Chapter 86

ELORA'S POV The night felt longer than usual. Brandon’s words kept echoing in my head, taking over my mind like smoke I couldn't wave away. His offer—it wasn't the kind I could shrug off. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw his face, steady and serious, waiting for an answer I wasn't sure I had. I sat curled up on the couch, thinking about how all this could turn out when a knock came at my door. My first instinct was to ignore it, but then I heard the voice I couldn't turn away from. “Elora, it's me.” “Come in, Grandma.” I called out. She pushed the door open gently. Her frail figure lingered at the entrance, her hands folded in front of her like she was still deciding whether to tell me what she has in mind or not “I just came to check if you were back inside.” She said,her eyes locked on me. But I knew her too well, she never came just to check up on me, not with that look on her face. I looked at her carefully, waiting, and sure enough, her eyes softened, her gaze filled with unspok