“I’ll apologize,” I repeated evenly. “I’ll do whatever you want.”
Something passed through his expression—relief, maybe satisfaction. Then he turned and left without another word.
**
Later that day, Grandma Rosemarie came in.
She moved slowly with her cane, her face pale but full of concern. The moment she saw me, her eyes softened with tears.
“Oh, my dear Aria…” she said, sitting carefully beside me and taking my hand. “I’m so sorry you’ve gone through all this.”
That gentleness broke whatever was left in me. Tears slipped down my face before I could stop them.
“I didn’t hurt you, Grandma,” I said shakily. “I swear I would never—”
“I know,” she interrupted softly, squeezing my hand. “I know you wouldn’t. You saved my life once. I trust you.”
Those words felt like warmth I hadn’t felt in a long time.
“But Julian—” I started.
“He’s overwhelmed,” she said gently. “Confused. But he loves you. And this wedding will still happen. I’ll make sure of it.”
I wanted to tell her everything. About Julian. About Kieran. About Mira. About all of it. But I stopped myself.
Not yet. Not like this.
So I just nodded. “Okay, Grandma.”
She smiled faintly, relieved. “That’s my girl.”
I lowered my voice. “I’m sorry…”