Mr. Kevin Everly yanked out his cane and brought it down hard on Finnian''s back. "I forbid you from seeing her! If you dare bring that woman home as your wife, I''ll throw you out on the street!"


    He struck Finnian again and again, each crack of the cane echoing through the room. Despite his age, Mr. Everly''s arm was still strong; after just a few blows, Finnian''s crisp white shirt was already stained with blood, making Lisa, who stood nearby, flinch in horror.


    She wanted to intervene, but Mr. Everly wouldn''t listen. He kept shouting, "I''ll beat you to death!" and from the look in his eyes, he almost meant it.


    Amara hurried forward and gently caught Mr. Everly''s arm, her voice soft but steady. "Grandpa, that''s enough."


    He finally stopped, ring at Finnian and gasping for breath, his shoulders heaving with rage.


    Amara met his gaze, her expression calm. "You should go. I''ll talk to Grandpa," she said quietly.


    Finnian shot her a long, searching look, then turned and walked out.


    Once he was gone, Mr. Everly''s anger seemed to copse into grief. He clutched Amara''s hand, his voice breaking. "Ama, Finnian''s out of his mind. Can''t you see? He insists on being with that actress, as if he''spletely lost his senses. Why can''t he see you?"


    Tears threatened to fall as he squeezed her hand, his heartbreak almost visible.


    Amara pressed her lips together, unable to respond. She didn''t even know what she felt anymore. Just yesterday, Finnian had confessed his feelings to her; today, he was determined to be with Liliana. Thinking back on the words he''d spoken to her before, Amara couldn''t help but feel the whole thing wasughable.


    She lifted her head, her voice clear. "Grandpa, there''s something I''ve never told you, but I think you need to hear it now."


    "What is it?"


    Qu


    "I know you''ve always hoped Finnian and I would end up together. You wanted that because you thought Finnian cared about me, but the truth is our rtionship has never been good. Finnian rarely shows me any respect, I would never choose someone like him."  s


    Her tone was gentle but firm. She nearly said outright that she had no interest in


    his grandson. Mr. Everly listened, utterly exhausted, guilt weighing on him.


    He couldn''t me Amara for not wanting Finnian. Only his


    l.ne


    unremarkable grandson was at fault. After all the ways Finnian had treated her, how could she possibly like him? For years, it had been Mr. Everly Finself, swallowing his pride and pushing for them to be together-he knew that all too well.  s


    He patted her hand wearily. "Ama, I''m tired. I need to lie down for a while. You should head home."


    Amara nodded. "Rest well, Grandpa. I''ll see myself out."


    After she left, Mr. Everlyy in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. Was there truly no hope for Amara and Finnian? He really did care for her, and he''d always dreamed She''d stay with the Everly family be Finian''s wife. But now, after what she''d said-and with Finman acting the way he did-it all seemed impossible.  s<fn0202> Chapters first released on F?ndNovel</fn0202>


    He sighed deeply, no longer wanting to dwell on it, and finally closed his eyes.


    Downstairs, Amara found Finnian still in the living room. He''d changed his shirt, and his wounds looked hastily bandaged.


    She nced at him briefly before looking away, steeling herself as she prepared


    to leave. But Finnian spoke up. "Let me give you a ride."


    "That''s not necessary-"


    "I just want to talk to you," he added quickly, sensing her hesitation.


    Amara hesitated, but she knew it was time to put things to rest between them. She nodded, walked out to his car, and let him drive her home.