Chapter 95
Chapter 95:
Buying everyone coffee was no small expense. Helena estimated the cost in her head.
“This card came with the coffee,” Tessa said, passing the card to Helena.
On the front, it read, “To Ms. Ellis.” Helena unfolded the card.
Inside, the handwriting was clean and precise. “Thank you, Ms. Ellis, for your weather updates. I look forward to seeing more of you on television p>
It bore no signature.
Yet, the tiny smiley face doodled in the corner caught Helena’s eye, reminding her of something familiar.
Alden often sketched a similar smiley face on his notes at home, just like she did.
As Helena pondered this, her phone chimed with a message from an unknown number.
The message suggested a meeting at a café close to Nexus TV and included the precise address.
Tessa looked at the address and immediately recognized it. It was the same café that had delivered the coffee earlier that afternoon. Tessa smiled innocently. “It seems that fan wants to meet you p>
Helena was intrigued but cautious.
Considering the café’s proximity and its public setting, she decided it was safe enough to visit after work.
Helena called Alden first.
A touch of excitement crept into her voice. “After all these years of doing weather reports, this is the first time I’ve had a fan p>
Alden’s reaction was calm. “Someone out there always appreciates seeing you on screen p>
“I’m going to meet this fan after work,” Helena announced.
At that, Alden’s smile wavered.
Unbeknownst to Helena, it had been Alden who had arranged the coffee and written the card. So, who was Helena going to meet?
𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 gⲁ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⧼ⅽ𝗼𝗺⧽
After work, Helena made her way to the café quickly.
She had just settled in when a woman approached and sat opposite her.
Without a word, the woman removed her large sunglasses, revealing a familiar face.
“Helena, it’s me,” Emily said softly, almost sorrowfully.
Helena gasped, momentarily lost for words. “Emily? Where have you been all this time p>
Emily appeared notably leaner and more fragile than Helena remembered from months prior.
“Helena, I’m sorry. I just couldn’t marry someone who’s deaf, despite what Dad and Mom wanted. I left Cheson right before the wedding. Then, I got sick the very next day. You know my health has always been fragile, and I ended up in the hospital again p>
As she spoke, Emily’s tears began to flow. “It was only after getting out that I learned Dad and Mom had pressured you into marrying Alden p>
Helena responded gently, “Please, don’t cry p>
Despite their different treatments from Gemma, Emily hadn’t intended any harm; she was merely overly indulged.
Abruptly, Emily took Helena’s hand, her face showing deep, vulnerable emotion. “Helena, please don’t hold it against our mother. What you didn’t know is that the Simpson family was buried in debt. They thought the marriage could stabilize our finances p>
Helena replied firmly, “The Simpson family’s financial issues are no longer my concern.” She averted her eyes, fighting to maintain her composure.
Observing Helena’s demeanor, Emily continued, “You’ve endured so much, Helena. Now that I’m here, I won’t let you remain in a loveless marriage.” She dabbed at her tears.
Confusion clouded Helena’s features. “What are you suggesting, Emily p>
Emily tightened her grip on Helena’s hand, her gaze intense and imploring.
“I want to help you leave Alden p>
Helena’s eyes widened. “Leave Alden p>
“Yes, you no longer need to wait for any compensation from the Wilson family.” Emily produced a check. “This money can cover your father’s healthcare costs. After the divorce, you’ll be free to pursue true happiness p>
True happiness?
Though the idea seemed straightforward, Helena’s life had been tumultuous since Emily’s disappearance on her wedding day. Helena’s gaze fell to the wedding ring Alden had placed on her finger that first night.
She remained silent, not touching the check offered to her. Emily’s expression hardened, her voice accusatory.
“Helena, wasn’t money the reason you married Alden p>
Raising her head slowly, Helena spoke softly. “Initially, yes. But things are different now p>