Chapter 145

OLIVIA I went straight to the restroom to fix myself. I couldn’t let Grandma and Uncle see me like this. I stared at my reflection under the harsh white lights. My lips were swollen, the faint redness still visible no matter how carefully I pressed the tissue against them. I inhaled slowly and forced my expression back into something calm. Something normal. After Aunt Leah left the hospital, Uncle Andrew stayed behind to take care of Grandma. I let him. Whatever resentment I carried didn’t change the fact that he was still her son. And she was still his mother. “Emma.” I froze for half a second when I stepped into the ward. Uncle Andrew stood up when I entered, then shifted slightly, as if uncertain where he should stand. I walked over and sat beside Grandma’s bed. I gently took her hand in mine. She opened her eyes and squeezed my fingers weakly, offering me a faint smile. “What took you so long?” “Nothing,” I said softly. “I just went to get some water.” “Emma…” Uncle Andrew cleared