Chapter 63 NO WITNESSES
“Thank you.” I walked behind her, watching her from head to toe for any signs of danger or hidden weapons. I never imagined that the nurse from the nursing home could be one of his pawns in this game!
Opening the door, I saw my grandmother sitting, staring out the window, clutching a blanket.
“Grandma?” I went towards her.
“Elisabeth?” She looked at me, surprised. “My girl, I thought you had died in the car accident. I'm so glad God didn't take everyone from me!”
I smiled gently. Her mind wasn't in the present, but her heart still felt the pain and despair of losing me.
“I'm fine, Grandma. We are safe and together.” I kissed the top of her head and sat down in front of her. “How are you feeling?”
“Like a truck ran over me.” She smiled gently, closing her eyes and inhaling deeply, then opened them, looking at the maid. “What is that wonderful smell she has there?”
Eva's stomach growled loudly, making me laugh.
“Good to see nothing kills your appetite,” I joked.
The maid served us cakes, freshly baked small homemade breads, tea, and fruit salad, then left to give us privacy.
“The monster is back, isn't he?” My grandmother said it seriously, surprising me. “Don't lie to me!”
“He's back...” I sighed sadly. “I don't know what to do... We should run away.”
“What does that handsome and elegant man think? I see the way he looks at you.” She smiled kindly.
“Patrick?” I smiled back. “You think he's handsome?” I crossed my arms playfully, making her laugh.
“If you don't take him, I will, my little granddaughter,” she joked, making us both laugh.
“He wants to protect us, but I'm afraid he'll get hurt in the process.” I rubbed my eyes as they filled with a thin line of tears. “I don't want to put anyone else in danger. Maybe I should just accept the consequences of my choices and let him take me.”
“Don't be stupid, Elisabeth Lis; I didn't raise you to be a punching bag for a coward like him!” Eva said it angrily. “This handsome man who wants to protect you, do you think he can?”
“I don't know... Morgan is very wealthy and influential. I recently found out that he was in the military, but I don't know his rank or many details.” I confessed. “Even so, it's very risky.”
“My dear, listen to the voice of experience. If a man is willing to protect you, allow yourself to be protected.” Eva said, taking my hands and caressing them. “That man doesn't seem like the type to get into a fight he can't win.”
“Hmph, you'd be surprised how daring he is.” I ran my fingers through my hair.
“Hey, you can't judge a man by his art ” Patrick said from the doorway, startling me; I hadn't noticed his approach. “Mrs. Eva, how are you feeling? Are you comfortable? I can arrange for a larger room.”
“Oh, no need to trouble yourself with me.” She smiled shyly. “Lis, who is this handsome young man?”
“Grandma... don't you remember? It's.” I started to speak, but he interrupted me.
“Allow me to introduce myself. I am Patrick Morgan, your sweet granddaughter's boyfriend,” he said, smiling elegantly.
“Boyfriend? I didn't know you were dating,” Eva said, surprised, looking at me. “Are you getting married?”
“Grandma, no, it's all very recent.”
“If it were up to me, I'd marry her today!” Patrick kept a playful smile on his lips as I looked at him nervously.
“My little girl is getting married!” Eva stood up excitedly and happily, heading towards Patrick and hugging him. “Thank you for taking care of my little one.”
“Grandma... Morgan was just joking; we are not going to”
“Hey, don't crush a man's dreams!” Morgan said, pretending to be offended. “See, Mrs. Eva, she resists love.”
“I don't know who she takes after; honestly, Elisabeth, is this how you behave?” Eva approached, hands on her hips, reprimanding me. “Are you two not dating?”
“Yes, but...”
“Then no more of this; you should consider the possibility of building a future with this man. Isn't he good for you?” She narrowed her eyes, evaluating me intensely, just as she used to when I was a teenager.
I glanced in her direction lazily. Patrick was relaxed, leaning against the wall with his hands in his pockets, a silly smile on his face, and a piercing look in my direction.
“Yes, he is!” I smiled, making his smile widen even more. “You need to rest; today has been very hectic. We can talk about this later, okay?”
“You treat me like an old woman.” She complained, yawning.
“I treat you like the queen you are to me!” I laid her down on the bed, tucking the blankets around her and kissing her forehead. I nuzzled my nose against hers. “I love you, Grandma; forgive me for failing you.”
“I love you, my little squirrel!” She replied, drifting off to sleep.
We quietly left the room, and as I closed the door, Patrick pulled me, laughing.
“Squirrel?” He raised an eyebrow.
“It's a nickname she called me when I was little.” I whispered, afraid of waking her.
“Come to think of it, you do look like a squirrel when you get mad, puffing up your cheeks.” He laughed, teasing me. I poked his ribs in retaliation.
“Ouch, that hurts... I was just kidding!”
“Not funny!” I crossed my arms.
“No, you really do look like a squirrel.” Laughing, Patrick pulled me into his arms, caressing my back.
“Silly!” I wrapped my arms around his waist. “And the nurse's children?”
“As I suspected, they were safe at school. There was no threat. I notified the family about the loss.” Morgan sighed. “Anyway, I got them out of the country. If she was involved with him and the children had contact, they could be seen as a threat in his recognition.”
“My God, when will this madness end?” I sobbed in his arms.
“Soon, I promise!” Patrick kissed my lips intensely and protectively.