Chapter 243 She Can’t Marry You
Helen had heard her mother say it at least 20 times by now.
Every time, it came with the same message: Not all mothers are like me. You should be grateful.
But Helen didn’t understand. Weren’t mothers supposed to be good to their children?
Finished
Her grandmother was the same–always siding with Caroline no matter what. Whenever Helen argued with Caroline, that old woman would jump in to scold her instead.
So how could Ruth treat Maia the way she did? Especially earlier, when Helen caught the way Ruth glared at Maia–it wasn’t just strictness. It was something darker, something vicious, like she wanted to kill her.
Helen wasn’t stupid. That look, it was pure hatred.
“If only she were half as sweet and sensible as you,” Ruth sighed. “Then I wouldn’t be so worried all the time. That girl gives me a headache just thinking about her!”
Helen couldn’t help but lift her chin slightly at the praise..
Well, of course.
Maia was born to be someone’s maid. She and Helen weren’t even in the same league–how could they possibly be compared?
Ring, ring, ring.
Her phone rang from inside her purse.
It was Linden.
“Helen, where are you? It’s late. Why aren’t you home yet?”
“I’m just grabbing a bite,” Helen said cheerfully. “I’ll head back after I finish.”
“Grabbing a bite?” Linden’s voice rose a notch. “Helen, you’re pregnant. You shouldn’t be eating greasy street food! It’s filthy. If you’re hungry, come home, I’ll have the maid cook something for you. Don’t eat out again, okay?”
“Got it. Next time, I’ll stay in.”
Linden’s tone softened when she gave her word. “Good. Send me your location–I’ll come pick you up.”
Helen sent her location, and it wasn’t long before Linden arrived.
Ruth walked them to the car and wayed them off. As the vehicle disappeared down the street, she turned back–only to spot Jamie idling on his motorcycle nearby, drifting slowly along the road.
“Jamie!”
He revved the engine and pulled up beside her. “Ruth, were you just eating with them?”
Jamie’d seen the three of them leaving the diner earlier.
And the way that Grayson guy had his arm around Helen’s waist–it made Jamie’s chest burn.
Chapter 243 She Can’t Marry You
He hated how powerless he felt. He could never compete with a man like that.
“Yeah,” Ruth replied, noticing the scowl on her brother’s face. She tried to tease him out of his mood. “What’s got you all worked up now? Who ticked you off this time?”
Finished
Jamie always seemed to be in some kind of if not bickering with someone, then brooding about something.
Ruth was used to it.
He hesitated, then said, “Ruth, I’ve fallen for someone. And since you’re close to her, I was hoping… maybe you could help me out?”
The smile froze on Ruth’s face. Her eyes dimmed slightly. “Y–you’re talking about Helen?”
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She didn’t want to believe it. But aside from Helen, the only women she’d been close with lately were her own age and already married.
That meant Jamie had to be talking about Helen.
Jamie nodded, full of hope. “Yeah, it’s her. And I know you like her too, right? If she becomes your sister–in- law, you’d have someone to chat with all the time. You’ll help me, won’t you?”
He really thought she’d say yes. After all, he was her brother.
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But Ruth’s voice turned cold. She rejected it firmly, “No. Helen already has a boyfriend. You saw them together just now. And she’s pregnant with his child. How could we even consider going after her?”
Jamie’s scowled. His tone became urgent and uneasy. “But… what if that baby is mine? Would you still refuse to help me?”
The words hit Ruth like a punch. Her pupils dilated/in shock, her face turning pale. “What did you say? You and Helen–you two…?”
She couldn’t even say the rest. She had to rephrase. “When did that happen?”
Jamie gave a lopsided grin, his voice laced with pride. “Last month. If you count the days, it lines up pretty well. The timing of her pregnancy makes sense.”
He had no doubt. Based on the dates–and Helen’s reaction–he was convinced the baby was his.
Jamie felt lucky, really. If he hadn’t been drunk that night and mistaken Helen for someone else–probably Caroline, judging by how similar their figures were–he might have missed his chance altogether.
Helen wasn’t as pretty as Caroline, sure. But she was decent enough. And now, he might even have a son.
It felt like winning the lottery.
Ruth snapped, “Get your head out of the clouds! Even if the baby is yours, Helen can’t marry you!”
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