Chapter 114
Chapter 114:
Helena’s voice cracked with emotion as she struggled to speak. “They… they took my father p>
A wave of terror washed over her—if Gemma died, she might never see her father again.
Alden responded calmly, “I was the one who moved your father. He’s safe now p>
The sight of Helena in such a state sent a shiver through Alden. She had become even more delicate during their short time apart. As she leaned on his shoulder, she seemed almost ethereal in her fragility. Alden’s hand on her back felt the tremble of her bones under his touch; she was shaking uncontrollably.
Her body bore no spot untouched by injury that he could comfortably hold onto. Nevertheless, he carefully lifted her into his arms and started to walk away.
Helena whispered, tugging slightly at Alden’s sleeve, “Is it true?” His eyes filled with tears, Alden assured her, saying, “Trust me. I’ll take you to see him soon p>
Wrapping his coat around Helena for warmth, he held her close in his arms.
The safety Alden provided was overwhelming; Helena struggled to maintain consciousness.
His timely appearances had become a source of comfort she had come to rely on.
Reluctantly admitting her dependence on his warmth, she allowed herself to sink into it once more.
Xavier, following closely, felt a cold draft at the sight of Helena cradled in Alden’s arms.
Alden’s voice was firm and charged with anger as he instructed, “Ensure not one of the kidnappers escapes the consequences p>
A vague, distant memory flickered in Helena’s mind.
She remembered her father, Albert, holding a little girl by the hand, leading her into a house and telling her it would be her home.
Yet Gemma’s eyes seethed with scorn as she watched them, her voice venomous as she blurted out, “Albert, don’t you dare bring that bastard child into our home! I’m serious—don’t you dare p>
Gemma’s countenance, usually so composed, was distorted with fury as she chased the girl out, violently shattering anything within her reach.
Albert quickly moved to protect the girl, covering her ears and wrapping her in his arms.
Helena squinted, straining to see the girl’s face more clearly.
The realization struck her like lightning—she was looking at herself as a child.
Memories buried deep began to stir, clawing their way to the surface.
Helena jolted awake, her forehead damp with cold sweat.
The sterile scent of disinfectant filled her nostrils, signaling she was in a hospital.
Feeling warmth encasing her right hand, she turned to find Alden sitting next to her, his presence a silent comfort. He was asleep, his fingers still intertwined with hers.
She had leapt from the moving car, and it was Alden who had rescued her.
A realization dawned on her—during that frantic drive, it must have been Alden whom Gemma was trying to get rid of with those desperate swerves.
Only that could explain how Alden managed to be there so swiftly to whisk her away.
Helena’s eyes rested on Alden’s face as he slept.
His features, even relaxed in sleep, showed signs of fatigue; his brows were knitted together slightly, and strands of hair shadowed his face softly.
Helena wondered what Alden had endured these last few days in her absence.
Memories of his harsh words during his call with Emily surfaced. He had claimed he didn’t care about her at all. He had even agreed to the divorce.
Pain throbbed in her chest, halting her hand just as she moved to touch Alden.
But then, as if sensing her movement, Alden stirred.
His eyes, red-rimmed, blinked open, and he unconsciously tightened his hold on her hand.
Seeing her awake brought a look of surprise and relief to his face as he murmured, “Helena, you’re awake p>
Helena remained silent for a few seconds before gently withdrawing her right hand.
Without a word, she turned her back on him.
Alden’s voice, filled with concern as he called out for a doctor, was hard to tune out, despite her inner chaos.
Doubts about the authenticity of Alden’s worry plagued her.
Yet, she was certain of one thing—she couldn’t bear the pain of being hurt again.