Husband With Benefits-Chapter 902: Worried

"What is up with you? You’ve been out of it since this morning. Even during the celebrations, you kept such a long face that anyone watching would’ve thought we lost the deal. What’s on your mind?"

Dave’s voice pulled Grant from his thoughts, though the latter barely looked up from the papers scattered across his desk. He shook his head, dismissing the concern with a tight, controlled smile.

"I’m fine," Grant muttered, but he knew he was lying—to Dave and to himself. He couldn’t admit what was really bothering him. He couldn’t tell Dave that Innocensa Frost had been occupying his mind all day, her tear-streaked face flashing through his thoughts like an unsolved puzzle. Why had she been crying? What could have driven someone so composed and professional to break like that? What was she doing now? Had she stopped crying? What had made her cry like that? Or rather who?

He’d scolded her earlier, chiding her about professionalism when she showed up in such a state. But now, in the quiet of his office, the memory unsettled him. She had still shown up, tears and all. She had not only brought the model but also taken the time to set it up meticulously, ensuring every detail was perfect. Wasn’t that professionalism at its finest? If anything, it was more than he could have expected from anyone else under such circumstances.

Grant sighed and ran a hand through his hair, frustrated with himself. "I’m just in a mood, okay? Nothing major." He stood abruptly, herding Dave toward the door in a not-so-subtle gesture. "I’ve still got work to finish, so just go." freёwebnoѵel.com

Dave raised an eyebrow, his expression a mix of amusement and concern, but he didn’t argue. "Alright, alright. I’m going. But seriously, don’t forget to eat something, okay? You barely had anything all night, and instead of food, you just kept drinking. That’s not exactly the best diet, bro. Put some real food in your stomach before it starts burning a hole in you."

Grant rolled his eyes, though the corner of his mouth twitched upward in reluctant acknowledgment. "Alright, Mom. Don’t be a nag."

Alone again, Grant leaned back in his chair. His fingers tapped rhythmically against the desk as his thoughts drifted back to Innocensa. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t shake the image of her tear-filled eyes or the nagging worry they stirred within him. He should have saved her phone number when she asked him to. Now, he could not even ask her if she was alright. Should he ask Seb Frost?

But then he immediately shook his head. Her father would not appreciate him trying to poke his nose in her business. With a determined look, he turned to his work. It was better to finish the work and go and rest.

Suddenly, his brows furrowed. The office was supposed to be empty by now and the staff had gone home long ago. But he was sure he heard a faint sound.

Soundlessly, he stood up. If it was some thief, trying to get lucky, then they would regret it.

He followed the noise, his ears attuned to the subtle whimpering that seemed to grow louder the closer he got. His steps brought him to the far corner of the office floor, where the staff cubicles were arranged in neat rows.

And that’s when he saw her.

Innocensa Frost.

She was sitting in her small cubicle, her head buried in her arms atop the desk. Her shoulders shook as soft sobs escaped her. The glow of a desk lamp cast a pale light over her figure, highlighting her disheveled hair and trembling hands.

Grant froze. All the irritation he’d felt earlier—at her unexpected tears, at the way she’d been haunting his thoughts—vanished in an instant. All he could feel now was a pang of guilt and concern.

"Innocensa?" he said softly, his voice cutting through the quiet.

She flinched at the sound of his voice, her head snapping up. Her wide, tear-filled eyes met his, and for a moment, she looked as though she might bolt.

"Are you okay?", he asked slowly.

She stood up and shook her head quickly," I am sorry. I didn’t realise you were still working. I am sorry to disturb you. I’ll leave now."

Hurriedly, she started to moveaway but he caught her wrist. "Is everything okay?"

Innocensa nodded her head quickly, but almost immediately, she shook it, her lip trembling as she avoided his gaze. "I’m fine," she whispered, though her voice cracked on the words, betraying the lie.

Before Grant could respond, she tried to pull away again, twisting her wrist in an attempt to free herself. But his grip was unyielding, as if letting her go wasn’t an option.

"Innocensa," he said in a low murmur, "Talk to me."

"I—I can’t," she stammered, "I shouldn’t have come here. I’ll go."

She tugged harder, but Grant didn’t let go. Instead, with one smooth motion, he pulled her toward him. The momentum sent her off balance, and before she could process what was happening, she found herself colliding with his chest. His arms wrapped around her instinctively, steadying her as she froze in his hold.

The world seemed to still for a moment. Her cheek was pressed against the soft fabric of his shirt, and she could hear the steady, grounding rhythm of his heartbeat and the smell of alcohol and some soap that was probably lemon. She made a small noise of protest and her hands pushed weakly against him, but he didn’t let go.

"Innocensa," he murmured again, softer this time. "Breathe."

That single word seemed to break her. The resistance melted out of her as she let out a shaky exhale, her body sagging against his. And then the tears came. Quiet at first, just a few muffled sobs, but soon they poured out of her, unrestrained and raw.

Grant simply held her tighter, letting her cry until she was able to calm down.