Chapter Five: Helen's POV

Six years later…

EUROPE

“Happy holidays, Helen!”

“Happy Holidays!” I replied as I made my way to the CEO’s office. We were going on a break today and I had a lot planned for me and my cuties this week. 

“I’m coming over to your place for hot cocoa, Hel.” Terrence, one of my friends at work muttered as I walked past his desk.

I chuckled, nodding my head. “Sure, sure.”

I got into the elevator and pressed the button for the CEO’s office, my mind already racing with thoughts of the holidays. “Hot cocoa, presents, family time…” I murmured to myself, a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth.

The elevator doors opened to reveal the CEO’s office. Mr. Anderson was standing behind his desk, his face creased with a frown as he leafed through a stack of papers.

He looked up as I walked in, his frown disappearing as he offered me a smile. “Hello, Helen. Please, have a seat.”

I took a seat, crossing my legs.

“Thank you for coming in today, Helen,” Mr. Anderson said, his voice kind but serious. “I wanted to talk to you about an opportunity I think you’d be perfect for.”

My eyebrows raised. “Oh? What opportunity is that?”

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. “We have a client in Seattle who’s looking for an actress for a Christmas Special Commercial and Photoshoot. Not only that, you would get the opportunity to act as the main character in a series they’d be launching next year. It’s a magical holiday movie and the perfect person for the job is you,” he said, smiling at me, but I felt a sense of unease at the mention of Seattle.

That was where my life had fallen apart. A wave of nostalgia washed over me as I recalled how much I had suffered to be where I was today. 

I had vowed never to celebrate Christmas, but my little rays of sunshine gave me hope after their birth and brought light into my dark world.

“Helen,”

I blinked, looking at Mr. Anderson. “Yes, sir?” I answered calmly.

“This is a big project worth millions of dollars,” he leaned in, his gaze pleading. “And the only person I trust to deliver is you.” Mr. Anderson’s voice was emphatic, his eyes shining with conviction. 

“This could be the opportunity of a lifetime, Helen. I know the thought of returning to Seattle might be difficult, but this is a chance to show the world just how talented you are.”

My fingers fidgeted nervously with the edge of my skirt as I tried to weigh the pros and cons in my mind. On one hand, this was an incredible opportunity, one that could open new doors for me and my career. 

On the other hand, returning to Seattle was like stepping into a lion’s den, a place where my past and my pain still lingered in the shadows.

“Sir,” I said, my voice shaking slightly. “I…I appreciate the offer, but Seattle…it’s not an easy place for me. It holds a lot of…painful memories.”

Mr. Anderson’s face softened as he nodded in understanding. “I can only imagine what you went through, Helen. And I won’t lie to you, it won’t be easy. But think of it this way; this is an opportunity to take back your power, to show yourself that you’re stronger than your past. You’re a survivor, Helen. You’ve proven that time and time again.”

His words resonated within me, sparking a fire in my heart that, I thought, had been extinguished long ago. Could I really face my demons and come out on top? 

Would I finally get over everything and make a name for myself in a town where I had suffered pain and humiliation? I guess the only way to find out was to go there then. 

But…

“What about my kids?” I asked.

Mr. Anderson smiled softly. “You don’t have to worry about them. You can carry them along, make them experience the magic of Christmas in a new place. We will pay for your accommodation, and you could enroll them in school. The filming will take months or even years, and I’m certain you’re going to make us proud… just like you’ve always done.”

I smiled at him, heaving a deep breath. Well… it was worth a try. I just hope I never have to run into my ex-husband.

****

And a few days later, I was already on the plane to Seattle. The kids were excited when I told them we’d be going to a new city in a new Country. 

Kate, Jake, and Blake were my light at the end of the tunnel — exact replicas of their father, Ashton, and I wished we wouldn’t have to cross paths, so he wouldn’t see them. 

They had asked about their father countless times, but I always told them he was working overseas and would come soon. The excuse was becoming old now that they were growing. 

They were smart kids, and it was only a matter of time before they wouldn’t take my word for it anymore.

On one hand, I was happy that they were excited. Their happiness meant everything to me. On the other hand, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that I might have to deal with a lot here.

The plane touched down in Seattle, and as we taxied to the gate, I stared out the window, my heart racing. This city held so many memories, both good and bad, and I couldn’t help but feel a mix of fear and excitement at the thought of being here again.