The Ex-Wife's Redemption: A Love Reborn Chapter 138

Isabella tossed and turned in her hospital bed. Ever since this floor had been filled with other patients, she'd barely slept. Some moaned in pain throughout the night, their suffering echoing through the hallways. After just two days, she was already at her breaking point.

If she wasn't terrified of irritating Henry, she would have called him to complain ages ago. She'd have begged him to rescue her from this nightmare. This was all William's doing—that stubborn old man.

Why should she suffer like this? She deserved better treatment.

As she punched her pillow for the twentieth time, her phone lit up with a notification. Opening the message, she gasped. There on her screen was a photo of Henry struggling to climb out of a fountain, his entire body soaked, looking utterly disheveled.

Without hesitation, she called him.

After being pushed into the fountain by Sophia, Henry quickly pulled himself out. Completely drenched, he shivered as the cold wind cut through his wet clothes. His drunkenness had completely cleared, replaced by cold fury.

"Sophia, you'll pay for this!" he growled through clenched teeth, watching her disappear into the night.

His security team rushed over, helping him to the car. As they drove back to Maple Grove, Henry sat in silence, his mind racing with thoughts of revenge. How dare she humiliate him like that? And in public!

He had barely made it back to his bedroom when his phone rang. Isabella's name flashed across the screen. After a moment's hesitation, he answered.

"Henry! Are you okay? I just saw the photo of you in the water! What happened?" Isabella's voice was filled with concern.

"I'm fine," he replied flatly, not interested in explaining his humiliation.

"But Henry, you're soaking wet in that picture! Who did this to you?"

"It's nothing," he said, his tone making it clear he didn't want to discuss it.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" she pressed, sensing an opportunity to get back into his good graces. "I've been wanting to talk to you about the other day. It wasn't what it looked like—"

"I'm not in the mood to discuss that," Henry cut her off. "I need to change. Goodnight, Isabella."

He hung up before she could respond, tossing his phone onto the nightstand.

Standing in his bedroom, Henry's gaze fell on the bed where Isabella had staged her little scene. The memory made his skin crawl. Without a second thought, he called for the staff.

"Get rid of it," he ordered the housekeeper, pointing at the king-sized bed that could easily fit three people. "I want it out of here tonight."

The housekeeper's eyes widened, but she nodded quickly. "Yes, Mr. Harding. Right away."

After a hot shower that did nothing to cool his temper, Henry wrapped himself in a robe and picked up his phone again. He dialed Frank's number, ready to unleash his fury.

"What kind of idiotic plan was that?" he demanded when Frank answered. "You set me up!"

Frank's unrestrained laughter came through the speaker, joined by Benjamin's voice in the background.

"Sorry, man! We couldn't resist!" Frank managed between chuckles. "But hey, at least Sophia came running to you, right? That's something!"

"Yeah, and then she pushed me into a fountain!" Henry snapped.

This only made the two friends laugh harder. Frank finally composed himself enough to speak. "We actually saw that part! When she helped you out, we were hiding near the back door of the club. We followed at a distance to make sure you were okay."

"You saw her push me and didn't think to step in?"

"It happened so fast!" Benjamin chimed in, barely containing his amusement. "Besides, if I'm being honest, it was pretty hilarious. The great Henry Harding, soaked like a drowned rat!"

Henry exhaled deeply, unable to stay angry at his idiotic friends. "I'm hanging up now. Don't call me again—ever."

He tossed his phone back onto the nightstand and collapsed onto the sofa. Lying back against the pillows, he closed his eyes, but sleep wouldn't come. All he could think about was how to deal with Sophia.

That woman had the audacity to push him into a public fountain! No one had ever dared to humiliate him like that. Tomorrow, he would make her regret it.

As dawn approached, Henry's body began to burn with fever, his skin hot to the touch, and he finally drifted into a restless sleep.

"Grandpa, look! My arm is completely better!"

Billy exclaimed, waving his newly freed limb in the air. The cast had finally been removed, and the boy was thrilled to have his full mobility back.

William beamed at his great-grandson, his weathered face lighting up with joy. "That's wonderful, my boy! Now you'll be able to do all the things you've been missing."

I watched their interaction with a warm smile. Despite everything that had happened, seeing Billy happy was all that mattered to me. The bond between my son and his great-grandfather was truly special.

After a few minutes of showing off his healed arm, Billy's attention predictably shifted. "Mom, can I go play in the garden? Please?"

"Of course, sweetheart," I said. William nodded to Mark, who immediately summoned two security guards to follow Billy at a discreet distance.

Once Billy was out of earshot, William's expression grew serious. He reached for my hand, his grip surprisingly strong for a man his age.

"Sophia," he said, his voice heavy with emotion, "have you really made up your mind? Are you certain you don't want to give that foolish grandson of mine another chance?"

I knew William had seen the divorce agreement I'd posted online. He wasn't trying to change my mind—he genuinely wanted to understand if I was at peace with my decision.

"Yes, I'm certain," I replied softly. "You know as well as I do that there was never any real foundation for our marriage. He doesn't love me—he loves Isabella. Even now, he's still entangled with her. I don't want to waste any more of my life on this relationship. I just want to be free."

William sighed deeply, resignation written across his face. "I understand. I meant what I said before—I support you, no matter what."

"You won't change your mind?" I asked, half-teasing.

He waved his hand dismissively. "Change my mind? About that ungrateful boy? What use is he to me anyway?" His eyes twinkled as he leaned forward. "Actually, I wanted to tell you something else. Billy mentioned he'd like to go skiing. I've booked tickets for the two of you to take a vacation. When do you think you could go?"

The suggestion caught me by surprise. With everything that had happened recently—the public scrutiny, the endless drama—a vacation suddenly seemed like the perfect escape.

"That's actually a good idea," I said, feeling lighter at just the thought of it.

"I've already spoken with your hospital director," William continued, looking pleased with himself. "All you need to do is confirm the dates with them."

"Thank you," I said, genuinely moved by his thoughtfulness. "I'll speak with my supervisor today. If it's approved, we can leave right away."

William's smile widened. "Excellent! I'll arrange for two security guards to accompany you. Just for peace of mind."

I was touched by his consideration. Despite not being related by blood, William had shown me more kindness than my own family ever had.

"You don't need to thank me," he said, patting my head affectionately. "We're family. Go and enjoy yourselves. Don't worry about anything—it's all taken care of. Just have fun and take lots of pictures for your old grandpa."

I nodded, squeezing his hand before getting up to leave. As I walked away, I felt a weight lifting from my shoulders. A vacation with Billy was the most appropriate choice right now.

Behind me, William exchanged a meaningful look with Mark. "Is everything arranged at home?" he asked in a hushed tone.

Mark glanced in my direction to ensure I was out of earshot before nodding.

"Yes, sir. No one knows about Mrs. Harding and young master's travel plans yet."

A calculating smile spread across William's face, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Now, let's see who gets anxious first!"