Chapter 20
Chapter 20:
Even after the wedding, Alden hadn’t taken Helena to meet his parents—not once.
“Just keep this in mind,” he said, reading her thoughts as easily as if they were written on her forehead. “My grandmother’s the only one from that family who matters to me. You don’t have to deal with anyone else p>
Helena nodded without asking any questions.
Most people wouldn’t understand, but she did. Sharing blood, or even a roof, didn’t automatically make you family.
Gemma was the clearest example. Even now, the thought of her made Helena’s chest constrict with pain.
Since his grandmother mattered to Alden, Helena would embrace her as family, too. Throughout their marriage—however long it lasted—she would embody the role of a devoted granddaughter-in-law.
The following morning, Helena opened the door to find Alden seated on the sofa, preparing to attach his cochlear implant.
His gaze drifted toward her.
Sunlight streamed through the window, bathing her in a warm golden glow. Her skin appeared luminous, and her entire presence radiated a captivating charm.
Alden’s hand froze mid-motion. He couldn’t look away.
Helena shifted self-consciously under his intense scrutiny.
“Is something wrong?” she asked softly, resisting the urge to check her reflection.
Alden approached her, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly, his eyes narrowing with interest. “You’re wearing makeup p>
Helena nodded.
She’d requested the day off and risen early to prepare, approaching it with the same meticulous care she would have for an anchor audition.
Her makeup was subtle but effective. Her long hair was twisted into an elegant bun, and her maroon plaid wool dress struck the perfect balance between sophistication and warmth.
“Is this inappropriate?” Helena asked, anxiety creeping into her voice. The confidence she’d felt before the mirror earlier had evaporated beneath Alden’s unreadable expression.
Alden’s eyes scanned over her, and he didn’t bother to disguise his appreciation. “You look beautiful,” he said, his voice softening. Then he frowned slightly. “Haven’t you purchased any new clothes?” He noticed the cloakroom was conspicuously empty.
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Before leaving on his business trip, he had given her a bank card but hadn’t checked if she’d used it. Now he realized she likely hadn’t spent a penny.
“I have plenty already,” Helena explained hastily. “I’m saving the card for household expenses—groceries, furniture, utilities…” She gestured vaguely. “Practical necessities p>
Alden hesitated. He had deliberately kept his wealth a secret, living in this modest neighborhood to remain under the radar of the rest of the Wilson family. There were things he couldn’t fully explain to Helena yet. He planned to gradually demonstrate his independence from the Wilson family’s fortune.
But perhaps Helena was more literal-minded than he’d anticipated. She hadn’t touched the card at all. Did she really believe he struggled financially?
Helena’s brow creased with concern. “What’s troubling you p>
Alden shook his head. “Nothing.” Some revelations could wait.
Helena released a quiet sigh of relief as she noticed the cochlear implant still clutched in his hand.
“Would you like some help with that?” she offered gently.
Surprise flickered across Alden’s features. “You know how to use it p>
Helena nodded. She had been researching diligently—learning its proper placement techniques and even some basic sign language.
Alden passed the device to Helena, his fingers brushing against hers. She positioned herself beside him, and given his considerable height, rose onto her tiptoes.
Her slender fingers grazed his ear as she carefully clipped the microphone and positioned the magnetic receiver.
She had learned that those with hearing impairments endured significant hardships—multiple surgeries, sterile operating tables—just to recover a fraction of what others took for granted.
Alden had likely experienced all of this.
Something about that realization made her heart ache.
“Can you hear me, Mr. Wilson?” she asked softly, her breath warm against Alden’s skin.
Instead of answering, Alden’s arm slipped around her waist, pulling her closer.
She looked up, meeting the intensity in his dark eyes.
“I hear you perfectly,” he murmured, his voice deep and intimate. “But you’ll need to address me differently. If we slip in front of my grandmother…” He paused. “It would break her heart p>
Helena bit her lip, acknowledging his point. “Mister” certainly sounded stilted between supposed newlyweds.
“Darling?” she ventured, the word feeling foreign on her tongue—heat rising to her cheeks.
“Mmm.” Alden’s lips parted slightly, his gaze never leaving hers. “Helena,” he responded, her name taking on an entirely new meaning in his voice.