Chapter 64
Chapter 64:
Leonino’s playful jabs unsettled Helena more than she had anticipated. Her smile gradually faded, leaving her expression somewhat vacant.
Alden, on the other hand, remained quiet, his gaze fixed on Leonino. Their eyes conveyed things that couldn’t be said.
Suddenly, Helena began to wonder if Leonino was aware of Alden’s deep affection for him.
Her eyes darted nervously between the two.
Reflecting further, she became increasingly sure that Alden had planned Leonino’s visit that day. Perhaps it was best to leave them alone to discuss matters.
With this thought, Helena attempted to slip away unnoticed. However, Alden was faster, catching her by the hood of her sweatshirt.
“Finish your breakfast before you leave p>
Helena found herself being gently guided back to the table.
Alden briefly lowered his gaze and sent a meaningful glance toward Leonino, signaling him to address the matter at hand.
Leonino, looking somewhat resigned, spread his hands.
He had only been in their home for a short while—wasn’t it too forward to address such matters directly with Helena?
Nevertheless, he pulled out a chair and sat down close to her.
“It seems my assistant might’ve said something that gave you the wrong idea p>
These words agitated Helena.
She began to cough violently, prompting Alden to rush to her side and pat her back, helping her breathe while casting a stern look at Leonino.
Leonino lifted his shoulders with a faint sigh, clearly at a loss. “The nurses at the hospital are around your age, and they like to let their thoughts wander. I don’t keep a big circle, and Alden is one of the few people I truly rely on. Honestly, even my own family gets the wrong idea about things sometimes p>
He believed his explanation was clear.
Alden’s expression grew more troubled. He had hoped Leonino’s visit would gently clarify any misunderstandings, but why did Leonino have to be so blunt, almost like using a scalpel?
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Was this frankness common in his surgical practice as well?
Meanwhile, Helena’s coughing intensified.
The tissues on the table had run out, so she dashed off to the storage room for another box.
Alden trailed behind her, quietly pondering a solution to their situation. Helena twisted around to look behind her, and ended up colliding with him head-on.
“Quit following me and go tell Dr. Prescott the whole truth,” she said, her cheeks burning with tension. “You haven’t told him our marriage isn’t real yet, have you p>
“He…” Alden stumbled over his words. “He doesn’t need to know p>
“He has to know,” Helena said, meeting his gaze with a determined look.
Since she came back from the hospital, Helena had been doing some research.
It saddened her, but she couldn’t shake off how tenderly Alden had spoken that name in his sleep, filled with gentle sorrow.
If Leonino was indeed a significant part of Alden’s past, and circumstances had separated them, then Alden needed to be honest with Leonino about his true feelings.
Helena nudged Alden, urging him to confront Leonino.
“Helena, listen to me—just this once,” Alden said, his voice laden with frustration and a trace of defeat. “Pay attention. Leonino isn’t Nyno p>
Helena stood still, taken aback.
A wave of shock, regret, and mortification swept over her a moment later.
She had completely misunderstood the situation.
Her assumptions had been ridiculous.
“My family has always been curious about my hearing—that’s why I keep my relationship with him so private. I don’t want Leonino dragged into unnecessary drama. And there’s nothing romantic between us, like you imagined p>
Alden tensed, his explanation faltering.
“I—I understand,” Helena said, her voice faltering. To continue would only deepen the awkwardness.
After an extended period of quiet, Alden and Helena made their way back into the living room.
Leonino had been waiting for some time, yet he showed no signs of irritation.
Observing Alden’s range of emotions during the visit seemed to amuse him greatly, making the wait worthwhile.
With a gentle tone, he addressed Helena, saying, “Don’t be embarrassed, Helena. Misunderstandings about my friendship with Alden aren’t uncommon. Yet, because you’re his wife, he wanted me to clarify things personally p>
Helena’s gaze shifted to Alden, remorse flickering in her almond-shaped eyes.
By then, Alden had composed himself, masking any trace of the earlier distress.
She wondered what Alden might have told Leonino about her. It seemed that Leonino was unaware of her status as merely Alden’s interim spouse.
For a brief moment, Helena was almost convinced by Leonino’s serious demeanor that their marriage was genuine and enduring. She noted that Alden’s friends had already accepted her warmly.
Leonino rose from his seat. “I’ve said what I had to and delivered the cochlear implant. I must be off now—I have another appointment p>
A sigh of relief passed through Helena as she got up to escort him to the door.
However, Alden’s expression subtly shifted, a mischievous smirk forming on his face.
“Is this another matchmaking attempt by your mother p>
Leonino paused mid-step, his expression turning cold. “With the news of your marriage spreading, do you think my mother will put her matchmaking on hold p>
His annoyance was evident, yet Alden had to poke fun at it.
Leonino decided to retaliate against Alden. As he left, he said, his tone relaxed yet incisive, “Stop pinging me at night with your psychology queries. If you genuinely need exposure therapy, I can recommend you to a skilled therapist p>
Helena froze upon hearing that. Exposure therapy?
Alden had seen the document Valeria had handed her!