Defiant Heir (The Heirs #3) - Michelle Heard Page 0,34

just friends.” I suck in a suffocating breath. “After he found out I got hurt, he withdrew from me.”

Gramps nods, the corners of his mouth pulling down. “It’s simple,” he grumbles. “The boy’s not worthy of you.”

I shake my head, and bringing a hand up, I tuck some hair behind my left ear. “But I love him.”

“Even so,” Gramps reaches for my hand and gives it a squeeze, “Those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter won’t mind.”

Easier said than done.

“You’re right.” I force a smile to my face, and getting up, I grab our cups. “I’ll make us more coffee while you select the movie.”

I try not to hurry to the kitchen because even though my grandfather is right, I can’t stop worrying. I wouldn’t survive it a second time if Kao were to be repulsed by the scars. I’m barely hanging on as is, and it feels like a feather could knock me over.

God, how am I going to do this? I have to go back in two days.

KAO

There’s a constant smile on my face as I sit in the living room. Movement catches my eye, and it widens my smile. I can make out Mom, even though she’s blurry, as she walks toward me. Everything is still black and white, but if I focus for an extended period of time, the blurring decreases a little. I can see so much better than a week ago.

Dad almost cried when I recognized him a week ago. Hell, I almost cried. It’s been a long three weeks of recovering, and I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy, but things are starting to look up.

The healing has given me hope. If my eyes keep getting better, there’s a chance for Fallon and me. I’ll be able to offer her a future again. The thought makes my heartbeat speed up. Not having contact with her the past three weeks has been nothing short of hell. I have to hear how she’s doing via Jade, Mila, and Noah.

We’re going back to the campus this afternoon so we can get settled in. I’m nervous and worried I’ve hurt Fallon too much, and any chance I might’ve had with her is gone.

But I have a plan. First, I’m going to work my ass off to get our friendship back on track. Once my sight is good enough for me to see clearly enough to function on my own, I’ll pursue her with everything I have.

With a little luck, we might be together by the end of the month. It’s a new year, and I have new hopes.

Becoming independent and getting Fallon back being at the top of the list.

It’s getting late, and there’s no sign of Fallon and Hana.

“Kao, dinner is here,” Noah calls from the kitchen.

It’s weird moving around. I thought it would be easier with my sight getting better, but I find myself still counting the paces because I can’t see the smaller pieces of furniture.

I walk down the hallway and finding a chair, I’m careful as I sit down. “What are we eating?”

“Cheeseburgers and fries,” Noah answers while taking two bottles of water from the fridge. He sets one down in front of me.

“Thanks.” Noah’s been sticking to burgers because I can make out what I’m eating then. Smaller foods like vegetables and steak, is still a challenge.

While we eat, Noah says, “We need to finish the business plan so I can hand it in tomorrow. You’ll be caught up with all the work then.”

“Thanks for all the help.”

I hear the front door open, and my head immediately snaps in the direction of the sound.

“Hey guys, how was your Christmas break?” Hana asks when she spots us. It sends my heart rate shooting through the ceiling. “Oh, and happy New Year.”

When Fallon enters the suite, my heart rate shoots sky-high.

Hana gives each of us a hug, but my eyes are locked on Fallon as she moves closer to Noah. “Good to see you again,” she says to him.

I get up and move closer to her. Not knowing what to say, I wrap my right arm around her. She gives me a quick pat on the back then tries to pull away, but I tighten my hold on her while bringing my left arm around her as well. Still at a loss for words, I murmur, “I’m glad you’re back.”

Holding Fallon, I finally feel like I’m home and not just stumbling through life. I take in a deep breath of her