Chapter 385
Chapter 385:
“Don’t be mad at him. I pressured him into it,” Helena replied, rising to sit beside him. She gently turned him by the shoulders until he had no choice but to look at her. When their eyes finally met, she said calmly but firmly, “Alden, are you turning it down because you’re scared it won’t work? That’s not who you are—don’t try to p>
“Tell me you’re afraid.” Alden let out a low chuckle and gently ran his fingers along her cheek. “Helena, trying to rile me up won’t get you anywhere p>
Helena realized he’d seen right through her, but she didn’t back down or feel awkward. Instead, she kept going. “If fear’s not the issue, then why are you still avoiding it p>
Alden looked like he was about to explain, but she jumped in before he could get a word out, her tone sharp and unwavering. “Don’t bring up the company problems—I already got the full story from Leonino p>
She drew in a steady breath and then laid everything on the table. “Whether it’s the PR mess or the staffing shake-up after you fired Eleanino, those things aren’t the real problem, are they? The truth is, what’s tying your hands is that promise you made to my mother p>
Helena knew him inside and out—Alden couldn’t argue with that. When she saw his quiet acceptance, she kept going. “But did it ever cross your mind why my mom made that deal with you in the first place p>
That question threw Alden off balance.
“It’s because my mom loves me! She wanted to see if you had the drive and strength to be by my side—to prove you’d be an exceptional and loyal husband. But now, you’re putting your health on the line just to keep that promise. If she found out I’d end up spending my life with someone who’s not well, don’t you think she’d be upset p>
After pouring her heart out, Helena spelled things out for Alden in no uncertain terms. “You’re so wrapped up in this wager that you’re missing what really matters—it’s tearing me up inside.” Her tone was filled with raw emotion, and every syllable hit Alden like a punch to the gut.
Alden’s throat tightened, and the words just wouldn’t come. Without thinking, he pulled her close and held on as if letting go might break him.
Helena leaned her chin against his shoulder, her fingers moving softly as she traced circles on his solid back.
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Her voice drifted around him like a warm breeze, slow and tender. “Alden, I want you to be able to hear all the beauty this world has to offer p>
She stopped for a moment, then painted a picture of what lay ahead, hoping it would stir something in him. “Before long, we’ll have a baby of our own. Don’t you want to hear our baby’s very first cry p>
Just hearing her say it made Alden’s mind wander. He could almost picture a tiny, fragile little face.
Maybe the baby would have Helena’s eyes, his own nose, and a hint of his grandma’s features around the mouth.
And that first cry—it would probably sound like music from the heavens.
The thought of missing that moment twisted something deep inside him.