Damien's thunderous voice sends Darla's whole body into a shock.

She gulps. “I-”

“Forget it. Don't answer. Let's meet Nana first.”

Darla turns her body around only to see Damien is already a few steps ahead of her. With a thundering heart, she follows his footsteps, taking deep breaths to calm herself down.

This is a risk she was willing to take. It's time to face the aftermath.

When Damien opens the door, Emily is already sitting on the big couch, eyes fixated on the painting hung on the wall. She doesn't bother to check who just came in.

“Nana-”

“You didn't tell me you have a lover.” Emily cuts Damien off, her voice cold. “I wouldn't have asked you to marry Sophie if I knew you already had someone you love. Do you take me as a joke?”

“Nana, that's not it. Please listen to me.” Damien takes a seat next to Emily, lightly massaging her stiff shoulders. 

Emily doesn't respond. Instead, her eyes find their ways to Darla, scanning her without saying a word. 

“Are you truly Damien's lover?” She finally asks, and Darla feels blood rushing to her face.

“Yes.” Darla answers curtly. She looks at Damien for help, but the man's gaze simply says ‘Your problem, not mine.’

“Were you aware that Damien was getting married today?”

Darla nods.

“Then you could have come earlier, way earlier, before we started planning for the wedding. Why did you cause a big ruckus today?”

Darla has no answer to that question.

Emily shakes her head. “Whatever. I cannot find any strength to deal with any of this right now.” She stands up and looks at her grandson. “We have a lot to talk about at home. I expect you to be there.”

“Yes, Nana. I'll be there.”

Emily turns around, but just as she's about to take the first step, her fragile body drops to the ground. 

“Nana!” Damien manages to catch Emily in his arms, his eyes frantically looking at Darla.

“Lay her down and call an ambulance. I'll give her first aid.” Darla says, hands ready to work.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

“How's Mrs Evans?” Darla asks, trying to peer into the ward but Damien has already closed the door.

“Nana's fine. She has regained consciousness, but not in the mood to talk.”

Darla nods, relieved that Emily is fine. She takes a deep breath. “Damien, look, I'm sorry-”

“Save your apologies for another day, Darla. You were the reason Nana is in this condition right now. I know you wanted to help me, but this isn't the way. I didn't need your help. I already made an agreement with Sophie to divorce after a year. Why must you go ahead and ruin my wedding?”

Damien finally lets everything out.

Darla feels her eyes sting.

“I know apologies are not enough. I-”

“I am glad you are aware of that. Go home. We'll talk about this later.”

Darla can only watch as Damien's figure retreats into the ward, lightly slamming the door.