The Heiress's Comeback-Chapter 127: [Volume 1] - - her past not present.

Helga’s hands clenched into tight fists at her sides, her irritation simmering just beneath the surface as she glared at Aron. "You were the one who changed the dating plan I made for Esme, weren’t you?" she demanded, her voice sharp with frustration. Aron, however, didn’t seem fazed by her anger. He turned away from her, calm and unbothered, and casually began to sort through his wardrobe.

"Yes," he replied simply, not even sparing her a glance.

Helga’s irritation flared hotter at his indifference. With a quick movement, she marched over to him, stepping in front of his path to block his movements, forcing him to turn and face her. The clothes in his hands slipped from his grip, falling to the ground between them.

"I’m asking you something, Aron!" she snapped, her eyes flashing with impatience. "Why the hell would you go and change the plan? You know how important that place is to Esme!" Her voice wavered slightly, betraying the depth of her concern for her friend.

Aron’s calm demeanor finally shifted, a flicker of irritation crossing his face as he straightened up, meeting her gaze with his own. "What’s the issue?" he countered, his tone sharpening. "Just because her past is tied to that place, we’re supposed to tiptoe around it forever? What do you want me to do? Let her stay stuck in the same loop, haunted by memories she’s trying to bury?"

Helga opened her mouth to speak, but Aron cut her off, his voice rising as frustration built within him. "And what? You think you’re the only one who cares about her? You think I don’t? That I don’t want to see her happy?"

His words hit Helga hard, but she wasn’t ready to back down. She rubbed her forehead, trying to gather her thoughts, trying to steady her voice. "But they’re just contractual couples, Aron," she shot back, her voice laced with exasperation. "You know Esme’s situation. This isn’t some real marriage. It’s all for convenience, nothing more."

Aron scoffed, shaking his head as if she’d completely missed the point. "I don’t care," he said firmly, his tone unwavering. "I don’t give a damn if it’s a contract or not. To me, marriage is marriage. And it’s not some business transaction or matter of convenience. Marriage, Helga, is more than just love—it’s about respect. It’s about choosing to stand by someone’s side, no matter what."

Helga stared at him, momentarily thrown by the intensity in his words. Aron wasn’t finished though. He took a step closer, his eyes fixed on hers with a conviction she couldn’t ignore.

"Maybe you haven’t noticed," he continued, his voice softening just slightly, "but I’ve seen changes in Esme. Real changes. She’s starting to smile again, to laugh, to talk back. She’s coming out of that cold, silent shell she’s built around herself for so long. Those brothers... they respect her. And she respects them."

Helga remained silent, her earlier anger starting to ebb as Aron’s words sank in. She knew Esme had been different lately—lighter, more at ease. But she had chalked it up to surface-level changes, a temporary reprieve from her responsibilities.

"Esme’s coming back to life," Aron added quietly, his gaze steady. "And that’s what I care about. I want her to be happy, to live again, not just exist like some robot who only knows how to work and then retreat into silence."

Helga’s shoulders sagged, the weight of the argument pressing down on her. She sighed, her eyes drifting to the ground for a moment before meeting Aron’s gaze again. "I just... I don’t want her to get hurt," she admitted, her voice softer now, the anger fading to concern.

Aron nodded, understanding. "Neither do I," he said. "But sometimes, people need to be pushed out of their comfort zones to heal. I’m not trying to hurt her, Helga. I’m just trying to help her find herself again."

For a moment, there was only silence between them. Helga’s heart still ached with worry, but she couldn’t deny the truth in Aron’s words. Esme was different—she had been changing, little by little, and maybe that was because of the brothers she had married, even if it had started as a convenience.

Finally, Helga nodded, though the worry still lingered in her expression. "Just... be careful," she whispered. "For her sake."

Aron offered her a small smile, his voice reassuring. "Always."

...

Just as Esme had meticulously planned, the next day unfolded exactly as she expected. The news cycle was dominated by headlines and gossip surrounding the Aron family’s public outing. "Aron Family Heirs Spotted on a Romantic Date" was splashed across every major platform. Paparazzi photos from the amusement park painted a picture of bliss, with Esme and Aron appearing like the perfect couple.

People couldn’t help but blush and swoon over the idea that this power couple shared such an undeniable bond. Speculation about their love story soared, with comments flooding in about how much they must adore each other.

While the public was enraptured by this seemingly romantic display, behind the scenes, Esme’s plan was taking effect. The second aunt, who had long been using the Aron Group’s influence for her own benefit, found her power waning. As the news of Aron’s apparent disinterest in family politics spread, people quickly realized that the new president of Aron Group wasn’t going to support her manipulations or power plays.

The revelation sent shockwaves through the inner circle. Many who had aligned with the second aunt for their personal gains suddenly found themselves isolated, as they realized Aron group president had no intention of shielding them. Her indifference to the petty squabbles within the family sent a clear message: she wasn’t there to play games.

The second aunt, once so confident in her control over parts of the Aron Group, felt her influence slipping away. Her grip on power, once ironclad, was loosening as her allies retreated, sensing Aron’s growing disapproval. The narrative spun by the media—the image of a devoted, loving couple—worked perfectly in Esme’s favor. It not only distracted the public but also destabilized those who thought they could manipulate the Aron family’s power.