Chapter 196
“This activity isn’t really suitable for you, I whispered, trying to give Henry a dignified way out.
His only response was a satisfied smile as his eyes surveyed the remaining seats. I stiffened, feeling like a cornered animal.
Since I’d filed for divorce, I’d been determined to cut all ties with Henty. Having him force his way into our family outing felt like an invasion.
Just as I was about to protest, Mark dramatically flopped across the entire third row.
“Oh my goodness,‘ he groaned theatrically. “I get terribly carsick. I need to lie down for a bit.”
His performance was so transparent I nearly rolled my eyes. With the third row occupied, Henry had no choice but to sit beside me.
I shifted as far away as the seat allowed, practically pressing myself against the door. Henry noticed but pretended not to, casually stretching his arm across the back of the seat.
William caught the driver’s eye, giving him an exaggerated wink. The driver immediately started the engine without another word.
I gritted my teeth, fuming silently. After what felt like an eternity, I finally turned to Henry, keeping my voice low enough that Billy wouldn’t hear.
“Isn’t Mr. Harding too busy for family outings?” I asked sarcastically. “Surely a massive corporation needs its CEO’s attention?”
I’d thought publishing our divorce papers would speed up the process, but this man was acting like nothing had changed. It was infuriating.
Henry flashed that irritatingly perfect smile at me. “I am quite busy,” he admitted, then raised his voice slightly. “But no matter how busy I am, family comes first. Right, Grandfather?”
William observed our interaction with a subtle gleam in his eyes. Something had changed in Henry–he seemed different, almost as if he’d finally figured something out.
“That’s exactly right, William replied approvingly. “No amount of money is worth missing time with family. From now on, you should spend more time with them, especially Billy.”
William didn’t even acknowledge the online rumors questioning Billy’s paternity. Why would he? One look at Billy was enough–he was practically Henry’s miniature clone. No DNA test was needed when the resemblance was so striking.
Henry nodded in agreement with his grandfather. “I’ll be visiting the hospital more often to see you, Grandfather.”
The two continued their conversation, clearly enjoying each other’s company. Meanwhile, I was troubled by the implications of their words. If Henry started regularly visiting William at the hospital, I’d inevitably run into him more often.
How can I schedule my visits with William to avoid Henry? I wondered, mentally reviewing our work schedules.
As I was lost in thought, I sensed Henry’s eyes on me.
I knew that look. It was the same expression he always had when he wanted me. Since I’d filed for divorce, we hadn’t been intimate for over two months, and I could feel his frustration growing day by day.
Well, I admit our sex life had been harmonious in the past. We had indulged in each other’s bodies, but that was all in the past now.
When his leg “accidentally” brushed against mine, I stomped on his foot, hard.
Henry winced but suppressed any sound of pain. He obediently moved away, giving me space, Henry was carefully following Benjamin’s advice: “When pursuing a woman, patience is key. Rush things, and you’ll fail miserably.”
Despite my determination to maintain distance, I couldn’t deny feeling anxious whenever Henry got too close. My heart would betray me, racing uncontrollably. His handsome face had always been my weakness, and I feared my resolve to divorce would waver.
Even now, when I wanted nothing more than to ignore him completely, I found myself stealing glances at his perfect features from the corner of my eye.
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Chapter 196
Henry noticed these little movements, of course. With a slight smirk, he adjusted his position, giving me a hefter view while pretending not to notice my
attention.
The car moved smoothly along the highway. Sunlight filtered through the window blinds, casting dappled patterns across Henry’s face, adding a halo of light to his perfect features.
When I caught him turning to look at me, I quickly turned away, focusing intently on the passing scenery outside.
Hmph! Did this man really think I’d forgive everything just because of his handsome appearance?
Henry turned toward me, staring directly. I kept my face firmly toward the window, refusing to meet his gaze. I could sense his desire to make me furn toward him.
From the back row, Mark observed our interaction while pretending to be carsick. His eyes never left us, taking note of every subtle movement between us with quiet satisfaction.
After about forty minutes, the car pulled up outside a supermarket where we planned to buy food for our picnic. William, Mark, and Billy headed inside first.
As soon as they disappeared through the automatic doors, Henry moved closer, slipping his arm around my waist. His familiar scent washed over me. momentarily disorienting me.
I’d once fantasized about moments like this–shopping with Henry and Billy like a normal family. This kind of mundane activity had seemed impossible with a perpetually busy CEO. Now that I’d finally decided to divorce him, suddenly he had time for these little family moments.
I knew the irony all too well.
For a brief, weak moment, my head almost rested against his shoulder.
Then clarity hit me like a bucket of cold water. I jerked away from his embrace, shooting him a vicious glare before storming off toward the supermarket
entrance.
Henry stood there with his empty arms, staring at my retreating figure in complete confusion. His expression seemed to scream: What did I do wrong? Why is she so angry?
Isn’t this what she wanted? I could almost hear him thinking.
He jogged to catch up with me, his long legs easily matching my furious pace.
‘Sophia, what’s your problem?” he demanded. “Didn’t you always say you wanted us to hold hands and go shopping together? Today I’m giving you exactly what you wanted, and you’re still not happy?”
I stopped abruptly, deciding it was time to set things straight.
‘Henry, let me be completely clear,” I said, my voice firm and unwavering. “I don’t want any contact with you right now. I just want a divorce. Yes, I once said I wanted to hold hands and shop together, but that was before–not now.” I met his gaze directly. “Now all I need is a divorce de
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