Chapter 215
Chapter 215:
With a smile and no hint of jest, Alden lifted his shirt, his face serious. “Don’t worry, my wound is fine. See for yourself if you’re doubtful,” he said.
His bandage was spotless, untouched by any sign of blood.
This sight slightly relaxed Helena, yet the memory of Alden stabbing himself caused her heart to ache anew.
Her fingers trembled slightly, hovering over the clean bandage. She was tempted to touch it, yet restrained by fear.
In the end, she slowly pulled her hand away, her tear-filled eyes fixed on him as she said deliberately, “Alden, no matter how much you believe you’re in my debt, after everything you’ve done, you’ve more than made things right. From now on, just live your life and stop holding on to all that guilt, alright p>
“Alden, thank you for saying that. But there’s something important I need to clarify. I p>
Alden wanted to express that his kindness stemmed not from guilt but from genuine love.
However, before he could continue, the sound of footsteps approaching interrupted him. Helena’s face tensed.
She shoved his shoulder with urgency and whispered, “My dad’s coming. You’ve got to hide. Now p>
With panic setting in, Helena kept stealing glances at the door while forcing Alden into the wardrobe.
Even with his height working against him, Alden folded himself up the best he could. From inside, he watched the wardrobe slam shut, the sound echoing just before everything went pitch black.
Now that he couldn’t see, every sound around him felt sharper.
Helena’s voice came first, a little shaky. “Hey, Dad p>
After a short pause, Albert settled onto the chair by Helena’s bed. His voice turned serious and sincere as he spoke. “Since you only woke up yesterday, I was worried you might still be too weak. That’s why I didn’t say much. Now that you’re looking better, we need to have a talk—about your future, and more to the point, your marriage p>
The unease had already taken root in Helena, and hearing that only made it worse. She couldn’t bring herself to meet Albert’s eyes. Instead, she looked down, hoping to keep her emotions out of sight.
Seeing her reaction, Albert assumed she was upset and treaded even more carefully. “I’m not trying to control your life. I just don’t want you getting hurt again p>
gⱯlnσν𝓮ℓs．c𝗈𝗺, a world of tales
After letting out a sigh, he started laying out every reason why Alden wasn’t a good match. “Look at what being with Alden has brought you. His family has been openly hostile because of him. You were lucky this time, escaping Chadwick’s hands. But what if there’s a next time? What makes you so sure Rylan and Maisie won’t come after you next p>
Pausing for a second, he continued, “And then there’s Alden himself. That man keeps too much to himself. You can’t tell what he’s really feeling. And the two of you? You’ve known each other since you were kids. Maybe he’s confusing old loyalty for love. Or maybe it’s just guilt keeping him by your side p>
Albert’s disapproval deepened with every word. He was losing faith in Alden fast.