Chapter 7: I’m nervous

The European-style home decor is elegant and luxurious.

The milky white ceramic tiles with patterns reflect a delicately styled crystal chandelier.

To the left of the entrance is the living room where an old man dressed in traditional garments is savoring tea.

A woman in her thirties, seated on a side sofa, smiles faintly towards the entrance.

Behind her stands a fifteen or sixteen year old girl, also with a smile on her face, but with a closer look, one can sense their disdain and apathy.

Upon arriving here in her previous life, Helena was frightened and timid, and endured a whole night of sharp quips.

This only worsened her already low self-esteem.

This time around, since stepping into the house, Helena has cut off all her retreats.

She smiles and follows Lngram.

“Helena, this is your grandfather,” Lngram introduces.

“Dad, this is Helena.”

Helena nods politely to her grandfather, Caleb York.

She is uncertain about this man.

She heard that Caleb ordered her to return to the York family and recognize her roots.

However, since she’s come back, Caleb has not looked at her directly and has allowed her to be mistreated.

He even seems to watch indifferently as she destroys herself.

Helena doesn’t understand.

Even now, she doesn’t understand.

But she knows that the success of the York family in California, and even throughout America, cannot be separated from Caleb’s hard work in the food and beverage industry.

“Hmm,” Caleb glances up and down at Helena.

“This is your…” Lngram hesitates, “your mother…”

Helena cuts Lngram off, “Hello, Auntie.”

Lngram is puzzled – he had hoped that Helena would just call Vanessa her mom.

“Um…” Vanessa’s eyes flash with surprise before she smiles, “Hello, you’re Helena, right? That’s a beautiful name. Now that you’ve entered the York family, we’re a family. Don’t think about going back. Just have fun with your sister here.”

Vanessa then introduces Theresia behind her, Helena’s one year younger high school sister who is mischievous.

“If she teases you a bit, don’t get angry with her!” Vanessa’s words are dripping with maternal love.

Helena responds with an “Um” and doesn’t seem to have any respect for Vanessa.

Vanessa’s fake enthusiasm starts to falter and the atmosphere becomes awkward.

“Helena, you are very impolite,” Theresia remarks, hands behind her back, long black hair cascading down to her waist, her chubby baby face making her look like a beautiful doll in a high-end store window.

“I’m nervous,” Helena explains.

These three words leave Theresia in a daze.

Nervous? That’s a good reason, but how can Theresia not see where Helena is nervous?

“Let’s eat,” Caleb interjects and stands up slightly, giving Helena a fleeting glimpse.