Page 71 of Grumpy Bossy Billionaire Enemy

“Shhh,” I said, preventing Henry from saying more words that could hurt either of us. He was currently heading toward depression; talking in such a manner would only make things worse for his mental health.

“You’re still the best businessman in Richmond, and you’re still the best husband in the whole world. Nothing’s going to change that.”

I moved closer to Henry and placed his head on my chest. Henry's hand moved to my tummy. "My babies," he whispered. "I love you."

“We love you too,” I replied, looking down at my tummy as Henry whispered, like he was talking to the fetuses in my womb.

My belly was growing daily, but there was still a difference between the bump and how my stomach always looked.

“I got something for you.” Henry raised his head from my chest. “I forgot to give them to you because of what happened.”

I smiled at Henry; he took my hand as he pulled me away from the sofa. We walked to the door at the end of the hallway. "Ever since you spoke about your childhood ambition and since Nolan showed up, I thought you should have this."

Henry opened the door to a well-organized painting hub. A collection of blank canvases, a working table and chair, and a bunch of paintbrushes filled the space.

“Are they…?” My mouth hung open. I couldn’t form the words. Henry had given me my dream in a room, where I’d nurture my dream as I nurtured my babies.

"Yes, they are for you," Henry said. "I thought you deserve the best shot at getting your dre–."

I hugged Henry before he could complete his sentence.

“I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything,” Henry replied. “You just have to receive my love with all the love you have.”

“I do,” I replied. “I love you so much.”

Henry kissed me on my forehead, “I love you too.”

I moved near the canvasses. I ran my hand on the brushes; everything felt unreal.I walked back to Henry, and we strolled back to our bedroom. Henry didn't just give me a home; he gave me the best things in life.Tonight, I slept near Henry. We both let the emotions wash over us as we stared at the ceiling.

I placed my head on his chest, and for the first time, I heard Henry’s heartbeat race. For the first time, I felt Henry’s fear, and it made me tremble.

Chapter thirty-one

Facing the Dip

Henry

Everyone close to me had called to sympathize with our loss, except for my mother. I agreed that she had a weird way of dealing with loss.For instance, Mother didn’t shed a tear after my father died years ago. I often believed that she cried herself to sleep when no one was watching.She was just incapable of showing emotions to the world, but when she was all by herself, she let herself become a bit vulnerable. However, her indifference to my capital loss was getting under my skin. Maybe the loss was the cause, but I couldn’t shake off that feeling.

Today, Mother stood by my doorstep. Her face was devoid of pity or sympathy.

“Hi, Mom.” I opened the door wide for her to step in. “I thought I’d never hear from you again.”

“You’re an idiot,” Mother replied. “What were you thinking?”

I didn’t think I was thinking. “I’m sorry, Mom,” I said. “I didn’t mean for that to happen.”

"No one means for a loss to happen," Mom answered. "You overplayed your cards in the market. You over invested. A billion dollars, Henry! How do you plan to get back on your feet?"

I couldn't answer. I had no plans yet. I was going to meet with my manager and accountant today; they might have a plan.

I turned and sat on the sofa, “I don’t know, Mom,” I replied. “I will figure it out.”

Mother frowned. “How do you plan to pay your workers’ salaries this month? Do you plan to lay them off?”

These were the questions my accountant would have to answer today. Laying off workers would be the first action to take, just to avoid debt.However, my workers were people struggling to make ends meet.Subsequently, a few of my hotels might have to go down to keep the others running. I might eventually lose my mind.

---