Chapter 360
In fact, I could distinguish between Henry and Sum perfectly well.
Sam was getitle, eternally optimletic, radiating warmth like kommet inshine. Henry was cold to his care, the kind of chill that penetrated into one’s marmu. Dhe ky glare from him was ennisgh to send shivers down your spine.
I had once suspected they might be twins.
Years ago, I had asked Harper about it, and she had laughed, shaking her head. How could that be possible? I raised Sam with my own hands. if he had a brother, I would know better than anyone.”
I accepted this explanation: on a planet with billions of people, some faces are bound to be duplicated.
So I decided to love Henry for who he truly was.
But Henry’s heart only ever belonged to Isabella. After trying for so long, I finally grew tired and chose to let go.
Without another word, Henry stood and left the room. Just like that. No confrontation, no arguments–just the soft click of the door.
I lay on the sofa, staring at the ceiling. Part of me wanted to call him back, to explain that it wasn’t what he thought. Yes, Henry had initially reminded me of Sam–that was undeniable.
But as time passed, I fell in love with him, I knew clearly that I had fallen in love with Henry Harding.
None of that mattered now. We were divorced. Ancient history.
I tried to fall back asleep, but something kept bothering me. Henry had rushed out wearing only his pajamas and the hotel’s flimsy slippers.
It was freezing outside–Denver nights were bitter in early spring. He had traveled across the country with Billy just to see me, and I had driven him away in anger.
Damn it.
His wallet and ID were still in his coat pocket. Without them, he couldn’t even check into another room. I grabbed my phone and called him.
No answer.
Cursing under my breath, I grabbed Henry’s coat and headed out to find him.
The night clerk pointed me in the direction he’d gone, and I followed, scanning the empty streets.
I spotted him almost immediately–even in ordinary pajamas sitting on a random street bench, he looked like he was shooting a fashion spread.
Only Henry Harding could make sleepwear look like haute couture.
He sat there elegantly, one leg crossed over the other, smoking a cigarette with practiced grace. Even from a distance, I could see his furrowed brow.
The path between us wasn’t long; I reached him quickly.
“What are you doing here? Henry asked.
I extended his coat toward him. “This is yours.”
If I wasn’t worried about him getting sick and infecting Billy, I wouldn’t have bothered.
1/2
Chapter 360
Henry’s face darkened as he snapped, “Don’t think I’ll forgive you just because you brought me a piece of clothing!”
1 stared at him, dumbfounded. Had I said anything about seeking forgiveness?
“Mr. Harding,” I said evenly, “I know your ID and wallet are in this coat pocket. I brought them specifically for you. I’m heading back now. You can use these to book yourself the presidential suite or whatever.”
I didn’t understand why he was so angry, but his expression was downright bizarre. Fearing he might be brewing some new form of trouble, I tossed the coat at him and turned to leave.
I’d taken exactly one step when his hand clamped around my wrist. He stood up, towering over me.
He extinguished his cigarette meticulously between his fingers, tossing it forcefully into a nearby trash can. His eyes bore into mine from above.
‘You’re concerned about me?” he asked, his voice softening slightly.
My face burned. “I only came out here because I was afraid you’d catch cold,” I clarified hastily. “And more importantly, that you’d pass it to Billy if you got sick.”
Disappointment flashed in his eyes, but vanished so quickly.
At least I hadn’t completely abandoned him–I’d come looking, hadn’t I? Compared to all the things he’d done to me, I was being downright charitable.
He was clearly disappointed, swallowing the bitterness rising in his throat.
After a long pause, he finally spoke:
“I’ll take it as concern for me.” Without waiting for my response, he grabbed my wrist and pulled me toward the hotel.
“A substitute?” Henry’s thoughts were clear as day.
Sophia, one day you’ll truly fall in love with me!
While we dealt with our personal drama on the streets of Denver, the Harding household was in turmoil.
Richard had been meeting with lawyers to discuss divorce proceedings, traveling frequently to convince Catherine’s parents to agree to the separation.
His constant absence had given Grace the perfect opportunity to visit her mother regularly.
Catherine had been living a miserable existence in that basement.
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