Chapter 197
Chapter 197:
“You didn’t freeze up this time, Helena p>
Alden’s voice came out low and rough, with a seductive edge.
The wave of emotions finally broke through Helena. She hit his shoulder, tears spilling as she whispered, “You jerk p>
He froze. That single second stretched on. Then, she leaned in and kissed him without a word.
Everything she’d ever understood about love and intimacy—she’d learned from him.
So even now, in the heat of the kiss, she moved just as Alden had taught her. Her lips met his in a fierce rush, as if trying to draw the very air from his lungs.
Alden was stunned for a moment. Then, his gaze darkened, and he kissed her back, as if he had been waiting for this.
The two of them, caught up in the moment, melted into a heated, passionate tangle on the small sofa.
Every thought Helena had vanished beneath the heat of Alden’s hands and lips. The fears that normally haunted her were nowhere near strong enough to break through.
Just as she was about to give in, a quiet thread of reason pulled at her, whispering that this wasn’t right.
But…
But this might be the last time.
To her, this moment felt like one final memory—something they could both carry with them.
Her lashes flickered softly, and then she finally let her eyes close, surrendering to Alden completely.
Alden held back more than once, carefully checking if she still wanted this. Then, he gave in, only after seeing that she did.
Still—
A low vibration broke the silence as the phone on the coffee table came to life.
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Alden let out a breath through clenched teeth and picked up the phone, already irritated.
Seeing Xavier’s name only made it worse.
The moment he ended the call, Xavier called again—relentless and unfazed. Just as Alden’s breath grew heavy and he moved to turn off the phone, Helena sat up on the sofa and spoke.
“You… you should probably pick up. What if it’s something serious?” Her cheeks burned red as she fumbled with her loosened collar, then quickly turned and ran off.
“Helena, wait p>
Alden tried to stop her, but the phone kept vibrating.
Frustration tightening his jaw, he finally answered the call. “Xavier, have you ever thought about not working so hard p>
The comment threw Xavier off guard. Alden continued, “Your bonus is getting slashed in half next month p>
“What? Why? Mr. Wilson, I didn’t p>
Xavier didn’t get the chance to finish. The line went dead before he could argue. His eyes dropped to the list of Alden’s assets spread out in front of him. There was nothing he could do now.
Dealing with a boss head over heels in love? It was just too much to handle.
In her room, Helena paced restlessly, her thoughts tangled in chaos.
Traces of Alden’s touch lingered on her skin—some barely there, others impossible to miss.
Each mark whispered back what her mind was trying to forget.
When she was caught up in that moment, it had all felt so instinctive, like breathing. But now that her head had cleared, just thinking about it made her want to crawl under the bed.
Heat rushed to Helena’s face, the embarrassment too much to bear. Eventually, she hid beneath the covers and let out a soft, muffled whimper.
Sleep never came easy that night—she kept tossing and turning. By morning, the thought of seeing Alden made her stomach twist. Hoping to avoid him, she slipped out of the apartment quietly and headed straight for Valeria’s hospital. Helena didn’t mention the online abuse, fearing that speaking up would only drag Valeria into the mess and bring trouble for them both.
Instead, she focused on what had happened with Alden, hoping Valeria would provide some clarity. Just as Valeria opened her mouth to respond, the consultation room door swung open.
Since Valeria was still with Helena, she hadn’t called in the next patient yet. After all, it was Helena’s clinic hours, and people were expected to wait their turn.
A move like that wasn’t just disruptive—it was plain disrespectful. Both women turned toward the doorway, matching scowls on their faces, only to see someone they hadn’t expected—Leonino’s mother, Savannah.
Valeria had bumped into Gregg and his mistress just a few days ago and had filled Helena in right after. Now, seeing Savannah walk in like this, Valeria naturally assumed she was here to talk through some heartbreak.
“Savannah, take a seat. Did you come to see me for p>
Valeria always spoke with a soft tone, polite and steady, no matter the patient. Just as Valeria slid a chair out for Savannah, an imperious voice sliced through the moment. “Miss Clark, it’s Mrs. Prescott. We’re not nearly close enough for anything else, so there’s no need to try and charm me p>