When Love Breaks by jack

"Sure."

I obediently made my way over and nibbled on some fruits and cheese, managing a smile towards the grandmotherly figure before me. feeling an inexplicable sense of reluctance to leave, yet found myself saying, "Ramona, I've troubled you these past few days. I'll be heading back to RiverCity soon. Let me wish you a merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year in advance."

"Why the hurry to leave? Weren't you supposed to help Greg with..."

"He..." I reined in my emotions, saying, "He probably won't need my help anymore."

His true love, the one who lights up his world, must be on her way back to him.

"What do you mean? Just because he doesn't need your help, you're going to forget about this old lady?"

She feigned anger, "I was looking forward to finally having someone close to keep me company during the holidays, and now you're leaving? Stay here for the holidays, keep this old lady company!"

"Ramona..."

Seeing her like this stirred something in me. But I also knew that staying any longer just wouldn't be right.

She took my hand, still trying to persuade me, "If you go back, you'll be on your own. Just listen to me and stay..."

"Grandma!"

Suddenly, an imperious voice broke the moment, as Dorothy and her parents made their appearance.

She strode over in her boots, clomping all the way to Ramona's side, "Grandma, if Jane wants to leave, let her go. After all, soon enough, you won't have time for her anyway!"

Ramona shot a displeased look towards Dorothy's parents, "Look at what you've raised! No manners whatsoever!"

Susan's face darkened, nudging her husband with her elbow.

Mr. Myers, caught between his mother and wife, played the peacemaker, "Mom, it's the holidays. Why must you..."Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

"What have I done?"

Ramona was clearly unhappy, her tone icy, "I've said it years ago, during the holidays, we each mind our own. I don't bother you, and you don't disturb my peace!"

"Grandma!" Dorothy, already embarrassed from the scolding, pouted. "You might dislike me, but would you really feel the same about your own granddaughter?"

Ramona's expression turned stem, "What nonsense are you spouting?"

"I'm saying..." Dorothy played coy, offering a cold smirk my way before continuing, "your real granddaughter will be back soon. Once she returns, you won't have any time for Jane here anyway!*

"Where did you hear such a thing?"

Ramona, visibly excited and flushed, stood up with the help of her sofa!

Richard and Susan also showed shock, with Susan grabbing Dorothy's arm, eagerly pressing. "Is it true? Has Lilliana been found?!"

Seeing everyone's excitement, Dorothy clenched her fist, a complex look crossing her face before she spoke with a smile, "Yes! See it."

With that, she placed the morning's newspaper on the coffee table.

I caught a glimpse of the bold headline - Gregory Ford Reunites with Long-Lost Fiancée.

The accompanying photos included one showing a woman about to throw herself into Gregory's arms, her gaze timid.

Anyone would feel a surge of protectiveness seeing it.

The second photo, however, was of Gregory blocking her advance.

Ramona put on her reading glasses, glanced at the newspaper, and m huffed, "That's not my Lilliana! Just the media stirring up nonsense again!"

"You don't believe it?" Dorothy smirked.

Ordinarily, finding Lilliana should have irked her.

Yet, she seemed indifferent, almost happy for the Myers family.

Susan glanced at the photos, then turned to me with a host's grace, "Ms.

Webster, would you prefer to leave now or later? I'll arrange for the driver to take you"

The dismissal couldn't have been more clear-cut