"Oh, no!" Tiara grabbed the edge of the sink and started to pull herself together. Her eyes were filled with emotion. It was clear from her gaze and her flushed face that she didn't want to be disturbed."Damn Helena!" she muttered as she banged her fist on the sink, which was covered in luxurious ceramic tiles. Tiara stood in front of the sink, her breathing coming in short, rapid gasps. She was seething with rage. She couldn't accept that Helena had won the diamond at such a high price—something she couldn't possibly match."And why did that woman show up tonight?" Tiara grumbled, clearly annoyed. "She's just Thomas's mistress, not what everyone says." That was indeed the case. Tiara checked her thoughts to make sure she was right. She just couldn't accept the fact that Helena was the youngest daughter of the Edison family. In her mind, Helena was just Thomas Edison's mistress, not someone worthy of respect.Some of the guests were pretty concerned about Helena's presence. Including
"Helena."Helena turned her head slightly to answer the call. She knew immediately who was calling her: Arslan Tan. What can this man possibly want from me here? Of course, Arslan could show up at a party like this. On top of that, her fiancé was attending this auction, right?"You're here?" Arslan said, looking surprised to see his ex-wife at the event. "If you were planning on coming here, I could have picked you up."Helena was so surprised by this that she had to face the towering figure in front of her. Her eyes met Arslan's, but she looked questioningly, but dismissively, at him. Helena had her hands folded across her chest. "You want to pick me up?""It's not a bad thing to build a good relationship with a client, right?" Arslan gave a little smile. A smile that had once fascinated Helena. But tonight, Helena thought it looked pretty gross."Really?" Helena gave a little grin. "If I wasn't your most important client, would you still do that?" The woman didn't react at all. Inst
"How was the auction last night?" Hanry Edison asked in a voice that still sounded a little weak."Papa," Helena said, looking annoyed. "I told you not to stress about anything other than your health." She made sure her father was comfortable. "The doctor said you should get plenty of rest. As for Edison Group and Nakia, Thomas and I will take care of that."Hanry gave a little smile. "What's wrong with me wanting to know what event Darius is attending?" The middle-aged man gazed at his daughter with a longing look. "I'm also happy to have your back, Helena."Helena gave a little smile. Her eyes were a little teary. The man she respected and loved so much had finally regained consciousness. After a critical period that was enough to make Helena's heart pound with fear, Hanry Edison finally came to his senses. God still gave Helena a chance to meet again."I'm sorry, Dad. I was too wrapped up in my own world. I didn't care about you," Helena said, her voice breaking into tears."Hey,"
"I wasn't expecting to see you today, Helena." The middle-aged man, who was one of Edison's family doctors, was delighted to see Helena sitting in his room. "To be honest, I was quite worried about your father's condition. But I'm sure Doctor Samuel is doing his best. He's a very competent heart doctor."Helena gave a little smile. "You're right." She made herself at home in her seat. "Please stop by and see Papa when you get a chance, Doctor Adi. I'm sure Papa will be happy to see you.""I will, Helena." Adi adjusted his glasses. "Any issues with the pregnancy? You've been taking all your vitamins and medicine, right?""Not at all." Helena gave a big, warm smile. "I'd like to know how things are going. I don't feel like this pregnancy is a burden at all. Wilna says I should be grateful. This baby gets that I've got a lot on my plate."Doctor Adi let out a chuckle. "Wilna's right. There's no need to worry. Some women don't feel anything during the early stages of their first trimester
"Thanks," Helena said to the guy who showed her to the lobby door. She didn't deserve to be treated like this, but without realizing it, they were chatting about light but pleasant things. Maybe it was Michael's friendly and polite manner that made it okay for Helena to talk about the hospital."I hope we can meet again soon."Helena let out a laugh. "Well, I'll let you get on with your day, Doctor Michael. "It was a pleasure talking with you."Michael nodded and gave a bright smile. Helena was driven away from the hospital area in a black luxury car.Michael didn't want to leave just yet, but he wanted to make sure the car she was in actually left the hospital.Michael was ready to get back to work, so he reached for his cell phone to give the person watching Helena a quick update."Yes, Mr. Michael. I'll stay away from Miss Helena's car and let you know what's going on as soon as I can.""Good." Michael ended the call. He gave the orders to his team pretty quickly. But before he got
"Tiara," Deny Jacob called out, sounding concerned. The maid at his house said that since she got back a few hours ago, Tiara hadn't left the room. As a father, especially when his daughter was pregnant, he couldn't just leave her to it. On top of that, Tiara didn't go to the office at all today, just to take care of her part.This clearly worried Deny."Yes, Pa?" Tiara came out with a big smile on her face. Her face looked normal, as if there was nothing to worry about."What's going on?"Tiara's brow furrowed in surprise. "What's the problem?" She was even surprised by her father's question just now."Is everything okay?" Deny asked, still looking at his daughter with surprise. "You haven't been at the office all day. Not even Arslan knows where you are."Tiara gave a big, warm smile. "Oh, Papa. There's no need to worry. I'm a bit tired, but I'm sure I'll feel much better after a good rest. On top of that, the doctor said I shouldn't push myself too hard. I've started to cut back on
Mirna abruptly set down her teacup. She was still thinking about what happened at the auction that night. On top of not expecting to meet Helena, the woman she'd taken for granted suddenly appeared and seemed to have more influence than she'd realized.Many people said that there was some truth to that figure, but there was still a hint of disbelief. Mirna didn't like holding on to these kinds of feelings. She needed to prove it to herself because when she spoke with Helena that night, Helena left a rather annoying impression on her."Tsk! Why are women still so annoying?"Meanwhile, Yori, who had just gotten back from somewhere, decided to sit next to her mother with a bit of a lazy look on his face."How's it going?" Mirna asked right away. Don't let Yori's return go to waste."I've been looking into Helena. Everyone I've spoken to has given the same answer. As it turns out, the rumors about the Edison family's youngest daughter are true. She doesn't socialize much. She's abroad, co
"I heard you didn't go to the office today, Helena?" Thomas said as he enjoyed the salad that was his dessert tonight."Yes, I'm seeing Doctor Adi today." Helena didn't keep her pregnancy a secret from her brother. "He said he's sorry he couldn't make it to see Papa."Thomas let out a soft sigh. "How long are you planning to keep this on the down low? You know, it's a bit of a burden for me.""I'm not asking you to overthink this," Helena said, looking at her brother with frustration. "After all, you're the one who decided to find out what happened to me, right? I didn't plan to tell anyone but Wilna.""You're such an annoying sister, Helena.""Thanks for the compliment." Helena went back to enjoying her meal. The potato soup with chunks of meat, made by the chef at home, tasted just right on her tongue. "This is really good. I like it."Helena looked over at Gina, who was standing nearby. Gina was always on hand to help Helena with whatever she needed at home. This also meant making
The school hall was filled with the noise of the students who were busy preparing for Olin's farewell event. That day, Olin stood in the center of the hall in his neat school uniform. Although he tried to smile, the heaviness of leaving this place was clear on his face.“Lin, are you sure you want to go?” Jihan stood beside him, her eyes glazed over. “You know we're all not willing to let you go.”Olin took a deep breath, then looked at his best friend. “Jihan, I have to go. I can't stay here.”“Why not? We can face this together. You don't have to run away from everything.”Olin smiled, but didn't answer. He knew this decision was the best for him and for his family.One by one, his friends came up to Olin, saying goodbye. Adel, Maria, and Rihanna had been crying since the beginning of the show.“We'll miss your chatty voice in class,” Adel said as she wiped away her tears.
“Dad, I need to talk,” Olin's voice was soft but full of anxiety. She stood in the doorway of her father's study. Michael, who was busy reading a document, looked at his daughter. There was something in her tone of voice that made Michael immediately close the document and wave a hand, inviting her in.“Sure, honey. What's wrong? Sit here,” he said, pointing to the chair in front of him.Olin stepped in slowly, sitting with her back straight but her face downcast. She clutched the hem of her sweater tightly, a clear sign that she was agitated.“Pa... I'm confused. I don't know where to start,” she said finally, her voice trembling.Michael smiled a little, trying to offer some comfort. “Try starting with what's bothering you, Lin. Papa is here to listen.”Olin lifted his head, looking up at his father with teary eyes. “It's about Andy, Pa. And about what Mama said yesterday at the festival.&rdqu
“Olin, what's wrong? You're not usually like this,” Jihan opened the conversation in a quiet but worried voice. They were sitting on a bench in the school garden during recess. Olin just sighed, his eyes fixed on the grass in front of him.“I'm fine, Ji,” Olin replied briefly, without turning his head.Adel, who was sitting beside him, rolled her eyes. “It's okay? Seriously, Lin? If you're okay, why do you look like you've lost something? Even your voice isn't as loud as usual.”“Yeah, Lin,” Maria added as she leaned forward, trying to find Olin's gaze. “You didn't even respond when we teased Rihana earlier. You're usually the most excited when there's something to joke about.”Rihana nodded in agreement, though she was a little disturbed by the discussion. “That's right, Lin. You didn't even laugh when I almost fell earlier. Are you sick? Or... something wrong at home?”Olin s
All the way home, Helena chose to remain silent. The atmosphere in the car was eerily quiet, filled only by the sound of tires rustling across the road. Occasionally, Olin glanced at her mother, hoping for an explanation, but Helena kept her eyes straight ahead, focused on the road stretching out in front of her.Helena was being deliberate. She knew that if this conversation took place in the car, she would not be able to convey everything calmly. The mixed feelings she had been bottling up for so long were now coming back to the surface, hitting her hard ever since that encounter at the festival.“What are you really thinking, Helena?” she muttered to herself. Her hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, while her mind went back to the past that she wanted to forget.Helena knew the look Andy had given Olin earlier. It wasn't just a friend's look. There was something there-a feeling she recognized all too well. It made her chest tight, not because
“Olin, are you ready?” Jihan's voice broke the silence in the preparation room. She looked up at her best friend sitting at the piano, seemingly practicing the last notes.Olin let out a long breath, trying to compose himself. “Not sure, Jihan. I don't know why our homeroom teacher chose me to perform. There are many others who are better.”Jihan chuckled and sat next to him. “Olin, you're really good. They chose you because you're the best. Besides, you're not alone. We're all here to support you.”“But my family will come,” Olin rolled his eyes. “I told them that Mama was enough. If they all came, I'd be even more nervous.”“Your family is fun,” Jihan patted his shoulder. “Think of them as hard-core fans.”Meanwhile, on the main stage, Andy stood in the center of the crowd, monitoring the festival. His face serious, he occasionally spoke into a walkie-talkie to ma
“Who are you looking at, Lin?” Jihan's voice suddenly broke the silence in the cafeteria, making Olin startle and almost choke on the orange juice he had just gulped down.“Huh? Who?” Olin hurriedly turned to Jihan with a panicked face, trying to hide his nervousness.Jihan narrowed her eyes, giving Olin a probing look. “Don't pretend, I saw you just now looking at Andy from a distance. What's wrong, huh?”Olin let out a long breath, then shook his head quickly. “Nothing, Jihan. You saw it wrong.”However, Adel, who was sitting next to Jihan, immediately chimed in. “Oh? Andy? Isn't he that cold guy who rarely talks? How can you be interested, Lin?”“I'm not interested! Gosh, what's wrong with you guys?” Olin tried to deny it, even though his face was starting to turn red. He knew Jihan wouldn't let go of this topic easily.Vina, who was usually more reserved, suddenly ch
“Helena, you look a little tense,” Michael said in a soft tone as they sat in the living room after dinner. He looked at his wife, who sat staring blankly out the window, her eyes seemingly glazed over.Helena took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. “I'm fine, Michael. It's just... earlier, when I met Jacob's family, I felt that there was something evocative of the past. Especially with that young man present... I feel anxious.”Michael looked at his wife with concern. “Are you feeling anxious because of him? Or is it something else?”Helena shook her head slowly. “Not because of him, Michael. It's more about the complicated past... which is long forgotten, but not completely gone. I know I've forgiven everyone, including Tiara and Arslan. But seeing their son, seeing him next to Luna... it's like I'm reminded of everything that happened.”Michael sighed and sat closer, taking Helena's hand gently. &l
“Ah, Olin, you finally came too!” Vera greeted Olin with a warm hug, her eyes shining with excitement. “Grandma's been waiting a long time.”Olin smiled and returned the hug. “Yes, Grandma, I'm sorry I couldn't make it. I had a little business earlier.”Helena, his mother, greeted Vera with a warm smile. “Thank you for inviting us, Vera. We're glad we could make it.”Meanwhile, Michael, Olin's father, who was rather quiet, just smiled and greeted Tomy who was busy in the kitchen. “Grandpa, how are you?” he said as he sat down at the dining table.“Ah, Michael! I'm fine, my son. Come, sit, sit. Lunch is ready,” Tomy said with a big smile, his eyes radiating warmth.Olin nodded, followed him into the dining room, and sat next to Vera. Vera immediately grasped his hand with great concern. “Come on, sit down first, son. I want to hear how you're doing.”Olin smil
Andy sat on the living room sofa, scrolling through his phone without really paying attention to the screen. His lips formed a small smile, recalling the moment when Olin bravely chased after his cell phone thief. The girl was completely different from his first image-there was no fear, only genuine courage.However, her smile did not go unnoticed by Luna Jacob, her grandmother who was knitting in a rocking chair not far from her. The old woman knew her grandson all too well. Andy, who was usually serious and quiet, was often seen smiling to himself these days.“What's wrong, Andy?” Luna's soft voice broke the silence.Andy looked up, a little surprised. “What, Grandma?”Luna stopped knitting, looking up at her grandson with concerned eyes. “You seem different lately. Is there something you want to tell me?”Andy smiled slightly, trying to distract her grandmother. “Nothing, Grandma. Probably just a lot on