes. The space beside her was empty, but she remembered Henry returning in the night. She pushed the thoughts away, got up, and went to the room across the hall.
Nathan was still asleep.
Clara was sleeping on a small sofa nearby. Grace covered her with a blanket and sat quietly by the bed.
Around eight, Henry came in with Celeste.
Henry must've gone back to change. He was in a dark wool suit, looking impeccable, showing no signs of last night.
He sat next to Grace, lifting his chin slightly. Celeste placed breakfast in the room and left, glancing at Grace with a complicated look.
As the door closed, Henry asked softly, "Nathan hasn't woken up yet?"
Probably because of last night, Grace didn't dare look at him, just murmuring a response.
Henry looked at her and smiled lightly, "Why is your face so red? It's as red and soft as last night..."
Grace quickly said, "I promised you!"
Henry stopped, not saying more. After a while, he told Grace he had to go on a business trip to Zephyr City for a few days for an important trade fair, but he'd arrange for someone to take care of things at the hospital.
Grace murmured her thanks, acknowledging her vulnerability. Nathan's hospitalization allowed Henry to secure top-notch medical attention, a privilege beyond Grace's reach.
Henry noticed her reddened eyes and guessed her thoughts. "No need to thank me, we're married! And about last night, isn't that normal for a couple?"
He got up, his voice even gentler. "I'm leaving! Call me if you need anything."
Just then, Clara woke up and saw Henry. She was about to get up, but Henry quickly walked over and gently pressed her shoulder. "I'm leaving right now!" he said, then exited, the door softly closing behind him.
Clara looked at Grace, wanting to say something but held back.
Two days later, Nathan's condition stabilized, and he could be discharged soon.
Grace received more good news. Amara called, her voice cheerful. "Grace, I didn't expect you to be Mr. Garcia's top student! Caleb's friend, who's loaded and loves classical music, decided to invest in your crew. He jumped on board without a second thought, putting Caleb in the shade."
Grace was surprised. "Really? How much is he willing to invest?"
Amara calmly replied, "30 million dollars! Does this solve your urgent need?"
Grace was overjoyed. "Even better! Amara, I must treat you to a meal to thank you properly."
Amara happily accepted.
After the call, she remained thoughtful. Caleb noticed and asked, "Why the furrowed brow? It's Henry's cash, not ours. What's bothering you?"
Amara glanced at Caleb but didn't reveal her thoughts. She acted as an intermediary for Henry out of selfishness, for Felix's sake.
Felix had fallen for Grace and even had a big fight with Henry at the club last time. The Rodriguez family was worried about Felix making a fool of himself again and asked her for advice.
Amara believed that only if Henry and Grace had a good relationship would Felix give up. If Grace and Henry were happy together, Felix wouldn't forcefully take her.
So that was why this happened!
Caleb probably had a new mistress recently, enjoying himself so much that he didn't care about these things at home, and she didn't bother to bring it up.
Amara and Grace arranged to have coffee in the afternoon. While having coffee, Amara confirmed the meeting time for both parties. She was always steady, and Grace trusted her, thanking her repeatedly.
Amara cradled the coffee cup, a soft smile on her lips. "Grace, isn't our group all about lending a hand when needed? We support each other, knowing our paths will cross again."
Grace nodded lightly. "I'll remember this favor."
Amara moved on to another topic. "Grace, I remember Frank used to have a beautiful model girlfriend who was your friend."
Grace nodded. "Yes! But they broke up."
Amara smiled charmingly. "No wonder! I heard Frank is getting engaged next week, he has to give the girl an explanation."
Grace, aware of the sensitive nature of Juniper and Frank's situation, chose to remain elusive, skillfully diverting the conversation.
Recognizing Grace's reluctance, Amara gracefully dropped the subject. Their coffee cups empty, they bid each other farewell. Just as they were parting ways, Grace presented Amara with a gift, precious in both material and sentimental value.
Amara liked it very much. She gently stroked the gift, smiling softly. "This is just what I wanted! No wonder..."
Grace knew who Amara was about to mention and felt a bit uneasy.
Amara came back to her senses and said, "No wonder Esme can't compare to you! That's why Henry likes you so much."
Grace said goodbye to Amara at the door. Just as she was about to leave, she saw on the big screen of the building opposite, news of Frank and Thalia's engagement, looking very well-matched.
Grace watched in a daze, feeling sad for Juniper. At that moment, an arm grabbed her hand. "Grace!"