Chapter 201
Henry’s unexpected question hung in the air between us,
“Come back to me, will you?”
These words echoed in my mind as I held his head in my lap, still recovering from his cardiac episode.
His complexion remained pale, though the medication had started to take effect. I felt a strange mix of concern and irritation–my medical training wouldn’t let me abandon someone in distress, even if that someone was Henry.
“You need to rest,” I said professionally, attempting to slide away. “The medication needs time to work.”
His grip on my hand tightened. “Sophia, please… just stay a moment longer.”
Looking down at Henry–the mighty CEO of Harding Investment, the man who commanded respect from everyone in the financial world–now vulnerable and needy in my lap, I couldn’t help but think: This version of Henry is actually somewhat endearing.
Gone was the cold, calculating businessman. In his place was someone almost… human. His eyes, normally sharp and assessing, now looked up at me with surprising tenderness.
“Come back to me, he whispered again, his voice barely audible. “Please?”
It was surreal. For years, this was all I’d wanted–Henry looking at me this way, speaking these words with genuine emotion.
This had been my desperate wish, the thing I’d cried myself to sleep hoping for countless nights. And now here it was, offered freely, mine for the taking.
But I didn’t want it anymore.
Henry,” I said, my voice turning cold as I met his gaze. “Look at me carefully. I’m Sophia, the woman you despise. Not Isabella. Save these sweet words for
her.
I tried to stand up, but Henry caught my hand in a strong grip.
“Sophia, I know it’s you!” His voice grew stronger, more determined. “It’s you I want! Not anyone else!”
The clarity in his eyes told me he was completely lucid. This wasn’t medication–induced confusion. Henry truly wanted me to come home.
I noticed William watching us. His expression was a complex mixture of satisfaction and sadness–pleased that his grandson had finally realized what mattered, but pained by what I’d endured over the years.
I gently but firmly pulled my hand from Henry’s grasp and gave him a soft smile that didn’t reach my eyes.
‘Henry, I was serious about the divorce,” I said quietly. From the moment I signed those papers, you were dead to me. You want me to come back? That’ll happen when it rains red from the sky.”
His face fell, disbelief overtaking his features.
‘Once, all I wanted was to love you properly,” I continued, my voice steady despite the emotions churning inside. “To be a good wife and build a life together. But you kept another woman in your heart all along, slowly freezing mine until there was nothing left.”
I looked directly into his eyes. “Between us, there’s only divorce. No other path forward.”
Henry’s expression shifted from shock to desperation. I couldn’t resist adding a final blow.
“You’ve finally noticed my worth and want me back home? I’m tired, Henry, Too tired to continue this life. Let’s just finalize the divorce. It’s better for both
of us.”
With that, I walked away, leaving him sitting there, his expectations shattered.
1/2
Chapter 201
As I busied myself with preparing the rest of our meal, I heard Henry’s bewildered voice asking William, “Grandfather, I invited her to come home with me Why won’t she?”
William’s amused response carried across the yard. “You invited her, so she must accept? Who do you think you are?”
I smiled to myself, focusing on arranging the meat on the grill. Henry remained where I’d left him, staring at me from a distance. I could practically hear he teeth grinding in frustration as he struggled to come up with a reason–any reason–to approach me again.
Soon enough, with my efficient preparation, a delicious barbecue spread was ready for the table. To my irritation, Henry had the audacity to stay for the meal, even pulling up a chair and sitting directly next to me.
William was clearly delighted by this development, though his criticism remained as harsh as ever. “What are you doing here?” he barked at Henry. There’s no place for you at this table. Get out!”
Henry barely reacted to his grandfather’s half–hearted scolding, not even bothering to look up.
As everyone complimented my cooking skills, I noticed Henry barely tasting his food, pushing it around his plate instead.
While William, Billy and I chatted happily, creating a warm family atmosphere, Henry sat like an outsider, completely disconnected from our little group.
If not for being able to hide his discomfort by looking down at the food on his plate, I imagine he would have fled long ago.
After about thirty minutes, our barbecue lunch came to an end. The staff arrived to clear away the remnants of our meal. William, showing signs of fatigue, needed to return to his room for an afternoon nap.
I didn’t try to stop him, allowing the staff to help him back to the villa. Taking Billy’s hand, I prepared to bring him back to the apartment I shared with
Betty.
We had barely taken a step when Billy’s hand suddenly slipped from mine.
Henry, who had been silently standing beside us, swooped down and lifted Billy into his arms. Without a word, his long legs carried them swiftly toward the villa’s main entrance.
“Put Billy down!” I shouted, anger rising instantly.
“Henry, are you deaf? Give me back my son!”
Henry’s stride was purposeful, his legs covering twice the distance mine could. I was forced to jog behind them, struggling to keep up.
“Henry, what the hell is wrong with you? If you’re sick, go to a hospital! Why are you kidnapping my son?”
“You cheating bastard, give Billy back to me right now!”
The villa was otherwise quiet, making my furious shouting the only sound echoing through the grounds.
Henry gave no response, just the steady rhythm of his determined footsteps.
Inside the villa, William, who was about to retire to his room for his afternoon rest, heard my outraged voice. A small smile played across his lips.
He turned to the staff member supporting him and said, “Go tell Mark to prepare another car. Sophia will need it soon.”
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