Chapter 64
Henry strode into the room. ‘ve been tied up with work,” Henry replied stiffly, “I had James keep me updated on your
condition.”
“Ah yes.” William’s voice dripped with sarcasm, “you’re satisfied just knowing this old man isn’t dead yet.“:
Henry’s jaw tightened visibly. William was perhaps the only person who could reduce Henry to feeling like a chastised
child.
“Billy,” William suddenly brightened, completely dismissing Henry, “why don’t we go see if we can find any birds from the balcony? I noticed some cardinals earlier.”
“Yeah!” Billy jumped down from the bed, completely oblivious to the tension between the adults.
I watched as William took Billy’s hand, deliberately walking past Henry without acknowledgment.
I turned to follow them, but Henry’s hand shot out, gripping my arm firmly.
“We need to talk,” he said quietly.
William paused at the balcony door, looking back at us.
“Sophia Are you joining us?”
“In a minute, Grandpa,” I replied, trying to keep my voice light. I’ll just talk to Henry for a moment.”
William gave Henry a disapproving look before leading Billy outside, sliding the glass door closed behind them.
I could already guess what this was about.
Grace must have told Henry about what happened at the school gate.
“What the hell did you do to Grace?” Henry demanded, his voice low and controlled. “She’s in the emergency room downstairs with a fractured ankle and multiple contusions.”
I pulled my arm free from his grip. “I see she’s already told you her version of events.”
“She said you pushed her to the ground in front of Billy’s school. In front of dozens of witnesses.” Henry’s eyes bore into mine. “What were you thinking?”
I didn’t bother explaining. What would be the point? Henry had already made up his mind about what happened, as he always did when it came to his family versus me.
“I’m not going to defend myself,” I said quietly. “You’ll believe what you want to believe, regardless of what actually happened.”
Henry’s voice rose slightly. “She claims you deliberately tripped her-
“I don’t need to explain myself,” I replied evenly. “You’ve already convicted me in your mind.”
Henry paced across the small hospital room. “Grace described you as… unhinged. She said you slapped her across the face, then deliberately tripped her when she tried to defend herself.
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Chapter 64
I laughed bitterly, unable to contain it. Is that what she told yet? That she was defending herself? Did she mention bringing security guards to humidate me? Or threatening to take Billy away?
Henry paused, a nicker of uncertainty crossing his features. “What are you talking about?”
“It doesn’t matter,” I sighed. “You’ve already decided I’m the viin in this story.”
He studied me for a long moment. “You know, there was a time when you were completely different. Gentle. Accommodating. What happened to that woman?”
His words struck a nerve, sending me back through five years of memories. I remembered how I’d been when we first married–eager to please, desperate for his approval, always putting his needs before my own. That woman had been slowly crushed under the weight of his indifference, his cruelty is obsession with Isabella.
“That woman,” I said slowly, “was destroyed by you.”
Henry looked genuinely surprised. “What are you talking about?
“Do you remember how I was five years ago?” My voice grew softer, almost nostalgic. “I had dreams, ambitions. I smiled easily. I believed in kindness and second chances.”
I moyed to the window, watching William and Billy interact on the balcony. “That woman is gone now. When a gentle, accommodating woman transforms into an independent woman, you should first ask yourself why she doesn’t feel secure, why she can’t rely on you completely!”
Henry stood motionless, his expression unreadable.
I walked past Henry, heading toward the door. His hand shot out, grabbing my wrist.
“Where do you think you’re going?” he demanded.
I looked down at his hand, then back up to his face.
“Sign the papers, Henry,” I said quietly. “End this conflict between us. Let me go.”
His face hardened instantly. “Never.”
L
I studied him for a moment, trying to find traces of the Henry once knew behind his angry eyes.
But I found nothing.
“Then I’ll have no choice but to file for contested divorce,” I replied.
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