Looking into Grandpa's warm, affectionate eyes, I could feel how much he cared for me.
Whenever Steven and I argued, he always stood firmly on my side.
And with the car crash, he had believed in me unconditionally, even when Steven himself had doubts.
But moving into the manor meant Steven would be there, following me like a shadow.
I hadn't paid much mind to his company at first, but after the past few days, his meticulous care was impossible to ignore.
I kept thinking back to the time I had amnesia. Not remembering our past, I had truly treated him as my beloved, acting freely and without reservation around him.
His doting smiles, the whispers in my ear, the love songs... they now haunted my dreams.
The memories were too sweet, and that's what scared me.
I was afraid of falling for him all over again, so I decided to keep my distance, even though I felt guilty for disappointing Grandpa.
“Grandpa, I know you mean well, but Uncle Julian's house isn't far. I'll come visit you often.”
After speaking, I lowered my head, unable to meet his eyes.
The old man steadied himself with a chair and sat down. “Have you told Uncle Julian about the accident and the pregnancy?”
I didn't know why he was suddenly asking this, but I shook my head.
“No, I was planning to tell him later.”
“Your Uncle Julian isn't in the best of health. News like this would surely worry him. Besides, if you move in with the Lopez family, you won't be able to hide the prenatal check-ups forever…”
His words struck me like a hammer, shattering my hesitation.
Steven chimed in at the perfect moment. “Grandpa's right. Your safety and the baby's health are the most important things right now. If I hadn't arrived in time during the last incident, the consequences would have been unimaginable. What about next time?”
I was fine until he brought that up. The moment he did, I exploded.
“As long as you keep your Verna in check, I'll be safe!”

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