Chapter 5: Susan committed suicide(1)
Helena left the house.
She got into the car, fastened her seatbelt.
After a few days apart, Willis seemed a bit leaner. His already deep features became more pronounced, and his handsome features were captivating.
Helena found that she still loved him, unable to forget him at all.
“Here, a welcome gift.” Willis handed her an exquisite deep blue velvet jewelry box.
Helena took it, opened it, and inside was a carved jade pendant.
The jade was of the highest quality, warm, elegant, and translucent, making it a superb piece.
Helena held the jewelry box, turned to him with a faint smile, “Why give me such a precious gift?”
Willis smiled lightly, gazing into her eyes, “You restore ancient books and paintings, inevitably dealing with things from ancient tombs. It’s good to have something for protection. Come, let me help you put it on.”
He picked up the jade carving and placed it around Helena’s neck.
As he lifted her hair, his fingertips casually brushed against her neck.
The cool touch sent a shiver through Helena’s bones, a slight tremor in her skin. Her heart fluttered.
She had always been sensitive to his touch.
Thinking about their current relationship, a bitter taste filled Helena. She forced a smile, saying, “Don’t give me gifts like this in the future.”
It’s easy for her to misunderstand, misunderstand that he still has lingering feelings for her. She might indulge in wild thoughts, even craving for more.
Willis, with long fingers, reached for the steering wheel. He casually said, “It’s just a small jade carving, don’t take it to heart.”
He started the car.
After half an hour, they arrived at the Santana family’s old mansion.
As soon as they entered, the white-haired Grandma Santana trembled over, hugging Helena, “Oh, my precious daughter (daughter-in-law), I missed you so much these few days!”
Helena felt that Grandma’s performance today was a bit exaggerated.
Usually, she carried herself with an air of elegance and nobility.
Smiling, Helena asked, “Grandma, is there something important you want to talk to me about?”
Grandma held her hand and glanced at Willis, “Let’s eat first, we’ll talk after.”
The table was set with a rich variety of dishes, a feast of delicacies.
Grandma incessantly served Helena, smiling at her, “Three years ago, I helped Willis choose a wife from the entire city. So many photos of young ladies were presented to me, but I set my eyes on you at first sight. You have delicate features, bright eyes, and a pearl-like earlobe. You look like someone who can bring prosperity to her husband. As expected, after Willis married you, his legs got better within two years, and the company prospered.”
Grandma suddenly covered her mouth, coughing violently.
Helena hurriedly patted her back.
After the coughing fit, Grandma grabbed her hand, “You, my child, are truly remarkable. Gentle, calm, hardworking, and loyal. In those two years when Willis couldn’t stand on his own, he was extremely irritable. Many caregivers and servants couldn’t bear it and left, but you never left him. If it weren’t for you accompanying him through that difficult time, he might have been disabled for life.”
Tears welled up in Grandma’s eyes.
Helena quickly handed her a tissue.
Willis tightened his grip on the chopsticks, his gaze deep, lost in thought.
Grandma glanced at him, gasping for breath, “Now, I have only one wish left. I hope you and Willis live well and give me a chubby great-grandchild soon.”
Helena awkwardly looked at Willis.
It seemed he hadn’t told Grandma about their plan to divorce.
Grandma’s voice grew weaker, “I’m getting old, and who knows, I might leave this world anytime. If I can see your child born before I die, I can depart in peace.”
Helena felt a lump in her throat, saying, “Grandma, you’ll live a long and healthy life.”
“I know my own body. I’m already eighty.” Grandma clutched her chest, struggling to stand up, “I feel uncomfortable in my chest. I’ll lie down for a while.”
Helena carefully helped her to the bedroom.
Just before reaching the bedroom door, Grandma suddenly turned around, saying to Willis, “Starting tonight, you two will stay here. When Helena gets pregnant, you can move back.”
Willis was about to speak, but Grandma, hunched and shivering, slowly moved into the bedroom.
Helena assisted her, afraid of causing her any pain.
After lying down, Grandma grabbed Helena’s hand and whispered, “I know you plan to move back to your parents’ house. Don’t worry; with me around, this marriage won’t break. Willis is filial; he’ll listen to me.”
“But…”
“There’s nothing to worry about. That Susan can only share joy, not hardship. Such a heartless person doesn’t deserve to be part of Santana family.”
After a pause, Helena said, “Grandma, do you want me to call the doctor?”
“No need. I’m old, full of ailments. Even if the doctor comes, it won’t help. Go eat quickly and close the door for me.”
“Alright, rest well.”
Once Helena left, Grandma sat up, her spirit revived, a stark contrast to her frail appearance moments ago.
Helena returned to the dining table.
Santana Grandpa served her a lamb leg, saying, “Helena, eat while it’s hot.”
“Thank you, Grandpa.”
Helena put on disposable gloves and slowly started to eat.
Willis looked at Grandpa Santana, “Grandpa, I saw Grandma not long ago, and she seemed quite healthy. Why did she become so weak in just a short time?”
Grandpa Santana sighed heavily, “This is how it is when you’re old. One moment you’re full of life, the next you’re gone. Be careful not to upset her.”
Willis’s handsome face became serious.