Chapter 149

"Celena, we're home!"

"Mommy, guess what Jovie got for you? Jovie got you lots of yummy treats, come on, tell me I did good!"

At the yard's entrance, Liam walked in with Jovie in his arms, only to find Celena on the ground, her sobs filling the room. Liam's expression darkened, and he quickly set Jovie down, his heart squeezing with worry. He was only away briefly, and already she was hurt again.

Celena looked up through tear-stained eyes, her sense of injustice deepening. Sitting on the chilly floor, she caught Liam's look of concern, lunged for his embrace, and let her tears flow freely.

"Liam," she cried, "Grandpa took the deal away, he gave my proposal to Cheryl. Why? Why does he do this to me? I'm his granddaughter too, why is he so distant toward me?"

At that moment, Celena let out all her pent-up hurt and confusion.

Jovie, wise beyond her years, wrapped her arms around Celena, tenderly drying her tears while her own began to fall. "Don't cry, Mommy. Please, no more tears.