Chapter 92
Chapter 92:
Alden’s peace was abruptly shattered as his eyes snapped open, his heart racing.
His hearing aid lay on the floor, detached; logically, he should have heard nothing.
“My ears…” Alden murmured slowly.
Helena, eyes sparkling with sudden hope, exclaimed, “That’s incredible! You can hear some things vaguely. We must inform Dr. Prescott p>
To Alden’s surprise, Helena displayed no skepticism, only pure joy. As he gazed into her earnest eyes, an unfamiliar surge of emotion overwhelmed him.
Gently, Helena clasped his hand. “I’ve done some research. Lots of people lose hearing from accidents but get it fixed p>
Perhaps there was hope for Alden as well—a chance for him to break free from the world of silence.
With a hint of caution, she asked, “What incident led to your hearing loss p>
Alden’s gaze flickered, betraying a moment’s hesitation. He remained silent.
Offering a reassuring smile, Helena said, “You don’t have to share if you’re not ready. Dr. Prescott will understand and can still assist p>
The following day, Helena was by Alden’s side as they visited Leonino. Leonino, ever the epitome of composure, barely concealed his grin. Feigning the need for privacy during the check-up, he requested that Helena wait outside.
Left alone with Alden, Leonino chuckled softly.
Alden felt an urge to silence him; Helena was still nearby.
Leonino, amusement twinkling in his eyes, suggested, “Why prolong the pretense? Stop pretending and tell your wife the truth. I’m sure she’ll help you keep it a secret p>
Alden paused, then said, “I do trust her. Yet, some truths are better left unsaid p>
Leonino’s expression shifted as he said, “You fear she’ll discover her role in your hearing loss. Was Helena’s mental illness also caused by p>
Alden nodded. “She’s beginning to remember bits and pieces p>
Alden was haunted by the memory of Helena’s suffering and breakdown, which filled him with sorrow.
Read exclusive content at gⱯlnσν𝑒ℓs․com
“I just wish she could forget those moments,” he added.
“People’s memories aren’t like computers, Alden,” Leonino remarked, adjusting his spectacles with a grave look. “Memories aren’t something you can sort and delete at will. It’s up to her to live with those truths or not p>
Alden chose to remain silent after that.
When he exited the room, Helena caught the troubled expression on his face, causing her own heart to drop.
She wondered, was the chance of recovery that remote? Had her optimism led to yet another disappointment for Alden?
Before she could voice her concerns, Alden enveloped her in a tight embrace.
His voice, usually reserved and detached, carried a tenderness that was seldom heard.
He pleaded, “Please, just don’t ask any questions, alright p>
Quietly consenting, Helena patted his back soothingly.
Leonino peered out the door, took in the tender moment, and discreetly closed it again, choosing not to disturb them.
Despite feeling slightly self-conscious, Helena hesitated to pull away from Alden.
“Is this a public display of affection I see?” came Valeria’s teasing voice from behind them.
Turning around, Helena initially didn’t recognize the figure as Valeria. Valeria wore thick makeup, a big wavy wig, a daring leopard-print mini skirt, and boots with impossibly high heels.
Helena had never seen Valeria dress so boldly, and for a moment, she was taken aback.
She asked, “What’s with the outfit p>
With a casual shrug, Valeria replied, “Just a side job p>
Looking through the crack in the door, Leonino noticed Valeria and stepped out.
After surveying Valeria’s appearance, he smiled approvingly. “You’ve outdone yourself since our last blind date, Miss Clark. Now you’re ready to meet my mother p>
Helena harbored numerous questions, yet Valeria leaned close and murmured, “I’ll fill you in later. Right now, I just need the money. Trust me, it’s nothing untoward. Don’t be concerned p>
Despite her reassurances, Helena’s eyes lingered worriedly on Valeria’s light attire.
Unfazed, Valeria walked over and took Leonino’s arm.
Taking a moment to gather her courage, she announced, “We should head out p>
Helena felt compelled to intervene, but Alden restrained her.
“Relax,” Alden assured her gently. “Leonino knows what he’s doing. He needs Valeria to play a part for his mother p>
“Is that strategy going to be effective?” Helena asked, her brow creasing with doubt.
Out of the blue, Alden asked, “Does Valeria really need money that badly p>
Valeria didn’t seem like someone who spent recklessly. Besides, he had recently given her a hundred thousand dollars for her expertise.
Exhaling deeply, Helena struggled for words. “She didn’t spend the money on herself p>
Indeed, Valeria barely spent anything on herself.
However, her irresponsible father and younger brother constantly demanded money from her.