Eight

Valeria'S POV

Once I was sure that everything at the office was running smoothly, and would continue to do so even though I was absent for the day, I took the afternoon off to visit my grandmother. At least, this time, Dimitri would have nothing to complain about. Even if he did, I wouldn't let him intimidate me with his bellyaching.

"Ms Morre," the friendly nurse at the reception greeted as I passed by her station.

"Hello," I replied.

"She's awake and alert. Go right in."

The nurse then continued writing in a book, dismissing me. I went to my grandma's room. The moment I stepped in, my nostrils were assailed with the sweet fragrance of flowers. The source was from the large, beautiful bouquet of lilies, her favourite flowers, in my grandmother's lap. With a pleased smile on her face, she fingered the delicate petals, pressed it to her nose and inhaled deeply.

"Hi, grandma," I called out.

She dragged her gaze from the flowers to my face. "Hello, Valeria. Come on and sit down." S