Chapter 5 Helena

Helena sat in the dimly lit corner of the second living room, her thoughts a tangled mess. A strong migraine pounded at her temples, making it hard to focus on anything. The events of the past hours felt surreal, almost like a fever dream. She had exploded with a desperate request for a divorce-something she had never imagined she would do. But waking up in her body, two years prior after experiencing death, was beyond comprehension.

She closed her eyes, trying to piece together her fragmented memories. Every detail of her past life, the life she had supposedly lived before she died, was coming back to her with startling clarity. The doctor's office, the sterile smell of antiseptic, and the pitying look on the doctor's face as he delivered the news. Cancer. Late stage. A long list of treatments that had drained her both physically and emotionally. She remembered it all too well, the exhaustion, the constant pain, and the slow decline that had bound her to a bed.

Opening her eyes, she looked around the room, her vision blurring slightly from the pain in her head. She felt lost and confused. Was this real? Was she truly back in her body, given a second chance? The idea seemed impossible, yet the vividness of her memories made it hard to dismiss.

A noise startled her, and she looked up to see Maria, one of the household staff, standing in the doorway with a look of concern on her face. "Miss Helena, are you alright?" Maria asked, her voice filled with worry.

Helena tried to gather her thoughts, tried to formulate a coherent response, but the migraine made it difficult. She could barely think, let alone speak. "I don't know what's real and what's not," she murmured, clutching her head.

Maria stepped closer, her brow furrowed with concern. "You've been acting strange all day. The staff is worried about you. Is there something I can do to help?"

Helena's frustration surged. How could she explain this? How could anyone understand what she was going through? "I need to be alone," she whispered, hoping Maria would leave her in peace.

But Maria didn't leave. Instead, she knelt beside Helena, her eyes full of empathy. "Miss Helena, you can talk to me. Whatever it is, we'll figure it out together."

Helena took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. "I just need some time to think, Maria. Please."

Maria hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. "Alright. But if you need anything, don't hesitate to call for me."

As Maria left the room, Helena felt a wave of relief wash over her. She needed time to process everything, to understand what had happened to her. The migraine was still there, a constant, throbbing pain, but she tried to push it aside.

She stood up slowly, feeling unsteady on her feet. She needed to rest, to clear her mind. Making her way to her bedroom, she couldn't help but think about the second chance she had been given. If this was real, if she truly had been sent back in time, then she had an opportunity to change things. To avoid the mistakes that had led to her death.

But where to start? The diagnosis was inevitable, but perhaps she could seek treatment earlier, or find a different approach. She needed to manage her health better this time around. But she also needed to consider her relationship with Sergey. She had loved him once, or at least she had tried to. His coldness and indifference had worn her down. Maybe this time, she could find a way to leave him behind.

As she lay down on her bed, exhaustion overtook her. She closed her eyes, letting the darkness envelop her. She needed to rest, to gather her strength. There would be time to figure everything out. For now, she just needed to sleep.

__

Helena woke up feeling better than she had in a long time. The migraine had finally subsided, and with it, the oppressive fog that had clouded her thoughts. She took a deep breath, savouring the clarity and the unexpected sense of possibility. She had been given a second chance, a rare opportunity to live her life differently. And she intended to seize it.

As she got out of bed, she decided to do something she rarely did-treat herself to a spa day. The thought felt almost indulgent, but she knew her body needed it. She had spent so long neglecting her own well-being, caught up in pride and the endless cycle of obligations and self-imposed restrictions. Today, she would break free from that.

After a quick breakfast, she dressed in comfortable yet stylish clothes and called a car service to take her to one of the best spas in the city. The drive was smooth, and for the first time in ages, she felt a sense of anticipation and excitement.

The spa was a haven of tranquility. Soft, ambient music played in the background, and the scent of essential oils filled the air. Helena was greeted warmly by the staff, who guided her through a series of treatments. She started with a deep tissue massage that worked out knots she hadn't even realised were there. As the therapist's skilled hands kneaded away the tension, she felt herself relax deeply, her mind and body finally aligning in a state of peace.

Next, she indulged in a luxurious facial. The soothing creams and gentle massage left her skin glowing and rejuvenated. She followed this with a manicure and pedicure, delighting in the simple pleasure of having her nails done. She chose a soft, elegant shade of pink that made her feel feminine and pampered.

By the time she moved to the hot stone therapy, she was floating in a blissful haze. The heat from the stones penetrated deep into her muscles, easing away the last remnants of stress. She realised how much she had missed this-taking time for herself, indulging in the pleasures of self-care. She had denied herself these simple joys for so long, driven by pride and a misguided sense of duty.

As the day drew to a close, Helena finished with a relaxing soak in a scented bath, the warm water embracing her in a cocoon of comfort. She emerged from the spa feeling renewed, her body soft and well-groomed, her mind clear and focused. She knew she had made the right choice by taking this day for herself.

Returning home, she felt a sense of calm and satisfaction. The house seemed less oppressive, more welcoming. She walked through the front door, intending to head straight to her room. However, she was immediately greeted by Maria, who looked at her with concern. "Miss Helena, are you alright? You've been gone all day."

Helena smiled, feeling a genuine warmth for the woman who had always been so kind to her. "I'm fine, Maria. Just needed some time to myself."

Before Maria could respond, Sergey appeared, his face a mixture of irritation and worry. "Helena, where have you been? I was concerned."

Helena met his gaze, her smile fading but not disappearing entirely. "I needed a day for myself. That's all. I'm fine."

Without waiting for a reply, she moved past them both and headed to her room. She heard Sergey start to say something, but she ignored him, shutting the door behind her. She needed to preserve the peace she had found, to hold onto this new sense of self she was cultivating.

In the privacy of her room, she took a moment to reflect. The day had been a revelation. She realised how much she had deprived herself, how she had let her life be defined by the expectations and demands of others. She had a second chance now, and she was determined to live it on her own terms.

Helena walked over to the mirror and looked at her reflection. She barely recognized the woman staring back at her. There was a newfound confidence in her eyes, a softness to her features that hadn't been there before. She felt beautiful, inside and out.

She changed into a comfortable robe and settled onto her bed, feeling a deep sense of contentment. She knew there would be challenges ahead, especially with Sergey and the unresolved issues between them. But for now, she allowed herself to bask in the glow of the day's pampering and the promise of a new beginning.

Her phone buzzed with a message, but she ignored it. She wasn't ready to let the outside world intrude on her peace just yet. Instead, she closed her eyes and let herself drift, savouring the quiet joy of the moment.

For the first time in a long time, Helena felt hopeful. She had been given a second chance, and she was determined to make the most of it. Whatever the future held, she knew she had the strength to face it. She would live her life fully, embracing each day with the knowledge that she deserved happiness and love, starting with herself.