Hiding Behind Her Superficiality by Kyla Olson

Chapter 308

Chapter 308

Helena was reminded of her life after she ran away from her marriage. It was a happy moment in her life, but remembering it made her sad as well.

“I know.” Elspeth knew her mother was just trying to protect her from the Jonesons. Michael was a… for a lack of a better word, twat. She knew that after meeting him so many times.

“You silly girl.” Helena smiled at her daughter and sighed. “Why did you seek me out? If you had just lived your own life, you would have married the man you love.”

Elspeth shook her head. “I can’t rest easy until I find you.”

“Let’s not talk about the sad stuff on our first meeting. I’ll make some tea for you.” Helena was a woman of grace. She loved making tea. Every time she had a guest, she would make tea for them.

Delighted, Elspeth nodded. She turned around and saw Isabel trying to hide herself. Ah, she’s worried. “Come in, Isabel.”

Isabel was surprised she was invited. This was their reunion, and now that Elspeth had returned, there was no reason for her to stay. She was wondering where she should go next.

“Don’t just stand there. I have to thank you for taking care of my mother.”

Isabel hung her head low sheepishly. “Miss Joneson took me in and cared for me. I did nothing, really.”

She’s worried I might take everything she has away. Elspeth smiled. “You’re my mother’s daughter too. That makes you my sister. Come. We’re family.”

A sister? Nobody has ever told me that. Isabel teared up. She never thought she would have a family one day, but here she was.

“Come, Isabel.”

Isabel steeled herself. Slowly, she approached Elspeth and held her hand. “I’ll get you some cookies, Elsie.”

Helena smiled. She’s generous and kind.

They entered the house, and Elspeth looked around. The air was filled with the smell of incense, and it freshened her up.

“So, have you been well?” Oh, that was a stupid question to ask, Helena. “Ah, sorry. I shouldn’t have asked that. I can see that you’ve been well.”

Surprised, Elspeth asked, “You’ve been keeping an eye on me?”

Helena took a sip of her tea. “Yes. The woman who gave you the bouquet of flowers after your performance? The woman you met in the hospital? That was me.”

Elspeth’s eyes went wide in shock. “I suspected it was you. I knew it.”

“That’s not all. I’ve been sneaking out to see you all these years, and it’s good to see you well. I expected no less from his daughter.”

Helena’s eyes had a distant look in them as if she was thinking about a time that had long gone. Back then, Grover was deathly ill, and he tried his best to send her away. She did leave in a fit of rage, but she couldn’t bear to leave those that she loved behind. She did try to seek them out, but Michael warned her that he would send assassins after Grover if she tried to take a step out of the house. He locked her in this yard until Grover was dead. Only then did he stop having his men guard the yard. She finally got her freedom, but Grover was gone.

“It’s alright. Dad will watch over us.” Elspeth had no idea how to comfort her mother otherwise.

“It’s alright. It’s all in the past now.” Helena smiled. “You have a fiancé, don’t you? So, how are you two getting along? Is he nice to you?”

The mention of Callum made Elspeth sad. “He’s forgotten all about our love and doesn’t care about me anymore.”

Helena’s smile disappeared. “What? How did that happen?”

“No idea, but it doesn’t matter. I’m marrying someone else now. It’s probably a relief for him.”

Elspeth was reluctant to marry Edmund, but if the one she had to marry wasn’t Callum, then it didn’t matter who else she had to marry. She didn’t care.

Helena held her hand and patted it. “You know, love is weird sometimes. If you try your best to make him remember, maybe he’ll fall for you again.”

“I tried, but it was useless.” Elspeth forced a smile. “Moreover, I’m getting married soon. He’s going to think I’m an easy woman. I don’t think he’ll like me again.”

A resigned smile tugged at Helena’s lips, and she sighed. “You’ll have to go with the flow and see what happens, then.”

Elspeth looked at the time. Six o’clock. Time to go back. “If nothing else, I’ll come back tomorrow. I’ll check on your condition then.” She must go back and discuss the escape plan with Harper. Only after the escape could she take Helena away and treat her.

Helena was reluctant to say goodbye, but at least they could see each other the next day, and that comforted her. “Isabel will send you off, then.”

Isabel led Elspeth to the exit, then she went to brew the medicine Helena needed. Seeing her mother looking well delighted Elspeth, and she had a spring in her steps when she was on her way back. However, a familiar figure showed up. When he saw Elspeth, his eyes flared with desire.

Elspeth took a closer look and, to her surprise, saw that it was Arthur.

“How does it feel getting locked up, Elspeth? And you’re forced to marry Edmund. Wonder what will Callum think if he finds out? Maybe he’ll think that you’re disgusting.”

Arthur looked different from how he used to. There was a hint of dejection in his eyes, and he had a beard around his chin. He looked listless, unlike the carefree and handsome lad he was.

Elspeth’s face fell at once. She didn’t want to argue with him, so she asked, “Why are you here?”

“Why am I here? Ask your grandfather.” Arthur snickered, his eyes filled with enmity. “I’m the only one who can cure your mother in this whole world. Surprised?”