Chapter 3: A Remarkable Debut(1)
Helena’s heart was filled with mixed emotions, unsure of how to respond.
She turned her head slowly, looking at Willis.
He didn’t smile often, but when he did, it was truly charming, like a gentle breeze carrying affection for miles. His eyes were deep and clear, sparkling like the stars in the vast sea.
He was about to be with the one he loved, and he must be very happy.
Helena smiled too, a smile tinged with heartbreak, “Wishing you happiness as well.” After saying this, she turned and got into the car.
As the car door closed, tears poured down like a torrent. The pain of the fresh wound combined with the ache of the old one, making her want to curl up.
The driver lifted the suitcase into the trunk, got into the car, and started the engine.
Watching the car speed away, Willis’s smile froze on his lips, and the light in his eyes dimmed bit by bit.
Back at the Parvis family.
Helena entered with her suitcase.
Zena Parvis saw her swollen eyes and the suitcase in her hand, and she was shocked, “Sweetie, what happened to you?”
Helena lowered her head to change her shoes and said with forced calmness, “I’m moving back.”
Zena stood up abruptly from the sofa, “Are you separating from Willis?”
“Yes, his ex-girlfriend came back.”
Zena exploded with anger, “Three years ago, after Willis had a car accident, the doctor said he would be wheelchair-bound for life. His ex-girlfriend left him just like that! It was you who accompanied him, sought medical treatments both domestically and abroad, massaged his legs, took care of him day and night like a nanny! Goodness, now that he can run and jump, that woman comes back. How shameless! Willis, too, for the sake of such a heartless woman, he actually doesn’t want you! Is he blind?”
Helena bent over, took a check from the suitcase, and handed it to Zena, “This is his compensation.”
Zena stared at the long string of zeros on the check, her eyes widened considerably. Counting, there were a full eight zeros at the end!
Her complexion eased slightly. “This isn’t about money. Can you let him bully you just because he has money?”
Helena, with lowered eyelids, said quietly, “How many couples divorce, and the man doesn’t give a penny, even plotting against the woman. Some men, in order not to split their property, even kill their wives. In comparison, Willis is considered decent.”
“But, can you let go with it?”
Helena smiled bitterly, “What else can I do? Cry, shout, or even commit suicide? Would that be useful or not? Useless. His heart is not with me. Forcing him to stay is pointless, and it won’t keep him. Mom, I’m tired, I want to go to sleep for a while.”
“Go ahead.” Zena looked at her with distress and sighed.
This child was too easy going, so much so that it was heartbreaking.
Helena turned and went into the bedroom.
This sleep lasted for two days and two nights.
Zena, worried, came in from time to time to check her breathing.
In fact, Helena didn’t sleep much. She just didn’t want to move, didn’t feel hungry, felt sore and weak all over, as if a large piece of her heart was missing, making her uncomfortable as if the sky had fallen.
On the third day, she struggled to get up.
After freshening up, she called Willis, “Is the divorce agreement ready? When are we going to handle the procedures?”
Willis was silent for a moment and said, “I’m on a business trip. Let’s talk about it when I get back.”
“Okay, then I’m going to work now. Call me in advance when you return.”
“So I quickly found a job? Where is it?” he asked in a concerned tone.
“At an antique shop. They’ve been calling me to join for a while.”
“Don’t overexert yourself. If you need money, tell me,” he said in a low, gentle voice.
Helena’s heart ached. She replied indifferently, “I don’t need it. Thank you.”
After breakfast, Helena took a taxi to Antique Attic.
She was received by the young master of the shop, Alick Lepucius.
Wearing a light blue shirt and khaki trousers, tall and slender, with a clean and gentle temperament.
After introducing her to the staff downstairs, Alick took her upstairs and introduced her to the senior appraiser of the shop, Master Eric Bush.
“Master Bush, this is Helena, the ‘Restoration Saint’ and the successor of Master Parvis. She excels at restoring ancient paintings and calligraphy. From now on, she will be our shop’s artifact restoration master. If you have any uncertainties, you can consult her.”
Eric Bush, nearing sixty, looked at Helena through his reading glasses.
A young girl in her twenties, could she really be an artifact restoration master?
At her age, he was still an apprentice. Yet, the young master treated her so highly and even asked him to consult her!
He agreed on the surface, but he was very dissatisfied in his heart!
When Alick left, he asked Helena, “Helena, you’re so young. How many years have you been in this profession?”
Helena smiled faintly, “More than ten years.”