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Jaxon paused on the first step and turned slightly to acknowledge Johnson's report. “And the manor?”
“Ah, yes. The arrangements at Villa Serena are complete, sir. They await your arrival.”
A small nod was all Jaxon gave in return before he continued up the stairs to his private quarters.
After a refreshing shower that did wonders to wash away the remnants of the evening's tension, Jaxon wrapped himself in a plush robe and walked over to his bedroom window. The city below buzzed with energy that seemed alien compared to the silence of his room.
He collapsed onto his bed, sinking into the pillows as thoughts of Delcy filled his mind—her smile that could rival any sunrise and her laughter that seemed to dance in tune with his heartbeat.
He reached for his phone on the nightstand and hesitated for a moment before dialing her number. The usual texts they exchanged now felt too impersonal. He craved to hear her voice.
“Hello?” Delcy answered after two rings.
“Hey,” he said. “How's your day been?”
A small pause. “It's been… tiring.”
“Is that so?” Jaxon asked. “Then I hope everything will be better for you tomorrow after a relaxing spa?”
“Spa?” Delcy asked.
He smiled at her response before diving into logistics. “Yes, there's a spa day booked for you tomorrow morning. Someone will be at your place to pick you up.”
“A spa day?” Delcy's delight was palpable even through the phone.
“Just thought you'd enjoy some pampering before our trip,” he said.
“I see,” she said. “Thank you.”
“No worries,” he replied.
“We fly out this Friday.” He could almost see her nodding along as she mentally prepared herself for their getaway. “I've arranged for a driver to take you to the airport.”
Delcy sighed softly on the other end of the line. “Okay.”
They talked for a few more minutes about trivial things until Delcy ended the call. Jaxon stared at his phone screen for a long moment before setting it aside and lying back on his bed once more.
The next few days would be grueling, long hours piled upon longer hours, as both he and Colton pushed themselves and their staff to wrap up outstanding business matters so they could afford this brief respite from their demanding lives.
But it would be worth it. Every second spent working toward those uninterrupted days with Delcy was invaluable.
Jaxon closed his eyes but sleep eluded him as anticipation for what lay ahead filled him with an energy that made rest seem like an afterthought.
delcy
Grandpa Sid's room hummed with the soft beeping of monitors and the distant murmur of nurses in the hallway. The space smelled like antiseptic and something sweet I couldn't quite place. His hand, a landscape of protruding veins and sunspots, felt fragile in mine. I perched on the edge of the bed, careful not to jostle him. His chest rose and fell with a rhythm that seemed too deliberate, as if every breath was a conscious decision.
“So, did you finally beat that level on your game?” I asked.
Grandpa's eyes crinkled at the corners as he turned to look at me. “You know, I think the game's rigged. Every time I get close, something pops out at me.” His voice was weaker than it used to be, but his spirit flickered as strong as ever.
I chuckled, squeezing his hand. “I'm sure you'll conquer it soon. You're the most stubborn person I know.”
He gave me a feeble smile, one that didn't quite reach his eyes. “Stubbornness runs in our blood,” he murmured.
I looked away, my gaze settling on the window where sunlight struggled to push through gray clouds. Grandpa had been fading slowly—each day stealing a bit more color from his cheeks, a bit more spark from his eyes. The new medication had offered a reprieve, a small victory in a war they were barely holding ground in.
“You remember to eat something today?” Grandpa's question pulled me back from the encroaching gloom of my thoughts.
