My Substitute CEO Bride

The once-powerful family fell apart after a massive upheaval. Helio was the one who personally delivered the news of Patrick's death to the Ledger family. The Ledger couple was devastated; although Patrick was their adopted son, they had always treated him and Dahlia as their own.noveldrama

Back then, Dahlia stepped forward and slapped Helio across the face. Losing the brother she adored was unbearable. Understanding her pain, Helio said nothing. He allowed her to vent her sorrow without interruption.

The Ledger couple were unable to watch any longer and wanted to intervene, but Helio shook his head. He felt helpless at the sight of Dahlia in tears.

After that incident, Helio became fearful of making decisions as he realized that even the smallest choice could lead to disastrous consequences for many. With this mindset, he grew increasingly despondent.

Once a bright and cheerful young man, he now only wanted to complete his tasks like a robot. He longed to give up, preferring not to make any choices that might cause others more harm.

One day, Helio finally mustered the courage to visit the Ledger family and apologize. However, that day would also become one of the memories he could never forget.

That day, Helio had a bit too much to drink. After gathering his courage, he made his way to the area near the Ledger estate. Ahead of him was a fork in the road- one path led home, while the other, to the right and behind him, led to the Ledger family's mansion.

He ultimately chose to go toward the Ledger family's mansion. However, the scene before him made his eyes widen in terror. The Ledger family's grand estate had become an inferno.

He was too late. The entire house was already engulfed in flames, its structure charred black as thick smoke billowed out. Helio rushed toward the mansion.

Inside, the air was thick with smoke. Helio covered his mouth and nose as he searched desperately. The first floor was empty. He then noticed that the flames were rapidly depleting his true energy. Knowing he had no time to waste, he hurried to the second floor.

Finally, in the hallway, he found the Ledger couple. However, the sight before him filled him with dread. The Ledgers' bodies were engulfed in flames, pinned beneath sharp steel beams that had fallen-one of which had even pierced through Mr. Ledger's chest.

Despite their dire situation, the couple was fiercely protecting Dahlia, who was beneath them. Her leg was crushed by debris, leaving her unable to move.

When the Ledger couple saw Helio, a spark of hope flickered in their eyes. "Helio, hurry! Take Dahlia and go!"

Their words spurred Helio into action. He pulled the injured Dahlia free, but her face was full of reluctance and sorrow.

"No! Dad, Mom, we have to go together!" Dahlia cried out, but the Ledgers shook their heads.

Her father gently said, "Dahlia, be a good girl and go first." He then gestured for Helio to take her away. Helio immediately hoisted her onto his back and dashed down the stairs.

"Let me go! Dad, Mom! Helio, get away from me!" Dahlia pounded her fists against Helio's back, but he remained silent as he focused on getting them to safety.

When they reached the main hall, the chandelier above them suddenly came crashing down. Helio reacted quickly and dodged just in time, but both he and Dahlia ended up tumbling to the ground.

Helio tried to help her up, but Dahlia began crawling back toward the stairs.

"What are you doing?! You've already taken my brother from me! Now, you want to take my parents too?!"

Her words struck Helio like a knife to the heart, but he remained resolute. Despite her protests and desperate attempts to return to her parents, Helio dragged Dahlia out of the mansion, determined to save her life.