Chapter 121
Chapter 121:
In the hospital’s ICU, Albert remained motionless, unaware of the world around him.
Tears blurred Helena’s vision as she studied his pale, unresponsive face.
“Dad, please tell me… was any of that memory even real?” Helena gripped Albert’s fragile fingers, desperately seeking reassurance.
But Albert couldn’t answer her.
Lingering by his bedside, Helena couldn’t stop replaying fragments of what had happened before he fell into a coma.
She had always known her father to be gentle, loyal, and devoted—someone incapable of betraying the family he’d cherished.
And yet…
The vividness of that memory haunted her relentlessly, challenging every truth she’d ever believed.
Helena’s heart felt shredded between her unwavering faith in Albert and the persistent doubts tormenting her.
“I don’t know what to believe anymore. I’m so lost, Dad p>
For far too long, she’d hidden her feelings beneath a tough exterior, but here, beside Albert, her defenses finally crumbled.
She felt helpless, uncertain of how to reclaim the truth or even face Alden again.
Eventually, overwhelmed by emotion, Helena leaned against the bed, crying openly, like a child searching desperately for guidance.
After emptying her heart through tears, Helena whispered softly to Albert before rising to leave.
“Finished crying p>
A gentle, familiar voice caught her off guard from just outside the doorway.
Lifting her head, Helena met Alden’s deep gaze.
Her vision was still blurred, making Alden’s face appear distant, as if he stood separated by an invisible wall.
Noticing Helena’s swollen eyes sent a sudden ache radiating through Alden’s chest.
𝕋𝕣𝕦𝕖 𝕗𝕚𝕝𝕖 𝕚𝕤 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖: gⱯ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝕖𝗅𝕤⧽ⅽ𝗈𝗺
Unable to resist, he instinctively reached out, yearning to pull her close. But Helena swiftly moved aside, clearly rejecting his gesture of comfort.
His arms fell awkwardly to his sides, a painful emptiness settling where warmth should have been.
Without a word, Helena brushed past him as if he weren’t even there. It was as though he had become invisible to her.
Left standing awkwardly, Alden lowered his gaze to his empty arms, letting out a heavy sigh and a weary smile.
Days passed quietly before Helena finally recovered.
Throughout her recovery, she’d kept mostly to herself, making no demands.
Even after leaving the hospital and returning home alongside Alden, she didn’t mention the phone she had lost.
Thankfully, Alden chose to give it back on his own.
“Thanks,” Helena said softly, carefully taking the phone without allowing their fingers to touch.
An unfamiliar helplessness flashed briefly across Alden’s face. Just as he was about to say something, Helena’s phone buzzed abruptly. Dominick, once again, was interrupting at precisely the wrong moment.
“Helena! You’re finally answering! Your final assessment is just days away—have you been preparing?” Dominick’s enthusiastic voice burst through the line.
“Assessment…” Helena’s voice faltered. “I’ve missed so much work lately—am I even allowed to take part now p>
Dominick sounded confused. “Missed work? Your husband called in sick personally. You’ll be back right on time. Why would you think you’re disqualified p>
Realization slowly dawned—Alden had quietly taken care of her absence.
She instinctively glanced toward him, but Alden wore an impatient expression, making his feelings unreadable.
“He… he really called in sick for me?” she asked cautiously, directing her words into the phone.
“Yeah! It was your husband—I answered the call myself. Honestly, his voice could rival any professional broadcaster. Now that I think about it, he sounded a lot like p>
Panic surged through Helena. Just as she was about to interrupt, Dominick said excitedly, “He sounded exactly like Alden p>
“What nonsense are you saying?” Helena replied, trying to brush it off. “Come on, think about it. If Alden were really my husband, would I be struggling this hard to land a news anchor job p>
Worried Dominick might press further, Helena quickly added, “Look, I’ve got something urgent to handle. Let’s talk later. Good night p>
She abruptly ended the call, her heart pounding.
As Alden watched her anxiously press a hand over her racing heart, his previously rigid expression softened noticeably.
Casually, he suggested, “If hiding our marriage causes this much stress, we can always announce it publicly p>
“Absolutely not!” Helena responded quickly and resolutely. “You’re the one who demanded secrecy from day one. No matter how difficult it gets, I’ll honor that commitment p>
Announcing their marriage openly would irreversibly alter her entire existence.
Besides, given Alden’s distant treatment lately, there seemed little chance for them to build a real future together.
Exposing their relationship would only complicate matters further. With that thought, Helena firmly reminded Alden, “I trust you’ll honor our agreement too p>
Alden’s breath caught.
Though bitterness swirled inside him, he forced a neutral tone. “Glad to see you haven’t forgotten our agreement. Public or not, all I need is for you to fulfill your role as my wife p>