Helen's POV:
After his mother left, George's face grew dim as he sat in the living room without saying a word.I held
his hand and comforted him.
"It's okay. My mother can understand where she's coming from." He reached out to stroke my hair
gently.
"I'm sorry,"he said, his voice laced with guilt.
I shook my head and uttered, "It doesn't matter."
After all, Ihad already seen this coming, but hurdles hit me without warning.It had been overwhelming.
Although my relationship with my husband's mother seemed to be doing better, I could tell she still
despised my roots.
I realized we couldn't solve these conflicts soon, so I didn't expect her to accept me anymore.
As long as we could maintain this peace like we currently did, that was enough.
The next day, we went to the airport early in the morning.
While in the waiting area, George brought out his laptop to deal with emails sent to him.
Despite having business matters arranged for the next few days in advance, he still had a lot of urgent
files to manage in person.
"Take some rest for now.I'll remind you when we have to board the plane."
My work kept bothering my mind.I even remained to keep taps on the project I handled for Leeson
Holdings post-completion.
Cece's advertising company won the bid and became a partner for it.
She had always been excellent at work.I was happy for her when I saw the news.
George swigged his coffee and tossed it back immediately in disgust.
"I'll go out for a bit." I put my phone away and got up.
George shifted his eyes from the screen to look at me.
"Do you need me to go with you?"
"No need.I'll be back soon."
I found a cafe nearby and ordered George's favorite.
When I came back, I chanced upon the broadcast of our flight boarding.I quickened my pace to the
waiting room.
George moved his laptop aside and walked up to me, snatching the coffee in my hand.
"That's so sweet of you, Mrs.Affleck."
This honeymoon getaway suddenly seemed like a brilliant plan.
Setting foot on the plane alone already made me feel giddy.
exhausted myself with work every day, so I didn't have much time to rest, let alone go on trips.If I could
recall correctly, my last travel was with Lucy.
We were on a tight budget which kept us from splurging.
In the end, we didn't enjoy ourselves to the fullest.
George reached for my hand, our fingers intertwined as we watched a movie throughout the flight.
Finally, we landed in a coastal city in California.
The breeze felt warm on my skin, and the place was a comforting change of environment.
George had always kept a low profile, and this time was no exception.He rented a car and drove us to
the hotel.
A mesmerizing scenery welcomed us upon checking into the luxury suite he booked.
Our bedroom faced the sea.
It even had a pool stretching along the balcony adjacent to our living room.
The sun shone brightly, the water sparkling from its light.
As a finishing touch, petals adorned the floor and our bed, highlighting the romantic ambiance.
George opened the suitcases to organize our luggage.
On the other hand, I sat by the pool, skimming through our schedule and itinerary.
We would have our off days in between to enjoy ourselves, dedicating the last two days to our photo
shoot.I was delighted with this setup.
George probably tailored it to my preference, giving us room to breathe.He knew me well.
After attending to our belongings, he walked out and sat beside me.
"Can you swim?"
"Of course!"
I bluffed, knowing I couldn't even stay afloat on the water.
Still, I bought a lot of daring swimsuits.If only I knew what would happen, I wouldn't have lied.
George pushed me.
Before I could process what was happening, I was cold and wet, frightened.
As the water reached my face, I gasped for air.
A wave of panic enveloped me.I kept flapping my arms in hopes of surviving.
Calling for help was my last chance, but the moment I opened my mouth, the water gushed down my
throat, leaving me wheezing.
George jumped into the pool without hesitation and grabbed me into his arms.He asked anxiously, "Are
you alright?"
I clung to his body until I felt at ease, somehow.
Then I bit his shoulder and snapped, "You've gone too far!"
"I'm sorry.I thought you could swim.Did you choke on water?"
George hugged me tightly and caressed my back to calm me down.
When I stared at him, I could tell there was relief in his eyes.
"What were you thinking?" I sneered, glaring at him.
"I'm sorry.I won't do that again.Change into your swimsuit, and I'll teach you how to swim."
He carried me to the stairs in the pool and lovingly consoled me.I went ahead and did as he instructed.
When I came out, he narrowed his eyes in disapproval.
He demanded, "Wear something else."
"What's wrong? Don't I look good in this?"
I was quite satisfied with how it accentuated my figure.I refused to change into something else.
At the poolside, George leaned over, darting his gaze to my chest.
He confessed, "You're strikingly gorgeous that I'll get distracted while teaching you.Cover up."
His burning eyes made me feel naked and vulnerable, so! placed my hands over my breasts.
Somehow I got the feeling that even if I wore a scuba suit, he wouldn't let me off the hook easily.
Regardless, I obliged and changed into the most conservative one-piece swimsuit I could find in my
wardrobe.It was neither fitted nor revealing.
George escorted me back to the pool without protest.He was terrifyingly strict when he taught me how
to drive, which ignited fights between us.I admittedly got traumatized.
However, he was more amicable now, which was a pleasant surprise.
Still, my arms and legs were stiff, and I just didn't know how to move them.I was grateful that he was
patient with me this time.
He eagerly encouraged me to do better.
Once we got past the basics, he lifted my body, his hands holding me firmly while he guided me
through the water.
After a few laps, I got used to it.I could tell I didn't need much help floating, but I didn't dare to let go of
him.
"It doesn't matter.Take your time."
His words boosted my confidence.We kept going in circles until I was positive I could swim.
"Let me have a try" I initiated.
"Okay."
He slowly released my hands.
Without his support, I immediately began sinking.
Terrified, I struggled hard and almost choked on water again.
George swiftly came to my aid, tapping my back after pulling me up.
"Am I stupid? I can't even swim." I lay on his shoulders and sighed in disappointment.
"You were actually doing great.You don't have to rush yourself, okay? We'll do it at your pace
tomorrow.Let's go downstairs and have some dinner first,"George implored.
He then hoisted me into his arms and got out of the pool.
Since we had just arrived, we didn't have any plans set for the day other than having the hotel to
ourselves.
We tidied ourselves and slipped into a different set of clothes.
After that, we went to the dining area within the building.I sat by the window, waiting for him to fetch our
food.I appreciated him caring for me like this, spoiling me with affection.
He wouldn't even let me lift a finger if he could do it for me.
A woman of elegance and beauty from the table beside us soon caught my attention.
She donned a long dress, and her hair scattered gracefully on her shoulders.
Anyone would be captivated by her.
I couldn't shake off that she peered at me repeatedly, casually taking a sip of the drink in her hand.
Confused with how she was acting, I smiled at her, but she looked away in disdain.
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