As a result, Helen was resolute in bringing Theodore and Arianaâs relationship to an end.
âAfter Marleyâs death, Theodore has never been close to any woman, nor has he ever contemplated marriage.
Do you genuinely believe that he will fall in love with you? Donât harbor such illusions.
Itâs all a lie.
â
Helenâs emotions grew increasingly unstable, and the jealousy in her heart ignited like a spark igniting a wildfire.
She found herself in an uncontrollable situation, and her patience wore thin.
âI suggest you leave Theodore.
Your relationship with him will never have a future.
If Theodore hadnât been in a vegetative state due to his accident, Uncle Darian wouldnât have permitted you to marry into the Anderson family.
Theodore would have never married you in his entire life.
â ©
According to Helenâs account, Marley and Theodore had grown up together and no one could step in.
However, Ariana found herself skeptical.
While she was unaware of Theodoreâs past, she possessed an intimate understanding of his character.
He was inherently aloof, seemingly indifferent to matters of the heart.
How, then, could he have experienced such a profound first love?
If indeed such a love existed, Ariana pondered why it had never been mentioned during her time spent in this place.
âHelen, enough with the fabrications,â she retorted, her voice laced with disbelief.
âIf what you say is true, why has Judy never mentioned it?â
âAre you being naive, Ariana, or merely deceiving yourself?â Helen jeered, her face contorted with disdain.
âJudy is nothing more than a servant.
Even if she possessed the audacity to gossip, she would never dare to do so in the presence of her masters.
Also, Judy came here just six years ago.
The information she imparted to you was nothing more than hearsay.
â
âThen how did you know? What connection do you have with Theodore and Marley?â Narrowing her eyes suspiciously, Ariana couldnât help but wonder if Helen was merely attempting to assume Marleyâs role.
After all, according to Helenâs description, Marley had a fondness for white dress, a preference that Helen always seemed to indulge.
Such thoughts swirled within Arianaâs mind.
Helen lifted her head haughtily and spoke with an air of superiority.
âI was Marleyâs only true friend during her time alive.
It was her dying wish to find a cure for my congenital heart disease.
â
Arianaâs laughter escaped involuntarily, tinged with a sense of disbelief.
âSo, Theodore cares for you so deeply solely due to Marleyâs dying wish?â
With a pitiful gaze fixed upon Helen, Ariana couldnât help but pity her.
âYou are merely basking in Marleyâs glory.
â
âshut up!â The remark struck a nerve, causing Helen to wince in pain as her expression contorted into a scowl.
âEven if I hold only a small place in Theodoreâs heart because of Marley, it is still better than being in your place.
At least within Theodoreâs heart, I am Helen, not someone elseâs substitute.
â
Arianaâs wariness surged, her voice now laced with caution.
âWhat exactly do you mean by that?â
Helen snorted and began to recite, âDo you like blue, spicy food, horror movies, puppets, rock and heavy metal music? Your favorite band, The Death-bound birth.
â
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âWhat? Do you want to say that Iâm a substitute for Marley?â Ariana was furious.
âCome on, there are so many people who like these things in the world.
â
Helen produced a photograph from her pocket.
It was a group photo featuring Ariana and Jasper, but it appeared to be a fresh copy with a pristine edge, freshly printed.
In the image, Ariana wore a white dress, her face adorned with a sweet and innocent smile as she gazed towards the camera, cradling Jasper in her arms.
The photograph clearly captured a moment when Ariana had recently fallen deeply in love with Jasper.
Ariana vividly remembered that the original version of this photo had been torn to pieces and discarded in the trash can.
How had Helen managed to obtain it?