Chapter 207
I sat in the living room, flipping through a medical textbook to pass the time.
Henry sat across from me in the Maple Grove living room, silently watching me with focused attention. I could feel his gaze upon me.
What was unusual was his patience. The Henry I knew would have been drumming his fingers impatiently, checking his phone for emails. But this Heary. seemed content to just… sit there. Watching me read without a single complaint.
Strange, I thought, turning another page without looking up. What game is he playing now?
My stomach let out an embarrassingly loud growl, breaking the silence between us. Only then did I glance at my watch and nearly jumped out of my seat.
“Oh my God! It’s already past seven!” I exclaimed, suddenly realizing I’d been sitting in Henry’s living room for over two hours.
Had Billy been asleep this entire time? That was extremely unusual for him.
I leaped up from the sofa and rushed toward the stairs, hurrying to check on my son.
Pushing open the door to Billy’s room, I found him still fast asleep, his small chest rising and falling rhythmically. I approached the bed and gently placed my palm against his forehead, checking for fever.
Billy rarely napped this long, and my maternal instincts immediately went into overdrive, fearing he might be sick.
His temperature felt normal, and his breathing was steady. Everything seemed fine, which allowed me to relax slightly.
“Sweetheart, time to wake up,” I whispered, giving his shoulder a gentle shake.
Billy’s chubby little hand emerged from beneath the covers to push mine away before he rolled over with a sleepy grunt, burrowing his face into the pillow.
“Baby, you’ve been sleeping for hours,” I persisted, more firmly this time. “If you sleep any longer, we won’t be able to go home tonight.”
He pulled the blanket over his head and made a series of disgruntled noises. I was about to try again when I felt a hand on my wrist. Henry had entered the room silently and was now restraining me with a surprisingly gentle touch.
“Let him sleep,” he said softly. “He’s exhausted from running around all morning.”
I could see the gratitude in his eyes as he looked at our sleeping sop.
It suddenly dawned on me that Billy was the only reason Henry and I were sharing the same space right now. Without him, I wouldn’t have allowed myself to be within a hundred feet of this man.
I bit my lip, conflicted. Billy clearly needed his rest, but staying here any longer felt like a dangerous concession.
I had the staff prepare dinner,” Henry offered, his voice unnervingly polite. Since Billy wants to sleep, why not let him rest a bit longer? Would you do me the honor of joining me for a meal?”
My stomach growled again. After the emotional rollercoaster of the day, I realized I was starving. Henry’s invitation was unexpectedly courteous, lacking his usual commanding tone.
1 compromised.
Following Henry to the dining room, I was greeted by a spread of dishes. One dish after another arrived at the table, each more appetizing than the last.
I sat mechanically in my usual chair, watching with detached curiosity as Henry–the man who rarely lifted a finger at home–served me personally.
I ate ravenously. Henry barely touched his food, seeming more interested in watching me enjoy mine. He smiled every time I took a particularly large bite or
reached for seconds.
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Chapter 207
“Next time, we’ll have more spicy dishes prepared,” he instructed a nearby staff member. “Mrs. Harding seems to particularly enjoy them.”
I stopped chewing. Next time?
“That won’t be necessary,‘ I said firmly, placing my fork beside my plate with a definitive clink. “There won’t be a next time.
Rising from my chair, I straightened my blouse and looked directly at Henry. “It’s getting late. I shouldn’t impose on Mr. Harding any longer. Please excuse
- me.
I turned and walked toward the stairs, not bothering to look back at Henry. I didn’t need to see his face to know that my words had doused whatever warmth had been building between us.
Good, I thought. Better to keep things clear.
When I reached Billy’s room, he was still sound asleep. I gently lifted him into my arms, preparing to leave despite the late hour. The movement caused him to stir slightly, but he quickly nestled his head against my shoulder, not fully waking.
Are you seriously planning to take him out in this cold?” Henry’s voice came from the doorway, laced with concern that sounded almost genuine. “What if he catches a cold?”
I hesitated, my resolve wavering.
He had a point. The weather forecast had mentioned temperatures dropping below freezing tonight.
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