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On the other hand, at Helena's residence.
The sun had risen slightly higher in the sky as Victor slowly stirred from his slumber.
As he opened his eyes, he was met with the gaze of two pairs of luminescent eyes.
Those eyes, filled with an intensity that seemed to pierce his soul, brought a gentle smile to his lips.
He couldn't help but admire the morning freshness in Helena's appearance.
Her simplicity held a unique charm, although she often doubted herself when facing others without makeup.
It was her effortless natural beauty that Victor knew, contrasting starkly with someone he was acquainted with, who spent only minutes in front of the mirror, as her beauty was inherently radiant.
But Victor found himself drawn to Helena not just for her looks but for her kindness and understanding.
Since their college days, she had been his constant companion through life's challenges, a dependable friend to turn to when he needed a listening ear.
Upon discovering that they were schoolmates, their paths crossed more frequently, especially after their initial encounter at a charity event.
Helena's proximity to his department ensured they often crossed paths, and Rina, a mutual friend, played an instrumental role in introducing them.
It was Rina who formally introduced Victor and Helena, even though they were friends prior.
However, due to their differing academic pursuits, Rina often found herself preoccupied, whereas Victor and Helena's proximity meant they frequently bumped into each other and often commuted together.
Initially, Helena's style was simple, but as their interactions became more frequent, she gradually started paying more attention to her appearance.
Victor couldn't help but notice the increasing number of admirers she gained over time.
As for Rina, her beauty had always garnered attention, and her immaculate sense of style accentuated her charm, contributing to her growing fanbase.
Yet, their harmonious trio faced turbulent times when Victor and Helena decided to date discreetly, occasionally including Rina in their outings.
However, Rina began to sense an unspoken connection between Victor and Helena and eventually confessed her feelings to him, leading to the dissolution of their friendship.
It wasn't until later that Victor discovered his parents' desire for him to marry Rina.
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(Victor's point of view...)
At the outset, I found myself in a predicament, torn between my love for Helena and the objections of my family.
They were well aware of my relationship with Helena, but their strong opposition was baffling. I couldn't help but suspect that Rina, my current partner, might have played a role in turning my family against Helena.
Every time I attempted to introduce Helena to them, they conveniently seemed preoccupied with their work, a behavior that my family's sign of disapproval.
My reservations notwithstanding, Rina and I entered into a contractual marriage agreement.
This arrangement was, to say the least, unconventional.
Rina promised to assist me in gaining control of Reymundo Corps in exchange for our paper marriage.
Initially, I was hesitant, questioning how marriage could be used as a tool to achieve my goals.
Furthermore, I couldn't help but wonder why Rina was so intent on disrupting my relationship with Helena.
However, Rina's words from that time continue to resonate with me:
"Erwin, I understand your reluctance, but please allow me to explain. I will help you secure your position as the heir to Reymundo Corps if you agree to our marriage. If you consent to three years together, we will be legally married, and if, by the end of that period, you still cannot find it in your heart to love me, we will part ways. After three years, I will handle any necessary explanations."
Initially, I found it difficult to trust her words. I took three days to mull over her proposal.
Eventually, I realized that, as long as our secret remained hidden, three years might not be such a dreadful commitment.
I promised myself that, after those three years had passed and I had acquired the company, I would marry Helena.
Over a year has gone by since we made that pact, and it's undeniable that much has changed in my life.
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(Third person point of view.....)
His attention had become divided between Helena and Rina, as he grappled with the lingering anger he felt toward Rina for what he perceived as her role in his family's rejection of Helena and the dissolution of his previous promise to her.
However, a sense of guilt also weighed on Victor, as he felt he had been unjust to Rina.
He openly flaunted his relationship with Helena in front of their friends and acquaintances, while Rina remained in the shadows.
She accompanied him less frequently, especially during social gatherings with his friends.
Victor's friends had mixed feelings about the situation.
Some supported his relationship with Helena and couldn't comprehend why he had married Rina, given his existing commitment.
Victor took the time to explain the complexities of their situation, and, to his surprise, most of his friends came to understand his predicament.
Initially, some of them suggested he should break things off with Helena, given his marriage to Rina.
They were concerned that his actions would hurt Rina.
But Victor couldn't bring himself to end his relationship with Helena, as she was the one person who truly understood him.
While he had been friends with Rina for a long time, their paths had diverged after college, and Helena had become his constant companion, accompanying him wherever he went.
Even now, the idea of being married to his childhood friend remains somewhat awkward for Victor to process.
He quickly banished these thoughts and focused on the present moment, doing his best to steer clear of any reminders of Rina.
He kissed Helena passionately, but an inexplicable feeling held him back from fully surrendering himself to the moment.
This has led to a sense of restraint and a noticeable shift in the face of Helena.
The visage bethe traces of irritation, perhaps stemming from what was he done.
It was as though an invisible barrier prevented him from embracing intimacy wholeheartedly, a stark contrast to the passion he had felt when kissing Rina.
Victor couldn't help but question the confusing sensations coursing through his body, leaving him baffled and unsure of his emotions.