Chapter 51

The moment Grace remembered how Bertha, who had loved her unconditionally since she was little, was now gone—forever—her chest tightened with guilt. The worst part? She hadn't even made it back in time to say goodbye. If only she hadn't left back then. Maybe she could've stayed by her side these past years. Maybe... just maybe, Bertha would've been in better spirits. Maybe she'd still be alive. That thought alone sent tears streaming down her face again. She never expected Henry of all people to show up just then. Seeing Grace wiping her eyes with the back of her hand and completely breaking down, Henry looked genuinely at a loss. He didn't think he'd said anything harsh before, had he? After standing awkwardly at her side for a bit, he finally sighed in resignation, pulled a folded handkerchief from his pocket, and offered it to her. "Wipe your tears," he said, his voice low and calm—its cool tone oddly soothing on such a chilly night. Grace froze, staring at the white handkerchief wi