Chapter 147
Nurse Wilson called in sick today.
Henry’s brow furrowed involuntarily at the news. Ifis trip to the hospital suddenly seemed pointless. The only reason he had come was to tee Soobla, ut explain himself, to straighten things out. Now that he knew she wouldn’t be here, he had no desire to waste any more time
Just as he was about to leave, Isabella’s caretaker approached, supporting Isabella as they slowly walked toward him.
Mr. Harding, the caretaker called out, ‘Miss Scott needs to go for her tests. Would you mind staying with her for a moment while I fetch a wheelchair froen the nurse’s station?”
Henty observed Isabella’s trembling form as she took each difficult step. Her face was pale, her body looking frail and weak. Despite everything that had happened, he couldn’t help but feel a surge of sympathy. Ile stepped forward, wrapping his arm around her waist to support her.
“Lean on me,” he said softly.
As for Sophia, he thought dismissively, she was strong and healthy–healthy enough to slap him across the face last night. She clearly didn’t need his
concern.
Isabella leaned heavily against Henry’s solid shoulder, her body seemingly weak, though her eyes flashed with cunning and triumph.
In fact, she had been watching from her hospital room window earlier and noticed that when Henry arrived at the hospital, he hadn’t come to her room first but had gone directly to the nurse’s station looking for Sophia.
This had filled her with rage.
Now, feeling his arm around her waist, she saw an opportunity. She wrapped her arms around his neck, looking up at him with yeaming eyes.
“Henry,‘ she whispered, “do you still love me?”
Henry froze momentarily, hesitated for a moment, then avoided the question. “What are you talking about? I’m just taking you for your tests.
Disappointment filled Isabella’s eyes.
The caretaker, calmly observing this scene, unhurriedly pulled out her phone and captured several photos of the intimate moment from different angles.
Not surprisingly, those photos quickly went viral across the internet,
Everyone was discussing the matter, all saying that Henry couldn’t forget his old love, and that Sophia should let Henry and Isabella–a couple meant to be together–find happiness.
Across town, Sophia had taken the day off to celebrate Billy’s birthday.
She had arranged for his early discharge from the hospital and brought him home where Betty was waiting. While Billy played with his new toys in his room, Sophia and Betty prepared a special birthday meal in the kitchen.
‘Honestly, Sophia,” Betty said as she chopped vegetables, “looking at the situation, getting that divorce won’t be easy. Have you considered…” she hesitated, then continued carefully, I’m just speculating here, but is it possible Henry keeps delaying the divorce because he actually cares about you? Remember how he stepped in when Thomas was harassing you? I’ve heard rumors that the Sanders family has been experiencing some serious bad luck lately–someone jumping from the nineteenth floor of the hospital, their shipping containers being found with contraband. In this city, only Henry Harding has that kind of power to mess with the Sanders family.”
After six years of marriage, sharing a bed with Henry even if not intimately, Sophia understood him far better than Betty ever could.
When Betty suggested Henry might be refusing the divorce because he cared for her, Sophia couldn’t help but smile bitterly.
“If Henry cared even slightly about me,‘ she replied, we wouldn’t be in this situation.”
“But you haven’t seen the way he looks at you,” Betty persisted.
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Chapter 147
That’s exactly it–I’ve wen it. And that’s why I know what you’re suggesting is ridiculous. Sophia’s voler softened as the added. From now on h rue, and Billy
Despite her calm tone, Sophia couldn’t completely hide the disappointment in her eyes.
Betty pulled Sophia into a tight embrace. “Don’t be sad, baby. You still have me and Billy No matter what happens, Ill be right by your side. Even 2 whole world turns against you, I’ll be standing behind you.”
Touched by Betty’s unwavering friendship, tears streamed down Sophia’s face.
She buried her head in Betty’s shoulder, her quiet sobs filling the kitchen. After a few minutes, remembering Billy’s birthday, Sophia pulled herself together and returned to cooking.
In the children’s room, Billy had been keenly aware of the sounds coming from the kitchen.
When he heard his mother’s muffled sobs, he retreated into his room, clutching his favorite toy. Though he desperately wanted his father to spend more time with him, seeing his mother’s heartbreak made him push that wish aside. Today was his birthday, and he had hoped both his parents would celebrate with him. His mother’s tears made his own small heart ache.
Just then, his phone rang–it was Henry.
After completing Isabella’s tests and returning her to her room, Henry had made a quick excuse about work and left without looking back. Now all he wanted was to find Sophia, to know where she had gone.
“Billy, are you with your mother?” Henry asked immediately.
Billy’s voice was uncharacteristically cold. “What do you want? You made my mom cry. I don’t want to talk to you.”
Henry was momentarily surprised. In his mind, Sophia had always been thick–skinned and carefree, brushing off even his harshest words without taking offense. How could she possibly be crying?
Memories of their past interactions flashed through his mind, bringing with them a faint sense of guilt. “I need to speak with your mother. Put her on the phone.”
Billy’s lips formed a stubborn pout, showing no intention of passing the phone to Sophia. “You’re so mean to her. I won’t let you see my mom again. I won’t give you another chance to hurt her!”
Without waiting for Henry’s response, Billy resolutely ended the call.
Though he desperately wanted his father’s approval, if gaining that approval meant causing his mother pain, he would rather give it up.
Henry stared at his phone in disbelief, his temple throbbing painfully.
First Sophia had slapped him, and now even his own son dared to hang up on him? They were all defying him, and this was something he absolutely could not tolerate.
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