Chapter 230
“Mr. Harding,” I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm, is it possible that you’ve looked around out there, discovered that no one treats your as well as I did. and that’s why you’re saying these things now? Is that why you’ve come back?”
In my experience, Henry was the type of man who never wasted effort on lost causes. He was calculating, efficient, and relentlessly practical. The Let dar he was here, practically begging for my attention, could only mean one thing: his precious Isabella hadn’t lived up to expectations.
I crossed my arms, studying his face with cold detachment. ‘Let me guess. You spent some time with Isabella and realized she doesn’t cater to your every need like I did. She probably sees you as nothing but a walking ATM, doesn’t she? And she certainly hasn’t given you that warm, homey feeling you took for granted with me.”
My lips curved into a bitter smile. “So now you’ve abandoned your so–called ‘soulmate and come running back to me. Sorry to disappoint you, but I’m not that same naive woman anymore. The one who gave everything and expected nothing in return? She’s gone.”
Henry’s expression fell, his eyes darkening with something that looked almost like pain.
He remained silent for several seconds, seemingly gathering his thoughts as he stared at me.
Finally, he looked directly into my eyes and spoke with unexpected gravity.
‘I don’t know why you would think that,” he said firmly, “but I can honestly tell you: I around for alternatives. From the beginning, I never intended to divorce you.”
never thought that way. I’ve never been interested in shopping
If he had said these words to me a year ago–hell, even six months ago–I might have fallen right back into his arms. But now, they only reinforced my conviction that I was making the right choice by walking away.
In the past, Henry never would have bothered with such lengthy explanations. He would have simply dismissed me and walked away, leaving me to deal with my “misconceptions” on my own. Today, he seemed determined to stay and talk things through.
He seemed to realize something important: once certain words were spoken, they needed to be addressed properly. Leaving them hanging would only deepen the misunderstandings between us. The rift between us had grown too wide to withstand any more storms. Only complete honesty between us could possibly bridge it now.
“Since you’re being honest,” I replied evenly, holding his gaze, “I’ll be honest too. As far as I’m concerned, I’ve already spent all the love I had on you, Henry. I have no strength left to love anymore, and certainly no energy to keep going in circles with you. I just want you to do the decent thing and finalize our divorce. Can you at least give me that?”
Henry seemed to recognize that nothing he said would change my mind at this moment. Instead of pressing the issue, he deftly changed the subject.
“Let’s put this aside for now, shall we?” he suggested, his voice softening. “When I picked up Billy from school today, his teacher mentioned there’s a parent- child activity this weekend. Both parents are required to attend.”
At the mention of Billy, my attention immediately sharpened. “When is it? Where? How long will it last?”
As a hospital nurse working rotating shifts, my schedule was unpredictable. If the activity conflicted with my work hours, I’d need to arrange a shift swap with a colleague–something that required advance planning.
“It should be this weekend, Henry replied, looking slightly uncomfortable. “The teacher hasn’t specified the location yet. She said she’d text everyone the details tomorrow.”
I pulled out my phone, checking my messages with a frown. “I don’t see any notification about this.”
Henry shifted in his seat. “I’m sure of it. Maybe check again later?
‘I haven’t received any message,” I said, my suspicion growing. “Are you sure you didn’t misunderstand?”
Henry quickly shook his head. “I’m certain. The notification probably just got delayed. Teachers are busy, after all.”
I gave a slight nod, willing to give him the benefit of the doubt on this one thing–for Billy’s sake. School administrators were managing dozens of children: it was reasonable that some communications might be delayed.
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Chapter 230
When I motioned to the waiter for the check, he informed me that Henry had already paid. Once the waiter walked away, I immediately tot at s
“How much was it? I asked, preparing to transfer the money to him. “I’ll pay you back.”
Though we weren’t legally divorced yet, in my mind, we were already ex–spouses. I refused to take advantage of anyone, especially him.
Henry held up his phone with an awkward smile. “We’re not even friends on Facebook anymore. Add me first.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Is that really necessary?”
During our six years of marriage, our chat history consisted entirely of my messages to him–a wife’s care and concern for her husband. Not once had he bothered to respond. What was the point of adding him back now?
“You’re busy with work, and your schedule is unpredictable,” Henry explained patiently. “It’s difficult for you to pick up Billy consistently. Fd like to help with that.”
He looked at me calmly. “If we’re friends again, I can message you when I’m going to pick him up. Besides, for this weekend’s activity where both parents need to attend, we’ll need better communication, don’t you think?”
Though reluctant, I had to admit he had a point. My work schedule was demanding, and there had been times when I struggled to pick up Billy on time. After a moment’s hesitation, I added him back.
Henry offered to drive Billy and me home, and I accepted out of practicality–it was getting late, and the winter wind was biting.
When we reached Betty’s apartment building, I tightened my scarf and wrapped Billy’s coat more securely around him, fgnoring Henry, I began walking toward the entrance.
“Sophia!” Henry called suddenly from behind me.
I paused, turning back reluctantly to face him.
The wind whipped at his coat, revealing his tall, lean frame–elegant and distinguished in a way that was uniquely his in Manhattan. Even now, he exuded that effortless grace and dignity that had once made my heart race.
“Is there something else?” I asked, my voice neutral.
Just then, Betty appeared, dragging her suitcase toward the building entrance. When she spotted us–me and Billy standing by the door–her face lit up with a broad smile.
“Sweetie, I’m back!” she called out cheerfully. Then, noticing Henry, her expression immediately hardened. “You bastard! How dare you harass Sophia again?”
She stepped protectively in front of me, her voice rising with indignation. “Henry, let me warn you: Sophia has finally broken free from your shadow. Don’t you dare try to drag her back! If you have even a shred of human decency left, you’ll stay far away from her. Don’t take another step toward her!”
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