Chapter 33
Chapter 33:
Helena was about to speak when a smiling waiter appeared, welcoming her and Alden inside.
Only then did it dawn on Helena—Alden had brought her to Sehao Maison, the most lavish five-star hotel in all of Cheson. The kind of place that wore elegance like a crown.
Her stomach tightened. Just one dinner here would devour half a month’s salary.
Helena’s expression clouded as she stopped abruptly. True, Alden had selected the place, but she had already committed to treating him.
“Alden, well…” She tugged gently at his sleeve, her fingers betraying her anxiety.
Alden raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in his eyes. “What is it p>
Helena asked with careful deliberation, “Do you truly enjoy the restaurant in this hotel p>
Alden nodded without hesitation. “The head chef here has earned acclaim even overseas p>
Something tender blossomed within Helena when she glimpsed the unmistakable anticipation in Alden’s eyes. She realized it was likely his yearning for home that had sustained him through those lonely years abroad. That explained why, in this moment of happiness, he wanted to share it with her.
Helena bit her lip and fortified her resolve. “Alright, let’s eat here p>
Alden’s eyes sparked with surprise. “Are you certain p>
Helena nodded with newfound determination. “Yes, absolutely.” Alden had consistently treated her like family, and his friend had even arranged for her father’s transfer to a premium room in the nursing home. How could she possibly deny him this simple pleasure?
Helena guided Alden toward their table with renewed purpose. The waiter presented Helena with the menu, which she promptly buried her face in, hastily making selections.
Alden couldn’t suppress a quiet laugh. Helena appeared as though she were marching toward battle rather than enjoying dinner.
He understood perfectly that since her father’s hospitalization, Helena had been living on the barest of necessities. His intention had merely been to tease her slightly, hoping she would remember the card he’d given her.
𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐭
Alden had decided it was time to reveal his actual financial situation to Helena. But witnessing her steely determination, he realized she truly intended to sacrifice her meager savings.
Regret washed over him. Perhaps this little jest had ventured too far.
“Helena, actually, this hotel—” Alden began, but an unwelcome voice sliced through his words.
“Helena, it’s been ages p>
Terry stood before them, unwanted and uninvited.
Helena had just finished ordering two dishes when she looked up. Her smile evaporated instantly at the sight of him.
Terry acknowledged Alden with strained civility. “Mr. Wilson, treating Helena to dinner p>
Alden’s expression hardened to ice. “I see no reason for us to engage in conversation p>
Yet Terry brazenly held his ground, rushing to explain to Helena, “Helena, I’m already divorcing Stacey. Her family proved to be nothing but con artists—authorities have shut down all their ventures. They’re now financially beneath even my family p>
Helena paused mid-reach for her water glass.
So the rumors held truth—Stacey’s family had indeed fallen into serious trouble. After a fleeting moment of surprise, she composed herself, remembering that none of this concerned her anymore.
These matters—especially Terry—had become irrelevant to her life. His opportunistic nature revolted her completely.
Helena made no effort to mask her contempt. “Terry, your affairs hold no interest for me. Please stop interrupting my dinner with my husband p>
At that moment, the waiter arrived with her two carefully selected dishes—a fragrant seafood risotto and a delicate chilled soup. These signature offerings represented the extent of what Helena could reasonably afford.
With a gesture of affection, Helena served Alden some risotto with a delicate spoon, offering him a genuine smile. “Try it p>
Steam rose from the risotto, creating an intimate haze between them.
For a heartbeat, Alden felt transported to his childhood. He recalled how young Helena would always share her favorite treats with him, her face illuminated with joy.
Alden lifted his spoon, his expression softening. “Alright.” Their tender exchange pierced Terry with raw jealousy.
Helena’s pure, radiant smile—once exclusively for him—now belonged to Alden, transferred in mere months.
Terry glared at Alden, his words dripping with venom. “Mr. Wilson, you bring your wife to a five-star hotel, yet you can only afford two dishes p>