The Bitter Truth

George's eyes welled up with tears as he gazed at Helena. His trembling lips seemed on the verge of crying out. He reached out his hand to touch Helena but then hesitated.

"Kind-hearted?" Helena repeated as if George had said something inappropriate. "Justin Arkwright? The Duke's second son? What's so great about that man?"

All Helena had heard about her father were negative words. The fool who always caused trouble. The self-indulgent child who only squandered money.

"Yes, it's true. He is someone I admire," George said with a sincere smile, showing respect for the person he was talking about.

"You must be mistaken. Or maybe you're just as terrible as him," Helena whispered, her face filled with anger.

"Do you... hate him?" George asked again. "He's the one who brought you into this world and—"