Chapter 21
Chapter 21:
Helena’s heart stirred as she recalled the day at the Simpson family’s residence. In front of Gemma and Douglas, Alden had spoken to her with the same tender affection that now filled her ears once again. His voice carried an inexplicable allure when he addressed her that way. Her heartbeat thudded in her chest, the rhythm so intense it created a palpable awkwardness between them.
She pulled herself away from Alden’s embrace, the warmth of his touch still lingering. “Xavier’s waiting. We shouldn’t delay any longer p>
Alden watched her walk away like a startled deer, a knowing smile playing across his lips.
Frida Wilson, Alden’s grandmother, lived in an elegant villa nestled in the tranquil suburbs. Though it was a two-hour journey from downtown, the Wednesday traffic worked in their favor, leaving the suburban roads mercifully clear. They arrived at the villa well before lunchtime.
Helena noticed an elegant elderly woman tending to vibrant flower beds near the entrance, surrounded by several attentive servants. Alden’s fingers intertwined with hers as he guided her toward the silver-haired woman.
“Grandma, I’ve brought Helena to meet you,” he announced, his voice carrying a rare gentleness that washed over Helena like a soothing balm. The warmth in his tone inspired her to offer a radiant smile. “Frida, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you p>
Frida lifted her gaze, her weathered face lighting up with unbridled joy. She hastily abandoned her gardening tools and made her way toward them.
“Den, you’ve finally brought your wife to visit your old grandmother!” A laugh bubbled from Helena’s throat at hearing Alden’s nickname. “Den?” The diminutive struck her as unexpectedly charming.
Frida clasped Helena’s hands in her own, studying her with increasing delight as each moment passed.
“You’re absolutely breathtaking, Helena!” Frida exclaimed. “No wonder Den went to great lengths to win your heart and keep you all to himself p>
A blush crept across Helena’s cheeks at the lavish praise, but confusion clouded her pleasure. What did Frida mean by “went to great lengths”? After all, she was merely standing in for Emily in this marriage of convenience.
Alden gently took Frida’s hand, shaking his head with subtle warning. “Grandma p>
His grandmother’s lips formed a disappointed pout. “Very well. If you insist on keeping secrets, I’ll say no more!” She brushed the garden soil from her clothes before turning to her housekeeper. “Shelley, fetch the gift I prepared for Helena, please p>
Lɑtєst chαptєrs 𝑖n g𝒶l𝑛ovє𝓁ѕ.с𝓸m
Shelley Hayes nodded respectfully and departed, accompanied by several servants.
Moments later, Shelley returned, carrying an antique jewelry box crafted with exquisite artistry.
Frida opened the container herself, revealing contents that made Helena’s breath catch in her throat. Inside lay an impeccably designed pearl necklace, each pearl shaped like a perfect teardrop. At its center hung a lustrous emerald gemstone that captured the light magnificently.
Before Helena could voice any objection, Frida was already moving to place the treasure around her neck.
“This is my gift to you, Helena. Let me help you wear it properly p>
Helena’s hands fluttered nervously. “Frida, I couldn’t possibly accept something so precious p>
The elderly woman paused, her expression faltering slightly. “Does my selection not please you p>
“No, that’s not it at all,” Helena hastened to explain. “It’s simply… too valuable a gift p>
Alden’s wedding ring had already been extravagant enough, and now this necklace…
“Accept it,” Alden murmured, taking the necklace from his grandmother’s hands. “It’s my grandma’s way of welcoming you p>
He positioned himself before Helena, bowed his head slightly, and fastened the delicate chain around her neck.
His lips were near her ear as he whispered, “Don’t compromise our arrangement p>
Understanding dawned on Helena, and she dared not refuse further.
After securing the necklace, Alden’s fingers deftly tucked a rebellious strand of hair behind her ear, his touch lingering longer than necessary. Helena’s natural beauty, now enhanced by the luminous pearls, transformed her into a vision of radiance and sophistication, an aura of refined elegance emanating from her very presence.
“It complements you perfectly,” Alden remarked, his admiration unmistakably genuine.
Helena’s cheeks flushed crimson as she forced herself to maintain their charade. “Thank you… honey p>
Frida observed their intimate exchange, satisfaction warming her aging features.
“Wear this necklace often,” she advised with the wisdom of years. “Let it absorb your youthful vitality—it will grow more beautiful with each passing day. It’s been confined too long in that box with only an old woman for company, and the pearls have lost their natural luster p>
Helena nodded with sincere gratitude, her fingers brushing the cool pearls.
“I saw you working in the flower beds earlier,” Helena said, her voice laced with genuine interest. “Is there anything I can help with p>
Alden had forbidden her from bringing Frida a present, but the weight of the precious necklace against her collarbone demanded some reciprocity.
Frida’s eyes narrowed as she pivoted toward Alden, her expression transforming into theatrical indignation. “Would you look at that? Helena offers assistance without prompting, while you never lift a finger unless coerced p>
Responding to the challenge, Alden smoothly rolled up his sleeves, his movements deliberate and refined. “Consider me entirely at your disposal, Grandma,” he declared with uncharacteristic charm.
A quiet delight washed over Helena as she observed their interaction. The playful dynamic between grandmother and grandson stirred memories of her relationship with her father— that same blend of affection disguised as exasperation.
Before her eyes, Alden’s transformation was mesmerizing. His customary glacial demeanor melted away like frost under the morning sun, revealing a man unburdened by whatever normally encased his heart in ice. His features softened, tension evaporating from his shoulders as warmth infused his voice.
“Helena,” Frida said, her keen eyes noting Helena’s observation, “Den will accompany me here. Shelley has prepared the room you’ll be staying in tonight. Perhaps you’d like to inspect it and request any necessities p>
Shelley inclined her head with refined courtesy, inviting Helena to follow.
Even as they departed, Helena sensed Frida’s lingering gaze tracking her movement, studying her with an intensity that suggested the elderly woman was memorizing every detail of her appearance. Once Helena had vanished from sight, Alden released a resigned sigh.
“Grandma, Helena misses nothing. Your scrutiny is far from subtle—she’ll inevitably sense something amiss p>
Frida’s weathered face crinkled with mischievous delight as she gave him a playful swat on the arm. “How much longer will you keep her in the dark? I’m not getting any younger, and my patience for great-grandchildren is wearing thin by the day p>