**Chapter 2: A Glimpse of Turmoil**

As Yumi walked Helen out of the grand living room, the soft hum of the air conditioning and the faint scent of cherry blossoms enveloped them, but Helen's mind was elsewhere. The image of Shohei and Mamiko in the photo lingered, and she couldn't help but wonder if he still loved his ex-wife. The sound of the door closing behind Shohei echoed in her mind, a reminder of the tension that seemed to simmer beneath the surface of the Ohtani estate. The warm sunlight outside was a welcome respite from the stifling atmosphere inside, and Helen took a deep breath, feeling the cool breeze fill her lungs as they strolled toward the entrance. Yumi's gentle voice broke the silence, "I'm afraid Shohei can be a bit...prickly at times. He's still finding his footing in the family business, and his personal life has been...complicated." Helen's curiosity was piqued, and she turned to Yumi, her eyes searching for answers. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Yumi's expression turned sympathetic, and she hesitated before responding. "Mamiko, Shohei's ex-wife, was a businesswoman, a shrewd one at that. She had her own ambitions, and they often clashed. Their marriage was...passionate, but ultimately, it was a mismatch. Shohei was blinded by love, and he made decisions that...well, that didn't serve him well." Yumi's words painted a picture of a complex, tumultuous relationship, and Helen's mind reeled with questions. As they reached the entrance, Yumi turned to Helen, her eyes warm with sincerity. "But, Helen, I want you to know that we value you, and we believe you would be a wonderful partner for Shohei. You have a kindness and a light about you that could help him find his way again." Helen's heart swelled with emotion, and she felt a sense of determination wash over her. She would not let Shohei's past define their potential future together. The butler appeared, handing Helen a small, exquisite box. "A gift, miss," he said, his eyes bowed. Inside, Helen found a delicate silver necklace with a small, crystal pendant. A note was attached, with a simple message: "For the light that shines within you." Yumi smiled, "A small token of our appreciation. I hope you'll wear it as a reminder of our esteem." As Helen fastened the necklace around her neck, she felt a strange sense of connection to the Ohtani family, and to Shohei, despite his obvious reluctance. She wondered if he had chosen the gift himself, and what it might mean. The crystal pendant seemed to glow in the sunlight, a symbol of the hope and possibility that lay ahead. With a gentle smile, Yumi handed Helen a small, embossed card. "The wedding arrangements will be discussed in more detail soon. For now, please, take some time to think about your future, and what it might hold." Helen took the card, her fingers brushing against Yumi's, and she felt a sense of gratitude toward the older woman. As she made her way back to her car, Helen couldn't shake the feeling that she was stepping into a complex web of relationships, with Shohei at the center. She wondered what lay ahead, and whether she was ready to navigate the turmoil that seemed to surround him. The drive back to her apartment was a blur, her mind consumed by thoughts of Shohei, Mamiko, and the Ohtani family. When she arrived home, Helen sat on her couch, the crystal pendant glinting in the fading light. She felt a sense of trepidation, but also a spark of hope. She would have to tread carefully, but she was determined to uncover the truth about Shohei Ohtani, and to find her place in his life. Little did she know, their story was only just beginning, and the twists and turns that lay ahead would test her heart, her kindness, and her resolve in ways she never could have imagined.