Chapter 135
Chapter 135:
Helena brought up Gemma not just out of genuine curiosity about how she was doing, but also as a quiet test to gauge Alden’s thoughts. She noticed the softening of his once domineering presence, a change that brought her a sigh of relief.
The possibility that Alden might be transforming for her sake made Helena contemplate lowering her defenses, a gesture of burgeoning trust.
“So, knowing someone is looking after Gemma comforts you?” Alden’s voice carried a mix of caution and care. “Helena, it’s fine to be compassionate, but it’s wasted on people who don’t deserve it. If you keep being this soft, it’s only going to end up hurting you p>
Alden paused mid-sentence, catching the trace of a smile forming on Helena’s lips—subtle yet unmistakable.
But before he could resume his admonition, Helena gently interrupted him. “Your words do comfort me, Alden, but not for the reasons you might think. It’s not about Gemma—it’s about you p>
Alden blinked in surprise, his usual composure wavering.
With a tender grasp, Helena took his hand, her eyes earnest and unwavering. “Despite your feelings about my connections with the Simpson family, you chose to update me about Gemma. This shows that you’re really starting to respect my choices. I promise to lean on you more from now on, okay p>
A quiet warmth bloomed in Alden’s chest, stealing his breath for a second. He parted his lips to speak, but the words tangled in his throat, unable to surface.
Helena’s eyes softened into a warm, reassuring smile. “After everything with the kidnapping, I’ve seen the Simpson family for what they truly are. Whatever Gemma faces now is merely the fallout of her own choices. I’m compassionate, yes, but I’m no fool. You don’t have to worry about me getting entangled with them ever again p>
Helena had decided not to dwell on her own origins.
When her father awakened, the hidden truths would unravel by themselves.
Alden’s eyes stayed locked on hers, a long silence settling between them like fog.
“Did you even hear what I said?” Helena’s voice broke through the heavy silence.
In a playful yet frustrated gesture, she gave Alden a light shove. He remained as immovable as a boulder, causing her to almost lose her footing and topple backward.
– 𝗟𝗲𝗚𝗜𝗧 𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗧
With a startled yelp, she staggered, only to collapse gracelessly onto the sofa. The abrupt motion jarred her, a sharp pain lancing through her lower abdomen, drawing a hiss of discomfort between her clenched teeth.
Without a moment’s hesitation, Alden was at her side, his actions swift yet filled with care. He presented her with painkillers, then placed a comforting hand on her stomach, his fingers moving in slow, soothing circles.
The intimacy of his touch sent a warm flush spreading across Helena’s cheeks. She quickly reached out, her fingers wrapping tightly around his wrist.
“Stay still,” Alden commanded, his voice low and unwavering.
Helena found herself complying without thought, arrested by the command in his tone. Under his palm, a comforting warmth spread through the fabric of her blouse, gently easing the pain.
His touch was profoundly tender, marked by a respectful distance that left no room for misinterpretation.
“Thank you,” she murmured, her voice barely above a breath.
Alden didn’t pause—he kept moving, his voice low yet firm as he enunciated each word. “Helena, it’s me who should be thanking you p>
“For what p>
Helena’s brows furrowed in confusion.
“For what you just said,” he replied, his gaze softening. “Even after everything I’ve hidden, you still chose to be honest with me.” Helena’s honesty made the weight of his guilt press even heavier on his chest.
“Don’t say that,” Helena interjected, her voice soft yet firm, as if she could peer into the depths of his guilt. “I was troubled by your secrets at first, but I’ve reconsidered. Whatever you’re keeping from me… I trust there’s a reason behind it. I’m not asking you to lay everything bare. I just… want you to stop lying. Can you at least promise me that much p>
Her request pierced Alden.
Alden’s chest tightened. Even the hearing aid tucked behind his ear was a lie.
Alden longed to unveil all his burdens to her, but the risks were too great. The dark secrets of the Wilson family were a maze with no exit, and exposing Helena to them could ensnare her forever. In the end, protecting her meant weaving yet another lie.
“All right,” Alden said aloud, his heart silently breaking with the apology he couldn’t voice.
Over the weekend, after a heartfelt reconciliation, they joyfully made their way to visit Frida.
To their astonishment, Rylan had already arrived and was in the lush garden, assisting Frida with the watering of the vibrant flowers.
Rylan was every bit the picture of a dutiful grandson, but to Alden, the display felt more like a performance than sincerity—a farce he couldn’t quite stomach.
“Oh wow, Alden—you’re here too?” Rylan exclaimed with mock surprise, his eyebrows shooting up as if he hadn’t expected them at all. Unperturbed by Alden’s frosty demeanor, Rylan effortlessly continued to chatter away, filling the air with idle banter until his attention shifted back to Frida. “Grandma, the Simpson family has fallen into quite a dire situation with their business recently. Out of respect for Helena’s ties to them, I felt compelled to lend a hand. Unfortunately, their problems are far more severe than I anticipated. I’ve truly bitten off more than I can chew this time p>
He let out a dramatic, sheepish sigh. “I guess I overestimated what I could do. Now things are a mess, and it’s on me. Continuing to support the Simpson family might jeopardize our own interests. Yet, withdrawing our help now could tarnish Helena’s name and lead outsiders to doubt our family’s capabilities p>
Rylan’s gaze subtly flickered towards Alden, who had remained silent throughout the exchange. “Ultimately, the Simpson family’s troubles are Alden’s concern. Shouldn’t he be the one to determine our next move?” His tone suggested deference, but the underlying challenge was unmistakable.