Chapter 69
The winter night had already enveloped Manhattan, the darkness matching my somber mood. As Billy and I walked through the hospital’s revolving doors, the cold air hit my face, bringing a bone–chilling clarity. James was already waiting for us, standing beside Henry’s luxury sedan with his characteristic patience.
“Mrs. Harding,” he said with a slight bow, opening the car door Mr. Harding instructed me to drive you and young Master Billy home.”
I hesitated, feeling uncomfortable accepting anything from Hery–even a ride–after our confrontation. But looking at Billy’s tired face, I knew this wasn’t the time for stubborn pride
“Thank you, James,” I said, helping Billy into the back seat.
The familiar smells of leather and Henry’s cologne lingered in the car, bringing back memories I’d rather forget. Billy curled up against me, his small body gradually relaxing as the car pulled smoothly into the evening traffic.
“Did you enjoy visiting your great–grandfather?” I asked, stroking his golden hair.
“Mmhmm,” he mumbled sleepily. “But why was everyone fighting?”
I had no simple answer for that. How could I explain everything to a five–year–old?
“Sometimes adults disagree,” I finally said. “But that doesn’t mean they don’t care about each other.”
Even as I said the words, I wondered if they were true. Did Henry care about me at all? Had he ever?
“Mrs. Harding,” James’s voice interrupted my thoughts, his eyes meeting mine briefly in the rearview mirror. “Mr. William asked me to speak with you about his will.”
Here we go again. “James, I appreciate your concern, but-”
“It would mean a great deal to him,” James continued, his usually professional tone softening. “Mr. William has always held you in high regard.”
I sighed, watching the city lights blur past the window. “I’m grateful for his support, James. Truly. But I’m not interested in the Harding fortune. My respect for William has nothing to do with money.”
James nodded thoughtfully. “He suspected you might say that.” small smile crossed his usually stoic face. “It’s precisely why he trusts you with it.”
The car stopped at a red light, and James turned slightly in his seat. “If I may speak freely, Mrs. Harding?”
I nodded, curious about what this eternally reserved man might say.
“Mr. Henry…” he began carefully, “is not always skilled at expressing his feelings. But I’ve worked for him for many years. I’ve seen changes in him since your marriage.”
“Changes? I couldn’t help the skepticism in my voice. “He seems exactly the same to me–cold, controlling, obsessed with Isabella.”
“May I suggest that perhaps Mr. Henry’s feelings for you are more… complex than you realize?” James’s voice remained
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Chapter 69
professional, but I caught a hint of something almost paternal as agitated as when you’re concerned.”
his tone. “In all my years of service, I’ve never seen him
Agitated. What a perfect word for Henry’s attitude toward me. That’s hardly a declaration of love, James,”
“Perhaps not,” he conceded. “But it is something. Would it be possible to postpone the divorce proceedings? Mr. William’s
health is declining rapidly, and the stress-”
“I understand,” I cut him off gently. “I won’t do anything to upset William. But once he’s recovered…”
James’s eyes met mine in the mirror again, full of a wisdom earned through decades of silent observation. “Thank you, Mrs. Harding
The Harding Estate loomed ahead, its windows glittering against the night sky. As we drove through the elaborate iron gates, I felt the familiar pressure settling on my shoulders.
After putting a sleepy Billy to bed, I found myself drawn to Henry’s study. I wanted to find that divorce agreement, to confirm whether Henry had signed it.
I moved methodically through the desk drawers, careful to leave everything exactly as I found it. Nothing in the first drawer. Nothing in the second either…
After searching for a long time, I still couldn’t find the divorce agreement I had signed.
“How could it not be here?” I wondered.
At the time, I had left it right on Henry’s desk, under the file rack, clearly visible. Something so important to Henry–he wouldn’t misplace it.
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The Ex–Wife’s Redemption: A Love Reborn
