Chapter 191
Chapter 191:
Frida’s penetrating gaze seemed to cut right through Helena.
Helena struggled to express her objection. Ultimately, only a weak “Okay” escaped her lips.
Relief washed over Frida’s previously tense features. She smiled warmly, nodding with gratitude. “Your compassion never ceases to amaze me. Den is now in your capable hands p>
A tightness gripped Helena’s heart. She managed to swallow the lump forming in her throat and gave a solemn nod.
As Frida’s immediate worries dissipated, her weariness and disorientation returned, slowly overtaking her. Helena watched as Frida drifted into sleep, then carefully adjusted the blanket around her and left the room silently.
“Helena p>
Just as she exited, a deep voice caught her off guard.
Turning, she found Alden stationed against the wall near the doorway, his gaze intensely focused on her.
“You p>
Feeling his intense stare, Helena was about to speak when Alden cut her off. “I overheard your promise to Grandma p>
Embarrassment flickered across Helena’s face. She moved to the living room, ensuring their conversation wouldn’t disturb Frida, and spoke in a hushed tone. “I agreed only to keep Frida from worrying. Please don’t read too much into it p>
“What if I already have p>
Alden’s face grew tense as he stepped closer, almost bridging the gap between them.
Now inches apart, he leaned in as if to kiss her, but Helena turned her head, letting his lips merely graze her hair.
Her avoidance was an unmistakable rejection.
Alden paused, then stood back and spoke softly. “There’s just one room available. You should get some sleep p>
“And what about you?” Helena asked impulsively.
gⲁ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀.k𝗈𝗺 – 𝗧𝑒𝑥𝑡 𝒇𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝖙𝓱𝑒 𝑏𝓮𝑠𝑡
Immediately regretting her words, she braced for an inappropriate remark.
However, Alden simply offered her a sad smile and said, “I’ll be fine on the sofa.” Helena couldn’t shake the image of that heartbreaking smile for the rest of the evening.
The haunting smile persisted in Helena’s mind as she lay in bed.
Fatigue had enveloped Helena after days of tending to Albert. Her mind was heavy with concerns, yet her eyelids grew heavier. Eventually, she succumbed to sleep.
She woke up later to find the room still cloaked in darkness.
Groggily, Helena felt an unexpected pressure around her waist and the familiar rhythm of breathing next to her.
In a mix of surprise and confusion, she sat up and turned on the bedside lamp, revealing Alden’s face as he too began to wake.
He winced slightly at the sudden brightness and murmured, “What’s the matter?” Anger mixed with shock surged through Helena. Clenching her teeth, she asked him, “How dare you? You acted honorably earlier, yet here you are in my bed uninvited! What are you implying p>
“I didn’t want my grandma to find me on the sofa. That would be hard to explain,” Alden said, trying to pull her back to lie down.
As Helena resisted, her eyes widening, Alden firmly wrapped his arms around her, warning, “Stay still. Don’t wake Grandma p>
“You p>
Helena was at a loss for words. She wanted to accuse him of brazenness, but he was already closing his eyes, quickly returning to a deep sleep.
He had dozed off just like that?
The lamp cast a soft glow around the room. Helena noticed dark circles under Alden’s eyes in the dim light, which softened her resentment momentarily.
It seemed he, too, had been struggling with sleep lately.
Exhaustion was evident in his demeanor.
With a resigned sigh, Helena found herself unable to escape his hold and drifted back to sleep before she knew it.
Surprisingly, she had a restful night.
The next morning, Helena woke up at eight o’clock.
She was expected at Nexus TV by eight-thirty and was already running late!
In a flurry, Helena dressed quickly and dashed out.
“What’s the hurry? Let me drive you,” Alden suggested, stepping out from the kitchen with a simple breakfast prepared, his smile reassuring.
Helena was determined not to let Alden drive her.
Recent rumors about him were rampant, and she dreaded the possibility of their relationship being publicized and becoming local gossip.
However, just as Helena was ready to decline his offer, the door to Frida’s room burst open.
In the doorway, framed by the morning light, stood Frida, clutching the frame for support while her anxious gaze darted between Helena and Alden. “Helena, have you and Den been fighting again p>
“Uh… we…” Helena was momentarily flustered, but Alden was quick to respond. Wrapping an arm comfortably around her shoulders, he flashed a reassuring smile at Frida. “Oh, Grandma, there’s no fight here. We’re getting along wonderfully p>
While speaking, he subtly squeezed Helena’s shoulder, a cue for her to cooperate.
Helena sent Alden a sharp look out of Frida’s sight, yet turned to Frida with a crafted smile, saying, “Yes, everything’s fine. No issues whatsoever.” To make her words more convincing, she rested her head gently against Alden’s chest.
Frida’s face lit up at the sight of their apparent affection.
She observed them having breakfast together contentedly, then waved them off with a pleased expression.
Helena grasped Alden’s hand as they walked away, maintaining the act until they were beyond Frida’s sight, at which point she swiftly released it.