Midnight Surrender-Chapter 82 Starting a new journey (2)(AVOT)

Tiberius had been biding his time, eagerly awaiting the moment when he could speak to Helena in private. He knew she would be staying with Rhain and Daisy for a while, which made him increasingly impatient. He longed to mend things between them and while it appeared that she had finally accepted Rhain to some extent, there was still an undeniable distance between her and him whenever he visited.

Restlessness overcame him one rainy evening, prompting him to venture toward Rhain’s opulent mansion. He strolled leisurely, sheltered beneath an umbrella, deep in thought. It was during this contemplative walk that he noticed Rhain’s carriage departing from the estate. His heart quickened. Could it be Helena heading home? Why was someone leaving at this hour, amid the downpour?

Without further ado, he made his way into the garden and sensed that only one presence lingered within the house—Helena. He didn’t spare a second thought as to where Rhain and Daisy might have gone; instead, he hastened his steps, determined to find Helena.

Inside the mansion, Helena was in the midst of preparing dinner, her thoughts occupied with the task at hand. The sound of approaching footsteps reached her ears, and she instinctively assumed it was Rhain. She turned, a warm smile gracing her lips, but it gradually faded as her eyes met Tiberius at the threshold.

"Helena," Tiberius murmured her name with a softness that sent shivers through her.

She wasn’t prepared to face him yet. Her recent days had been consumed by caring for Rhain during his illness, leaving little energy to contemplate her feelings for Tiberius.

Helena couldn’t shake the fear that this man had risked his life to protect them, a reminder that his interest in her was deeper than she thought. He was undeniably serious about their relationship, and that scared her.

After years of torture, she had been enjoying her newfound freedom, thanks to her son-in-law’s generosity. She had come to value her independence, even though loneliness occasionally crept in. But the prospect of another heartbreak frightened her all too much.

And this man wasn’t even human; he was a Vampire. Accepting her daughter’s husband, Rhain, as a Vampire had been one thing – they were already married. But would she willingly enter into a romantic relationship with a Vampire? The thought gnawed at the corners of her mind.

"Good evening, My Lord," she greeted him, her voice tinged with surprise. "I didn’t expect to... see you here."

His icy blue gaze locked onto her, unyielding. "I found myself unable to rest without seeing you."

Helena was at a loss for words, unsure of how to respond to such a declaration.

He took another step closer,"I do not wish to make you uncomfortable, but I wanted to let you know how I truly feel, "vulnerability was palpable in his voice. "I’ve witnessed loved ones come and go throughout my long existence, and the pain of their loss led me to isolate myself, avoiding meaningful relationships."

He continued to approach, bridging the gap between them. "I told myself it was the price of my immortality, but lately, I’ve begun to question it all. What is the point of living if there’s nothing meaningful to live for?"

She frowned. What was he insinuating? He couldn’t be meaning...

"I want to share my days with someone," he confessed, "and I find your company most delightful."

As surprised as she was by his forward confession, she was pleased in a way as well.

"I know I wasn’t forthcoming about my true nature. The intention wasn’t to deceive you; I meant to stay away," he admitted. "But I no longer wish to. If you allow it, I would love to start over."

His politeness and honesty in this moment touched Helena deeply. Despite all she had learned about him, she couldn’t deny that she felt strangely calm and safe in his presence. She genuinely enjoyed his company as well.

She couldn’t bring herself to deny him so she nodded slowly.

"Is that a yes?" he asked, a hint of surprise in his tone.

"Yes," she murmured.

A radiant smile broke out on his face which added to her own smile.

Moments later, they found themselves seated on the terrace, watching the rain pour down, each holding a warm cup of tea. Tiberius didn’t partake in tea, as she now knew, but he sipped it occasionally as he shared more about himself with her.

He recounted how he became a vampire, the people he had met and lost along his long journey. His stories were filled with tragedy and loneliness, but he told them with a sense of detachment, as if they were merely mundane events in his life.

Helena couldn’t help but notice that he mostly avoided discussing his diet and eating habits, a topic that made her somewhat uneasy. Yet, she decided to take things one step at a time. Tiberius was already being remarkably candid, and she believed the rest would come in due course.

As they chatted outside on the terrace, Helena’s attention was momentarily diverted by the sight of a carriage arriving outside the gates. She couldn’t make out the details clearly, but the man opening the door seemed to be Armand. Her frown deepened when Rhain stepped out of the carriage.

When had he left? She had thought he was still resting.

To her surprise, Daisy emerged from the carriage right behind Rhain. Helena’s confusion grew as two children stepped out of the carriage as well, a boy and a girl. Helena had so many questions racing through her mind. Who were these children, and why had they arrived in such inclement weather?

Tiberius exchanged glances with her, their curiosity piqued, and then turned their attention back to Daisy, Rhain, and the children who were now making their way towards the terrace. The girl and the boy appeared a bit frightened, their eyes scanning the garden intently as they walked down the stone path, their clothes damp and mud clinging to the lower parts.

"Mother," Daisy greeted with a warm smile as she approached. Helena and Tiberius rose from their seats to welcome them. "Allow me to introduce you to Lucas and Lily."