Chapter 48: Tastes Always Change
"Knox is here. Helena just got back from her business trip. Let's sit down and talk," Maria said.
At Maria's words, Knox let go of my arm. Looking somewhat upset, he nodded at Maria and said, "I'm sorry, Mrs. Lockwood. I was worried sick about Helena."
"I understand. But you can see Helena is fine, right?"
Maria smiled at Knox, then glanced at me. "And you too—why didn't you tell Knox about such an important business trip?"
I stiffly turned to Knox and said, "Sorry, I've been swamped with work these past few days. I neglected to tell you."
Hearing this, Knox's expression softened considerably.
"Mr. Lockwood, I only heard afterward that your company had problems with a shipment. If you need any help, just let me know."
Henry shook his head. "No need. Helena's business trip actually solved all those problems."
Henry smiled. "My Helena is becoming more and more capable."
I shook my head. "Not really, it's all thanks to your guidance, Dad."
"Alright, you two, stop praising each other. The food is ready, and Helena must be hungry. Let's eat."
Maria turned to Knox. "Knox, your timing is perfect. The kitchen made some of your favorite dishes today. Come try them."
Knox quickly glanced at me. "Okay, thank you, Mrs. Lockwood."
The meal ended quickly. Seeing I looked tired, Henry said directly to Knox, "Helena must be exhausted from her business trip. Knox, why don't you let Helena rest today and take her out tomorrow instead?"
"That's my fault. I wasn't thoughtful enough."
Knox stood up. "Helena, get some rest. I'll come pick you up for work tomorrow."
I nodded. "Okay, see you then."
After Knox left, during a moment when Maria had stepped away, Henry asked, "Have you figured out how to handle things between you and Knox?"
I nodded. "I have. I just hope that no matter what happens, Dad, please don't be angry with me."
"I won't be. Whatever you do, I'll support you."
Then Henry's expression grew more serious. "But I'll say this again—it can't affect the Lockwood family."
"Okay, I will."
The next morning, as soon as I walked out the front door, I saw Knox's car waiting at the gate.
Seeing me come out, he quickly threw away his cigarette and walked toward me. "Helena, are you feeling better?"
I nodded. "Let's go."
After getting in the car, Knox looked at me. "Helena, can you accompany me to a charity gala tonight?"
Knox's words immediately put me on alert.
Knox never liked me appearing in public—what was going on this time?
I asked casually, "What charity gala?"
Knox said, "It's hosted by Calliope. It's for disabled children. I'd like you to come with me."
This Calliope Bishop was a socialite in Starwave City. Her gala itself wasn't a problem, but Knox was acting strange today.
"What about Lucy? Why isn't she going with you?"
In the past, Knox always had Lucy Kim accompany him to banquets. I'd gotten angry with him many times over this, but Knox always brushed it off with a few words.
It wasn't until later in my previous life that I learned Lucy was one of Knox's women.
When I asked about Lucy, Knox tried to sound casual. "Oh, she has other work arrangements and can't come with me. So, Helena, will you come with me?"
I racked my brain trying to remember anything about charity galas from my previous life, but couldn't recall anything useful.
In my previous life, Knox never approved of me attending social events, so I'd never been to galas like this.
Seeing I couldn't refuse, I could only agree reluctantly. "Okay, I'll go with you."
"Great! Let me take you to pick out a dress first."
Knox drove straight to a shopping mall.
"Come on, let's go look."
I was naturally happy about anything that made Knox spend money. After getting out of the car, I headed straight for the designer stores.
Soon, I selected several gowns and started trying them on.
When I walked out of the fitting room in a white embroidered gown, Knox's eyes lit up.
"This one is great. It really suits you."
Unfortunately, the ones he liked, I didn't.
"Let me try some others."
I selected a purple sleeveless mermaid gown. The fitted design showed off my curves completely.
When I came out, Knox froze for a moment, then said with a complicated expression, "Helena, I really want to lock you away so no man can see you."
I laughed coldly. In my previous life, he actually did that.
After marrying him, I was trapped in The Pemberton Villa and never had another chance to appear in public.
"Is it too revealing? Let me try another one."
"No need, this one is perfect."
Seeing that I wanted to change, Knox grabbed my arm and held me in front of the mirror.
"Helena, you look absolutely beautiful in this."
Looking at Knox's infatuated expression in the mirror, I almost felt sick. I pulled my arm free. "I still don't really like this one. Let me try another."
In the end, I chose a pink ball gown. The pink color with lace trim around the edges looked sweet and cute.
Seeing my choice, Knox frowned disapprovingly. "Helena, we're going to a gala. Isn't this inappropriate?"
I twirled in front of the mirror. "What's wrong with it?"
It was much more covered up, and I wouldn't have to see Knox's strange looks anymore. I thought it was fine.
"This is the one. Let's pay."
Seeing my insistence, Knox said helplessly, "Are you sure you don't want to look at others?"
"No need."
Seeing I was firm, Knox had no choice but to pay.
Holding the new gown, I smiled. "Now take me back to the office."
"Okay."
On the way, Knox kept looking at me like he wanted to say something. "Helena, you never used to like clothes like this. What's going on this time?"
Of course, it's to guard against you, to keep you from staring.
"Nothing, people's tastes change. Don't you like it?"
"It's not that."
Knox replied, but whatever he wanted to say remained unsaid. When we arrived, he reminded me, "Work well. I'll come pick you up tonight."
I nodded. "See you then."
After getting on the elevator, just as I reached the tenth floor, I heard a loud noise. I looked up to see confetti falling, followed by applause.
"Welcome back to the office, Ms. Lockwood!"