Brandon widened his eyes in disbelief. "Seriously?"


    "Of course. I''ll have Spencer book the tickets now," Damon said, pulling out his phone.


    Before he could make the call, N quickly stopped him. "Damon, there''s no need. I don''t actually want to go to the movies."


    "You sure? If you do, I can book the tickets now," Damon reassured.


    Brandon smirked. "Uncle Damon, you seriously didn''t realize Aunt N was just trying to give you an easy way out?"


    Nughed softly. "I really don''t want to go. Plus, I''m a little tired. I''d rather just go home and rest."


    Just as Brandon was about to respond, he suddenly winced and turned to Vrie. "Why''d you pinch me?"


    Vrie blinked innocently. "When did I pinch you? Are you imagining things?"


    "You definitely-" Brandon began.


    Before he could finish, Vrie interrupted, "Alright, alright. Our movie is about to start. Let''s go!"


    She turned to N. "N, we''ll head out first. You should go home and rest. You''ve got a baby to take care of."


    N nodded. "Alright."


    Without giving Brandon another chance to speak, Vrie mped a hand over his mouth and dragged him away.


    Sometimes, that fellow could be so unpredictable. Who knew what nonsense he''d blurt out next?


    N watched them leave with a smile.


    Once they were out of sight, Damon turned to her. "Are you sure you don''t want to go to the movies?"


    "Mm. And you don''t have to do things you wouldn''t normally do just for me. Watching a movie doesn''t have to be in a theater. We can always watch one at home," N said.


    "But would that feel different for you? Brandon says rtionships need a sense of asion sometimes," Damon asked.


    N chuckled. "You already do plenty of thoughtful things. Besides, I really am tired. Let''s just go home."


    "Alright." Damon took her hand, their fingers interlocking as they made their way to the parking lot.


    ...


    When they returned to their vi, Damon''s phone rang.


    It was Alexander. Damon frowned as he listened.


    Noticing his expression, N nced at him with concern. "Damon, what''s wrong?"


    After hang up, Damon turned to


    her. "N, there''s something I need to tell you. But want you to be prepared first. It''s about your mother."


    N''s stomach sank. "What is it?"


    "Promise me you won''t get too upset. You''re pregnant, and I don''t want you to stress," Damon said gently.


    "I promise. No matter what she''s done, I won''t let it affect me," N vowed.


    Damon hesitated before saying. "Alexander just called. Your mom''s health test results came backst month. She has brain cancer. The doctors say she has about six.u months left."


    N lowered her gaze, her expression calm. "I thought you were going to tell me she was schering against us again. We''ve already cut ties. Whatever happens to her now has nothing to do with me. I don''t need updates."


    She felt nothing for Emerald and wouldn''t let her emotions be stirred. Absolutely not.


    She stood to go upstairs, but Damon caught her wrist. "N, she asked to see you onest time."


    N pulled her hand away and walked upstairs. "Tell Alexander I don''t want to see her."


    Damon watched her retreating figure, concern flickering in his eyes.


    N liked to act indifferent, but deep down, she was someone who felt things deeply.


    Even though Emerald had mistreated her in Meristate, there had been a time when N had known motherly love.