Letting in Light ✔️ [Completed] [Book two]

Chapter 49

I stand to begin clearing away the plates after a perfect dinner. I don't even try to hide the grin on my face as I listen to the sound of laughter fill the opulent dining room. When we find a house I decide that I definitely want us to have a big dining room so that we can all be together regularly, just like this. But, it needs to be much less formal, I think as I glance up at the oversized garish chandelier.

"Sit your skinny arse back down." Sarah jumps to her feet. "I'll clean up." I shake my head to disagree, but she won't have it. "I said sit down." She says sternly.

"I'll help." Ben offers casually, not looking up as he begins to collect the plates.

I return to my seat with a smirk, raising my eyebrows at Sarah suspiciously when she takes my dish. She mouths 'what' innocently in return.

Once the table has been cleared, and then strewn with empty beer and wine bottles, I hear Elliott say to Helen that he is tired. I really don't want to miss the opportunity to speak with Helen tonight. But, just as I'm about to open my mouth to speak to her, she turns towards me with a pained expression. "Lizzie, can we have a quick chat before we leave?"

"Of course." I glance round the lively room, and hear Caroline's unmistakable cackle at something Oscar has said, knowing that this is not the place for our chat. "Shall we go into the living room?" I ask before standing up. I can't help but feel my stomach drop when I see Helen squeeze Elliott's shoulder while she walks by. Elliot places his hand reassuringly over the top of hers and pats it gently with a sad look on his face.

I lead Helen across the hallway, and into the living room with a knot in my chest. I know something is wrong, and I'm desperate to know what it is so I can help. I gesture for her to sit down on the brown leather sofa, while I sit in the armchair opposite.

Helen looks down at her well manicured fingers as she twirls her wedding band repeatedly. The diamond encrusted ring is now far too big for her delicate finger.

"Helen, is everything OK?" I ask tentatively. My eyes don't leave her gaunt face.

She briefly meets my stare before her eyes flit round the all too formal living room. Her eyes rest on the only aspect of the room that makes it feel homely. The huge mahogany bookcase contains hundreds of novels from every genre, and I've loved delving into stories that I would never have chosen from a store. "This house doesn't suit you, my dear." She comments flatly.

"I know." I answer honestly. "It was something Daniel and my Mom found to rent on short notice. I cannot wait to find somewhere for us now I'm feeling more like myself." The overbearing renaissance painting that hangs above the enormous marble fireplace feels as though it bears down on me in full judgment, but I choose to ignore it entirely.

"You know I love you, don't you?" Helen says shakily, barely above a whisper.

"Of course I do, and I love you. Now, will you please tell me what is going on?" I lean forward, knowing I won't let her leave without telling me.

She takes a deep breath. "I'm taking a step back from the business." She lets out a humourless laugh. "Indefinitely."

My eyes widen in shock that Helen would walk away from her business. "OK, can I ask why?" I try to keep my voice steady.

"Ashley will be running the business from now on, he will be in control. He has promised me that your position there will be unaffected, and that he will continue to support you." She smiles but it doesn't meet her eyes.

I bite the inside of my mouth to keep me from saying that I hate that pervert, or that I will not work for him! Instead, I just nod slowly not wanting to upset her fragile confession.