~ Freya ~
I was torn. On one side, I liked Ethan more than Constantine. However, on the other hand, Constantine is royalty, and he can give a more stable life to Helena. Also, considering Ethan was away on business, who would know in the future if Helena would be alone frequently?
“My daughter is a special one indeed. She is kind and sweet.”
“I can’t agree more. Helena told me that you were her adoptive mother.”
“It’s true.”
“Ah, I see. So, may I know what happened with Helena’s parents?”
I took a deep breath. “Helena’s parents have passed away. So, I raised Helena as my daughter.”
“It is a great sacrifice to raise someone else’s child as yours, isn’t it?”
I shook my head. “No, it isn’t. Though Helena isn’t my flesh and blood, I feel that she is my daughter. I love her, and raising her is not a sacrifice.”
“Even you cannot marry?”
“It’s not your business. I have a lot of things to do. If you have nothing else to say, it is time for you to leave.”
“My apologies. How insensitive I am. But you know, if Helena marries me, I will give you a big allowance, so you can live the life you want. You can buy anything you want, go to any place you always dream of.”
It stunned me. “What’s your point?”
“Can you persuade Helena to open her heart for me? I know she has already had a boyfriend. But we all know that a boyfriend is not a husband. I can give Helena anything she wants and more. She won’t need to work again for the rest of her life.” Constantine smiled a little. “She will be a lady, respected and accepted in my world. What would a woman need more in the world?”
“Will you love, protect, and care for her?”
Constantine frowned for a second but then nodded. “For sure. You don’t need to ask that. As her husband, I will make sure of that.”
“What I want the most for Helena is for her to be happy. If she can live with someone she loves and loves her in return, it’s the best I want for her.”
“Then consider it done.”
“Well, it’s all up to Helena. If she chooses Ethan, I’ll support her. If she chooses you, I’ll support her too.”
“Very well then. It is time for me to leave. It is a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Ross. I hope we can meet again in the future with you as my mother-in-law.”
I only smiled. Constantine reached his hand to hold my hand, kissed it, and then left.
I blew my breath and closed the door, then texted Helena immediately. ‘Please text me at your lunchtime. It’s important.’
***
~ Helena ~
When I read the message, I was anxious. So, I called my mother right away. “Mom, what happened?”
“Constantine came just now.”
I was tensed suddenly. “What did he want?”
“He told me that he offered you a job.”
“He did.”
“And?”
“I haven’t said anything to him. His offer was good, but I wasn’t comfortable with him, mom.”
“So, you’ll reject his offer because of that?”
I nodded. “I think so. Why?”
“Because Constantine said that you might refuse it because of me. You don’t need to think about me, sweetheart. If you want to take the job, I’ll support you.”
“Well, yes, I thought about you too, mom, but then, I didn’t want to take the job when I thought further.”
“Why not?”
“I don’t know. Constantine is handsome and wealthy, but I don’t feel safe with him. So, I can’t imagine living at the same castle with him and working for him.”
“I see. If it’s the case, I’m glad then since I don’t want to be your burden, sweety.”
“No, not at all, mom. You know I love you, and you mean the world to me.”
“I know. I feel the same about you, sweetheart.” I took a deep breath. “Constantine told me he wanted you as his wife.”
“What?!”
“He asked me if I could persuade you to choose him.”
“So, what did you tell him?” My heart was accelerated now.
“We talked for a while, but in the end, I said that what I wanted for you was for you to be happy, to live a life with someone you loved and loved you in return.”
“Oh, mom ….”
“I’m only a simple person, sweetheart. Wealth doesn’t lure me. All I want is for you to be happy and safe. That’s all.” My mother stopped before continuing, “So, I told Constantine that I’d support whomever you choose.”
“Thank you, mom.”
“Okay, I’ll end the call now. Eat well and send my hello to Ethan.”
“He is leaving for business, mom, but I’ll send your hello to him.”
“Again?”
“Yes. Why?”
“Nothing, but I wonder if Constantine may offer a better life for you than Ethan.”
I took a deep breath. “Both are wealthy men, but I have never met a man who can make me as safe and comfortable as Ethan. He is my home, mom. I can’t trade him with someone else, even if the man is as handsome, wealthy, and influential as Constantine.”
“Then you have chosen Ethan. It is okay as long as you are happy with him.”
“I am, mom. Though well, it’s complicated.”
“Do you want to talk about it?”
I shook my head. “No, maybe I can solve it over time. But if I can’t, I’ll talk to you.”
“Anytime, sweetheart. You can talk to me anytime.”
“I know. I love you, mom.”
“I love you too, sweety. Don’t forget to have lunch! See you at home.”