HELENA'S POV:

"No ma'am, you're strong. You're strong enough to stand and rise again after what you have gone through. You're strong enough to see your child suffering to that extent and stay by his side and watch him getting a new life not for once but for twice. You're strong enough to risk your own life for your child. In fact, you're the strongest woman I've ever seen in my life." I meant every single words that I said to her. She is the strongest woman I've seen.

She gave a faint smile to me and said, "No I'm not. I still have that fear and I'm scared that... that I won't be able to protect him if I loose him once again." She said shivering in fear. "That is why I...I try to keep him away from everyone. I'll protect him and won't let anyone harm him." She said with determination.

"I can understand your emotions ma'am. But, until when? You won't be with him forever. What then?" As I said this, I saw fear in her eyes. I saw an insecurity developing inside her.

"I'm sorry ma'am. I'm not trying to scare you or demotivate you. But Zayden will grow up and he will have to interact with people right? He can't stay away from everyone alone to survive. So keeping him away from everyone isn't possible forever." I said as calmly as I could trying to make her understand what I mean to say.

"Yes Diana, this is what I'm trying to make you understand since so many years. Our Zayden will have to see the world. We can't keep him away from the world forever. And if we keep on protecting him like this, keeping him away from people this way, he will turn a lone sheep. How will he adjust himself in the society?" Mr.Liam said holding her hands.

"What should I do? What...what should I do then? I can't let my child suffer anymore." I could feel how irritated and scared she was.

"Make yourself strong." As I said this, she looked at me in confusion. "Make yourself strong ma'am. You've seen the reality of this world, types of people in this world and you are strong enough to face it when it comes to you. But you will have to be strong enough to face it when it comes to Zayden as well. I know.. I know that you have that strength but you're just scared. Let yourself get over this fear, make yourself strong. Cause you are Zayden's strength. You'll have to teach him about the reality of this world, you'll have to make him strong enough to face this world and protect himself. You'll have to show him right path and help him decide right and wrong for him. It's up to you and I believe you can do it ma'am."

"But I..I can't." Mrs.Cullen was about to deny when Mr.Liam held her hands. "You can Diana, we can. I'm with you, we're together in this. We'll protect our son, we'll make him strong enough to protect himself. We'll be there with him to support him in every phase of life when he'll need us. You can do it Diana, for Zayden, for me, for us." I could see a bit of confidence developing in her eyes after Mr.Liam's assurance.

"Promise me Diana, you'll try your best." he forwarded his hand towards her. After lots of hesitation, she finally gave her hand on his hand. "I...I Promise that I'll try my best Liam." She said smiling though tears were flowing from her eyes. I could see a determination in her eyes to make a change, change for her son.

"Mr. and Mrs. Cullen, I'll take my leave now. Please kindly inform me when Zayden wakes up." I bowed in front of them and was about to leave. "Helena" I turned around when Mrs. Cullen called my name. "Yes Mrs. Cullen." I thought she needed something. "You'll be calling me Diana, after all you're my Zayden's big friend." She smiled saying so and I was surprised to hear such words from her.

She came towards me and held my hands. "Don't worry, you're my friend as well from now one. I'll always be thankful for whatever you did for me." She hugged me after saying so. I saw a different side of her today or should I say, the actual side of her which was hidden behind the mask.

Mr.Liam came to escort me out after I bid goodbye to her. "Thank you so much Helena, you did something which I was trying since such a long time." He said as we reached at the entrance. "You don't need to thank me Mr.Liam. I did all this for my little friend Zayden."

I walked towards Merry and Gina after bidding him goodbye and we three returned to apartment as it was too late. I remembered dad had called me earlier so I thought of calling him back. When I called him, he didn't pick up my call first and on second time, his voice was shaking.

"Dad, what's the matter? What is stressing you out?" I was impatient to know if he's alright. "Nothing baby girl. it's just that I'm feeling quite cold. Don't worry about me."

"Should I ask Mel to come and check upon you dad? I'm sure she won't mind it." I was worried about him so I thought of Mel but as soon as I said Mel, he turned out quiet. "Dad, are you listening to me?" His strange behaviour was freaking me out. "Hello, ah no baby girl it's network issue. You don't need to ask her to come to me. I'm fine." Even after I insisted many times, he still didn't agree.

After some tim, I laid on bed to sleep. I don't know why is he behaving so strange. Well I guess it's me who's over thinking. Thinking about my dad, I drifted to sleep.

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Did you like the chapter? What do you think is the reason behind Helena's dad's behaviour? Tell me your guesses in the comments❤

_with maya, safuu❤