Chapter 6 Helena

Helena woke up the next day with a renewed sense of purpose. She had decided to take another step towards reclaiming her life. She was going to visit one of the top hairdressers in the city. Her hair had become frizzy and unmanageable over the years due to neglect. She needed a cut, something that would bring back her natural curls and restore a sense of confidence.

As she walked into the upscale salon, she was greeted by a receptionist who led her to a plush chair. The salon was luxurious, with sleek, modern decor and a calming ambiance. Helena felt a mix of excitement and nervousness as the stylist approached her. He was a tall, elegant man with an air of expertise and confidence.

"Hello, I'm Giovanni," he said with a warm smile. "What can we do for you today?"

Helena took a deep breath. "I need a change. My hair... it's been neglected for years. I want to bring back my curls, make it healthy again."

Giovanni examined her hair, his fingers running through the frizzy strands. "We can certainly do that. Do you have any specific style in mind?"

Helena pulled out a worn photograph from her bag. It was a picture of her late mother, with beautiful, voluminous curls. "I'd like it to look like this."

Giovanni's eyes softened as he looked at the picture. "Your mother had stunning hair. We'll do our best to honor that style."

The next two hours were intense. Giovanni and his team worked meticulously, washing, cutting, and treating her hair with a series of specialised products designed to restore its natural texture. Helena sat back and closed her eyes, allowing herself to relax and trust the process. She could feel the years of neglect being washed away, strand by strand.

Finally, Giovanni began to style her hair, carefully defining each curl. When he was finished, he handed her a mirror. Helena looked at her reflection and gasped. It was like seeing a ghost from the past; she looked so much like her mother. Her curls were bouncy and full of life, framing her face perfectly.

"It's a miracle," she whispered, feeling a lump in her throat.

Giovanni smiled proudly. "You look beautiful. Your husband won't be able to take his eyes off you."

Helena laughed, but it was tinged with pain. She looked down at the small band on her finger, the one thing that showed the world she was married. "Thank you, Giovanni. It's perfect."

She left the salon with a bag full of products to maintain her new hairstyle. As she walked home, she felt a mixture of emotions-joy at her new look, sadness at the state of her marriage, and a determination to keep moving forward. The weight of the bag in her hand was a reminder of the effort she would need to put in to maintain her curls, just as she would need to put in effort to maintain this new direction in her life.

Back at home, Helena felt tired and dizzy from the day's excitement, but she admired her reflection in every passing window. She finally felt like she was taking steps toward reclaiming her life. She decided to draw a long, hot bath to relax and unwind.

After soaking in the tub for nearly an hour, she emerged feeling refreshed. She slipped into a comfortable robe and headed downstairs to find something to eat. As she walked into the kitchen, she was greeted by Maria, who looked up in surprise.

"Helena, you look... stunning!" Maria exclaimed, her eyes wide with admiration.

Helena smiled warmly. "Thank you, Maria. I needed a change."

Maria's expression turned concerned. "Are you feeling alright? You've been doing a lot lately. It's just... different."

Helena sighed, understanding the unspoken worry. "I'm fine, really. Just trying to take better care of myself."

Maria nodded, though the concern didn't completely leave her eyes. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

Helena appreciated the sentiment. "Thank you, Maria. I'll keep that in mind."

She made herself a light meal and sat down at the kitchen table, reflecting on the day's events. She felt a sense of accomplishment, having taken another significant step toward a better version of herself. The image of her new hairstyle, reminiscent of her mother, filled her with a bittersweet sense of nostalgia and pride.

As she ate, she thought about Giovanni's words. He had assumed her husband would be thrilled with her new look, but Sergey's reaction was the least of her concerns. She had done this for herself, to feel good in her own skin again. And it worked. For the first time in a long time, Helena felt confident.

Finished with her meal, she decided to retreat to her room and rest. She knew there were many challenges ahead, but she felt more equipped to handle them. She was determined to live her life differently, to embrace each day with a newfound sense of purpose and self-love.

As she lay down, she couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope. This was just the beginning of her journey. She was ready to live the few years left in her life.

___

Helena dressed with care, opting for a modest but elegant outfit that highlighted her skin tone, her mother used to wear only jewel colours and she felt a bit weird in her linen green dress. Her curly hair, rejuvenated and bouncy, was pulled into a high ponytail and tied with her mother's scarf. It was a small tribute to the woman she missed dearly. The scarf's soft fabric brushed against her neck, a gentle reminder of her mother's strength and elegance.

She took a deep breath as she approached the tall, imposing building that once housed her father's company. Now, it was under Sergey's control. Despite her nerves, Helena held her head high and walked through the large glass doors, her ID ready. As she passed through security, she received a few curious glances, but the main receptionist, a middle-aged woman with kind eyes, recognized her immediately.

"Mrs. Novikov, it's been a while," the receptionist said warmly. "How can I help you today?"

"I have an appointment with Mr. Anders," Helena replied, offering a polite smile.

"Of course. I'll have someone escort you to the top floor."

Helena nodded in appreciation and followed her escort to the elevator. The ride up felt interminable, giving her ample time to reflect on the decision she was about to pursue. When the elevator doors finally opened, she was greeted by Mr. Anders, her father's trusted lawyer. He was a tall, distinguished man with graying hair and a stern yet kind demeanour.

"Helena," he said, his tone both surprised and welcoming as he embraced her briefly. "It's good to see you. What brings you here? Is Sergey with you?"

"No," she replied, feeling a pang of anxiety. "I came alone. I need to discuss something important."

Mr. Anders led her to a small, private office. As they sat down, Helena took another deep breath, gathering her courage. "I need to know how I can divorce Sergey without destroying the contracts and agreements currently in place."

Mr. Anders' expression shifted from surprise to shock. He rubbed his temples, clearly troubled by her request. "Helena, that's very difficult. You know the stipulations your father put in place. The contracts are watertight. The simplest ways are either through your death or by reaching the age of 35."

"I don't want to wait that long," Helena said, her voice tinged with frustration and desperation. "There has to be another way."

Mr. Anders shook his head, visibly upset. "Helena, your father's arrangements were... comprehensive. They were designed to protect the company's interests. Any attempt to dissolve this marriage prematurely could cause significant financial and legal repercussions. Many people have become very wealthy and influential since your father's passing and Sergey's takeover."

Helena realised the depth of what he was saying. "So, I'm trapped," she whispered, more to herself than to Mr. Anders.

"Unless there's a significant reason or event that can legally justify a divorce without damaging the contracts," he paused, his frustration mounting, "yes, you are."

Helena sensed his anger wasn't just professional. It was personal. Many had gained wealth and power from the current arrangement, and her desire for freedom threatened to upset that balance. She quickly changed her approach, masking her true intentions. "I'm just going through a rough patch, Mr. Anders. I'm frustrated and needed to understand my options. I appreciate your honesty."

He relaxed slightly, though his concern didn't fully dissipate. "If there's anything else you need or any way I can help, let me know."

"Thank you," she said, forcing a smile. "I'll think things over."

Leaving his office, Helena felt a mix of defeat and determination. She needed a moment to clear her head and decide her next steps. As she exited the building, she decided to take a walk around the block. The brisk air helped to clear her mind, but the reality of her situation weighed heavily on her.

The city buzzed around her, a stark contrast to the turmoil inside her mind. She passed by familiar landmarks, each one bringing back memories of her father and the life she once had. Lost in thought, she barely noticed the people around her.

Helena wandered into a small park, finding a secluded bench where she could sit and gather her thoughts. She replayed the conversation with Mr. Anders, the implications of his words settling into her consciousness. It was clear that her path forward was fraught with obstacles.

She gazed at the trees swaying gently in the breeze, their leaves rustling softly. A sense of peace washed over her, momentarily easing her mind. She had a second chance at life, and she wasn't going to let the circumstances dictate her happiness. She needed to be smart, to find a way to reclaim her freedom without causing a ripple effect that could ruin countless lives.

As the sun began to set, Helena stood up, feeling a newfound resolve. She might not have all the answers yet, but she was determined to find them. One step at a time, she would navigate this complex web her father had woven and forge a path to her own happiness.

Returning to the hustle and bustle of the city streets, Helena felt a spark of hope. She had taken the first step by seeking information. Now, she needed to strategise and plan her next move carefully. With her mother's scarf still tied in her hair, she felt a connection to her past that gave her strength.