Chapter 20: I’m your cousin?(2)
The two of them descended the stairs.
Willis didn’t leave; he stood by the car, smoking, waiting for her.
Seeing them come out, he extinguished the cigarette, walked over, gently held her shoulder, slightly bent down to look at her, and his whole demeanor appeared exceptionally gentle. “I’ll be back soon, don’t overthink it.”
Helena smiled through her sadness.
He might as well just hurt her thoroughly once, so she could find a reason to hate him. But he was so refined, polite, with a gentle and affectionate demeanor. She couldn’t even bring herself to hate him.
She could only say, half gentle and half out of stubbornness, “You should quickly take her to the hospital.”
“Alright.” Seeing that she wasn’t concerned, Willis turned and got into the car.
The driver started the car and headed towards the direction of the hospital.
Helena said to Yale, “I came with my colleagues for dinner, and it’s not over yet. You don’t need to accompany me. Go back to your business.”
“Sure, but don’t forget what I said. Among us, you’re the only sister-in-law.”
“Thank you.”
Helena walked to Alick’s car and got in.
Alick started the car, reversing while asking, “Who is that man to you?”
“Which one?”
“The second young master of the Santana Group, Willis.”
Helena hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to answer.
Calling him an ex-husband wouldn’t be accurate; they weren’t divorced yet. Calling him a husband would be incorrect since he had already proposed a divorce, paid the separation fee, and his heart had long moved to Susan.
After a moment of silence, she said, “A relative.”
” Is he your cousin?”
Helena absentmindedly nodded.
Three years ago, because Willis had a leg injury and couldn’t have a proper wedding ceremony, they only got the certificate. Except for close people, no one knew they were married.
Now, on the verge of divorce, there was no need to make a fuss about it. He could just be her cousin.
Seeing her low spirits, Alick asked, “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.”
“Nonsense, clearly troubled.”
“Shen, what kind of women do men like?” Helena had a knot in her heart.
Alick smiled, “Different strokes for different folks. Some like the curvy, some prefer the slim. As for me…”
He glanced at her side out of the corner of his eye.Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.
With her melon seed face, fair and symmetrical, big watery eyes, and long eyelashes like a pair of butterflies, the light from the streetlamp sprinkled on her face, a bit distorted yet vaguely beautiful like a painting.
His heart skipped a beat. “I appreciate someone like Helena, gentle, calm, beautiful but unaware, with evident talent but not flaunting it, not restless.”
Helena gave a faint smile.
So, there were men who appreciated this type of woman.
It turned out that being liked didn’t require so much effort.
“But she’s just a craftsman repairing cultural relics; it’s not as exaggerated as you said,” Helena’s mood improved slightly.
“I’m not exaggerating. Your proficiency in repairing ancient books and paintings is already top-notch in the industry. Many so-called experts can’t reach your level even in their lifetime.”
“Talent and effort are also essential, as well as personality. Repairing ancient books and paintings requires great patience. Nowadays, not many young people are willing to learn; the skill is almost dying out.”
“That’s true.”
When the car turned, Helena said, “Can you take me home? I don’t want to go back to the hotel.”
“Sure.”
They arrived at the Parvis family’s residential area.
Helena, carrying the packed dishes, got out of the car.
Alick followed suit. “It’s late; let me take you upstairs.”
“Thank you.”
Taking the packed dishes from Helena’s hands, Alick smiled. He had been surrounded by wealthy young ladies and gentlemen from childhood until now. This was the first time he saw someone who packed up after a meal.
Repairing ancient books and paintings might be a niche but lucrative profession. Talent was scarce, and he had offered her a very high salary. She shouldn’t be this frugal.
After escorting Helena downstairs, Alick seemed reluctant to leave. He pulled her and chatted for a while, mostly about work.
The moon was beautiful, and even just talking to her made him feel unexpectedly good.
Suddenly, Helena’s eyes stiffened.
She saw a tall and straight figure approaching them, from far to near.
This person was exceptionally tall, with a straight posture and a charming presence. Even from a distance, Helena recognized him at a glance; it was Willis.
She wondered silently. Wasn’t he supposed to be taking Susan to the hospital? How did he come back so quickly?
Sensing her unease, Alick turned to look and said with a smile, “Your cousin is here.”
Helena hesitated for a moment, responding with a faint acknowledgment.
As Willis approached, Alick extended his right hand politely. “You must be Helena’s cousin. Hello, I’m her colleague, Alick.”
Willis lowered his gaze to Helena, his eyes cold and icy. “I’m your cousin?”