Chapter 9 Her Family

The car's heater hummed, countering the cold weather outside.

"Where are we headed?" Kellan inquired.

"Winflower Street." This neighborhood was known for its villas.

As they were reasonably priced, the area attracted the moderately wealthy. The Wright family's residence was also situated here.

"Okay," Kellan murmured, and Rylan immediately realized his boss' intention was to drop Leena off at her destination.

"Here, use this. You're drenched," Kellan said, offering her a clean towel.

It was only now that Helena observed Kellan's caring nature, which seemed to exclude only his new bride.

"Thank you," she responded, not refusing the offer.

As Helena dried her hair, the car was enveloped in a quiet tension, neither of them knowing what to say.

Rylan, seated in front, was equally silent, grappling with understanding his boss' intentions.

When they reached Winflower Street, Rylan was on the verge of asking which house it was when Helena spoke up.

"You can let me off here. Thank you."

Terry had asked her to bring Kellan home, eager to flaunt the fact that he was now Kellan's father-in-law. However, Helena wasn't ready for Kellan to discover her identity as his wife. Moreover, she was convinced Kellan wouldn't acknowledge their bond.

As the vehicle came to a halt, Helena reached for the door handle. Rain still pelted the ground outside.

"Take this," Kellan said, extending an umbrella towards her.

"I'm fine, thanks." She was about to step out when Kellan held her back. Turning, she was met with his intense gaze. It was clear that if she declined the umbrella, he'd walk her home himself.

Taken aback, Helena reluctantly accepted the umbrella, exiting the car without another word.

As soon as Helena arrived at his father's villa, she found that there were many cars parked outside and the villa was brightly lit.

Upon entering, she saw Terry hosting guests, joined by his wife Gwen and daughter Daniela.

"My daughter is now married to Kellan Pearson. They'll be joining us shortly, and I'll have the pleasure of introducing them to you all," Terry announced with a hint of pride.

The guests were visibly impressed. "Incredible, Mr. Wright! Becoming Kellan Pearson's father-in-law is no small feat. We'll be looking forward to your support in upcoming ventures."

The sentiments were echoed by others. "I always believed Mr. Wright was destined for great things. This just confirms it!"

When the guests heard that Terry's daughter was married to Kellan Pearson, they began to shower Terry with compliments, and he looked immensely proud.

"Mom, Dad, I'm home." Helena's voice interrupted his reverie, and Terry snapped back to reality.

"Where is Mr. Pearson?"

Terry's eyes darted around, searching for someone else.

"Yes, Helena. Where is Mr. Pearson? Why did you come alone?" Anticipating Kellan's arrival tonight, Daniela had put on a delicate makeup in the afternoon in an attempt to outshine her sister.

"Aren't you pleased to see me?" Helena set aside the umbrella, changed into indoor footwear, and made her way further inside.

"Why did you come back alone?" Gwen's voice rose in frustration.

"Didn't Dad ask me to come back for dinner?" Helena stood in the living room and had no intention of sitting down or joining them at the dinner table.

Terry's frustration was evident. It wasn't Helena he had wanted here but Kellan. The evening was designed to showcase his newfound alliance with the influential Kellan Pearson.

"Mr. Wright, Mr. Pearson has always been single, yet you claim he married your daughter..."

"While we trust your words about the marriage, it's strange that Mr. Pearson isn't here."

"Could someone as distinguished as him truly marry someone raised in the countryside?"

"Since Mr. Pearson is too busy to make it, I've got other matters to attend to. I'm heading out now."

"I recall having an appointment tonight. I must meet a client."

Many of the guests started excusing themselves.

The room soon emptied, leaving only the family. Terry's humiliation bubbled into rage. He marched over to Helena and, in his anger, raised his hand to strike her.