IAN’S POV
I adjusted my grip on the bouquet of lilies in my hand as I stepped into the gates of Eternal Home Cemetery.
Beside me, my grandmother walked slowly, her hands trembling slightly as she held her own bouquet.
The walk to the graves made me recalled how I walked behind the casket bearers with my parent’s bodies.
I tightened my hands on the bouquet of flowers. Soon, we reached the headstones of my parents.
I heard my grandmother let out a shaky breath. She knelt down first, placing the flowers gently on the marble. I followed, before removing the dried leaves on their graves
“How are you both doing?” My grandmother’s voice cracked as she spoke, her fingers brushing lightly over the stone with my father’s name and throwing a glance at my mothers.
Her tears came quietly, slipping down her cheeks as though she couldn’t hold them back any longer.
I knelt beside her, resting my hand on her shoulder. “If they see you this way, the one they would be worried about is you.”
My grandmother shook her head, wiping her face quickly. “I miss them so much, Ian. It doesn’t get easier. Not even a little.”
“I know,” I replied, my tone low. I looked at the graves. “I miss them too, every damn day.”
“Dad, Mom… I wanted you to know-I’m ready. Ready to take on what you started. Your work, your fight. I won’t let anything you stood for go to waste. Not a single thing.”
My grandmother glanced at me before turning to my parents stones. “Ian is all grown but I still don’t know what to do to protect everyone.”
“You can stop trying to protect me, grandma, I can do that myself and If anyone tries to stop me… well, let’s just say they won’t get far.” My voice hardened.
“Ian, this is not the time for…”
“Rest easy,” I interrupted her, almost like I was speaking directly to my parents now. “I’ve got this. I’ll protect what you built. I swear.” I vowed.
“I know what you want and I’m solidly behind you, Ian. But I don’t want to lose my grandchildren. You, Evan, Saraya…”
The mention of Saraya stung, but I didn’t let it show.
“Grandma,” I said, my tone softening slightly, “you’re not going to lose anyone especially me.”
She let out a shaky breath, her fingers trembling as they hovered over my mother’s name. “I want to believe that, Ian. I really do. But this world has taken so much already. Look at your parents, my uncle is on the sick bed… I just realized how much I want to avoid another war.”
I clenched my jaw.”Saraya made her choice when she decided to soil the family name.” My anger seeping. “Does she even deserve her current position?”
Grandma’s hand found mine, her grip weak. “Ian…” She paused.
“You’ve weakened, grandmother.” I said to her face. “I know you’re worried about your only surviving son but is it fair to my late dad. You’re scared of the damage my actions at this time will cause Alex when my own damage is irreparable.” I spat, breathing heavily.
I rose to my feet, brushing the dirt from my knees. “We should go. It’s getting late.”
She hesitated but eventually nodded, letting me help her up. Together, we walked back toward the gates.
As we stepped outside, I stopped and turned to her. “I’ll keep my promise, Grandma. To my parents and to you. No one else is ever going to take anything from me.”
I could tell from my grandmother facial expression that as much as she supported me, she feared the family will fall apart from my actions especially with Alex’s current condition but I don’t care.
*
DOMINIC’S POV.
I pulled into the hospital parking lot, my mind focused on Saraya. I knew how hard everything must be for her right now-exhausted, emotionally drained-and in need of someone who could just be there for her.
As I walked toward the entrance, I spotted her in the park, standing off to the side, looking like she was lost in her own thoughts.
When she noticed me, her brow furrowed slightly, and I could tell she wasn’t expecting me. “Are you tailing me now?” she asked, a slight amusement in her voice.
I couldn’t help but smile, trying to lighten the moment. “Just making sure you’re okay,” I said, hoping my tone didn’t sound too serious.
She raised an eyebrow, a little skeptical. “Let’s just go inside,” she said, as if ready to move past this conversation.
“Wait a second,” I said, stopping in my tracks. I walked back to my car, opened the backseat, and grabbed the basket of fruits and some food I had bought earlier. “I figured with everything going on, you might not have an appetite. So, I brought some fruit… and a little something to nibble on.”
When I turned around, Saraya’s eyes softened at the gesture, and before I knew it, she wrapped her arms around me in a tight hug. Her voice was thick with emotion when she whispered, “Thank you. This will really help Mom. She’s been here all day.”
I held her close, trying to offer whatever comfort I could. “Anything to make things a little easier,” I murmured. “I’m here for you.”
We walked together to Alex’s VIP ward, but as soon as we entered, we were met with an unexpected sight. Mary was dancing the tango, lost in the rhythm of the classical music playing softly from her phone. The music was low, but the way she moved told me she was thoroughly enjoying herself.
Saraya and I froze, unsure whether we should interrupt or just let her enjoy the moment. But when Mary saw us, she froze mid-step, quickly stopping the music and turning off her phone.
Saraya broke the silence first. “What are you doing?”
Mary smiled warmly at us. “Your father always loved to watch me dance,” she explained gently. “I thought he’d be bored, so I decided to entertain him a bit.”
She looked at Saraya, concern flickering in her eyes. “I must have embarrassed you two.”
I chuckled softly and shook my head. “Not at all,” I said, giving her a reassuring smile. “You’re a great dancer.”
Mary laughed lightly, a bit embarrassed. “Oh, don’t flatter me too much,” she replied, taking the basket from me. “But thank you, Dominic.”
I handed over the basket with a smile. “Anything to make things easier for you.”
Mary yawned and stretched, looking at Saraya. “You should go home. Rest a bit. I’ll stay here with your father.”
Saraya hesitated, clearly torn. “You should go, Mom. You need to get some sleep, and Evan’s been asking for you. He misses you so much.”
Mary nodded, understanding. “I get it. But you need rest, too. I’ve made arrangements for a caregiver starting tomorrow, that way, we won’t get worn out easily.”
Saraya smiled, though it was tired. “Thanks, Mom,” she said softly.
I stood there for a moment, watching them before speaking up. “I’ll drive you home, Mrs. Newman. You need to rest, and I don’t mind being your personal driver tonight.” I offered.
“Oh, what a sweet soul you are.” She patted my arm.
Saraya looked at me, a grateful smile forming on her face. “Thank you, Dominic,” she said, her voice filled with appreciation. “I really do.”
I smiled back, “I’m glad I could help, it’s nothing worthy of being mentioned.”
“I’ll call you when I get home.” Mary said and hugged saraya.
“Please do, mom.” Saraya replied. “My regards to Evan.”
“Trust me to send your warm regards.” Mary replied, walked towards Alex and kissed his forehead. “See you in the morning, my love.”
She turned towards me. “Shall we?”
“Of course.” I opened the door and followed her closely but not without winking at Saraya who in turned smiled at me.