Chapter 8. Uncharted Strings

He looked confused and concerned, but he respected my words and stayed by my side. The restaurant staff swiftly sprang into action, calling for an ambulance and assisting us. Gabriel clung to me, seeking comfort as his grandmother's drama unfolded. I held him close, trying my best to shield him from the unsettling scene.

As my father and Morgan rushed to accompany Mariana to the hospital, my heart went out to them. I understood their concern for her, even if it was misplaced. "It's okay, pa," I reassured my father with a smile, trying to ease his worry about me. "You don't have to worry about me. Just focus on Mariana's situation," I added before he left, leaving Gabriel and me in the care of Silas.

Silas, carrying Gabriel in his arms, and I made our way back to our villa. The air felt heavy with a mix of emotions—concern for Mariana, disappointment at her actions, and exhaustion from dealing with the same scenario repeatedly. I kn