Zeke had just returned to his villa after lunch with Thomas and Xavier when his phone rang. It was Loreine, his grandmother's long-time housekeeper.
"Mr. Zeke, Madam Elise fainted earlier this afternoon."
The words jolted him. "I'll be there right away."
He didn't hesitate—grabbing his coat and keys before rushing out the door.
It took him nearly two hours to reach the countryside. The house was quiet, surrounded by tall trees and hills that rolled into the horizon—far from the noise and pressure of the city.
Elise hadn't always lived here.
Fourteen years ago, after the passing of her husband—Zeke's maternal grandfather—Zeke had invited her to move into the Salvador Mansion. The estate was large enough to accommodate multiple wings, and he wanted her close. Close enough so he could check on her anytime, talk to her after long days, or simply share a meal.
To his surprise, Bastiano—his paternal grandfather—had no objections. Neither did his parents. Each family member had their own private wing within the sprawling mansion, and Elise found comfort in being surrounded by them, even if everyone lived their lives independently under one roof.
Zeke lived there too, until he turned twenty-six and moved into his own apartment in the city. But he made it a point to visit Elise often.
Three years ago, when her health began to decline—particularly her lungs—doctors recommended cleaner air and a more peaceful environment. At her request, Zeke found her this cottage in the countryside. A charming house with a wide garden, tall windows, and a backyard full of cherry trees in bloom during spring.
Now, he was back there again—rushing up the steps with his heart pounding.
The family physician was already in the living room when Zeke arrived.
"She's fine," the doctor said calmly. "Resting now. She fainted due to exhaustion. She's been sleeping poorly and overthinking. Nothing more."
Zeke's brows furrowed.
"I've given her vitamins and supplements—no sedatives. Those aren't advisable for her age. What she needs is good food, emotional comfort, and more rest."
Zeke thanked the doctor, then made his way upstairs.
Elise was awake by then, sitting up in bed with pillows behind her back. Loreine sat beside her, wiping her forehead gently with a damp cloth.
Upon seeing him, Elise smiled softly. "Zeke... You didn't have to come all the way here."
Zeke walked to her side and sat on the edge of the bed. "Don't say that. Of course I did."
He glanced at Loreine, his tone firm. "You should've noticed something was wrong."
Before Loreine could respond, Elise raised her hand gently. "Don't scold her. It's not her fault."
Zeke sighed, rubbing his temple. "You scared me, Grandma."
Elise reached out and patted his hand. "I had a dream about your grandfather the other night," she murmured. "He looked just like I remembered. It made me miss him… terribly. I guess that longing kept me awake for days."
Zeke was quiet for a moment.
"I miss him too," he said softly.
Elise smiled again, then whispered, "You've always been the heart of this family, Zeke. Just like he was."
He gave her hand a light squeeze. "You'll get some rest now. I'm not going anywhere tonight."
She looked at him with teary eyes. "Thank you, my boy."
***
Zeke was sitting in the guest bedroom, scrolling through emails on his phone when a soft knock landed on the door.
"Mr. Zeke," Loreine's voice came from outside. "Madam Elise is asking for you. She'd like to talk."
He stood up immediately, slipping the phone into his pocket. "Thank you, Loreine. I'll be right there."
Elise's room smelled faintly of lavender and chamomile. She was already awake, sitting upright in bed, her back propped up by pillows. Her silver hair was neatly tied back, and a soft smile lit up her face the moment she saw him step in.
"There's my favorite grandson."
Zeke chuckled and pulled the chair next to her bed a little closer. "I'm your only grandson."
"Still counts."
She reached for his hand, her fingers soft and cold. She gave it a loving pat. "How are you, Zeke?"
"I'm fine," he replied gently.
"Are you eating well?"
"I am."
"Not too stressed at work?"
Zeke let out a small laugh. "I've been doing this a while now, Grandma. I'm used to it."
Elise smiled approvingly but continued to study his face. "Still… don't forget to rest. Sleep is a blessing you can't buy, my dear."
"I'll remember that."
A moment passed before Zeke asked, "Does Mom visit you often?"
Elise's expression shifted, and she gave a soft sigh, as though choosing her words carefully. "You know your mother... she's always busy. I don't blame her. She's managing a lot."
Zeke didn't say anything, but his lips tightened just a little.
"She's a hard worker," Elise added, defending her daughter. "She always has been. Even before she married your father."
Zeke glanced away, jaw clenched faintly.
"She's the CEO of the Abrielle Healthcare Group now—your grandfather's family company. They've been in the hospital business for over three generations. You know that. They own and manage a chain of private hospitals across the East Coast. And your mother expanded it even further."
Zeke nodded slightly, familiar with the legacy.
"She married your father not just out of love," Elise continued, her voice quiet, "but also out of ambition. She was determined to expand her network, merge families, merge businesses. And your father, being the heir of Salvador Pharmaceuticals, was the perfect match. Two medical empires. It made sense."
Zeke's gaze dropped to the floor.
"And now that your father's health is declining, she's working even harder. Helping with Salvador subsidiaries. Balancing both family businesses. She's exhausted, Zeke. Don't give her another thing to worry about, alright?"
Zeke gave a small scoff but didn't argue.
There was silence for a moment, before Elise tilted her head. "Do you have… a lady friend these days?"
Zeke raised an eyebrow. "No."
Elise huffed in disapproval. "Zeke, you're thirty-eight."
"And?"
"Find someone. Share your life. You weren't built to be alone forever."
Zeke said nothing, only offering a small smile as she grumbled under her breath.
Then, suddenly, Elise's voice softened. "Do you… still talk to Cassidy?"
Zeke's smile faded.
He paused.
"No."
Elise looked down, the corners of her eyes growing sad. "I miss her."
Zeke didn't respond.
"She was a kind girl. So gentle. Smart, too. Graceful. There was something calming about her."
Zeke looked away.
"It's a shame," Elise whispered. "You two just weren't meant to be… I suppose."
Zeke remained silent.
Elise looked at him thoughtfully, her fingers still resting on his hand. "Do you want me to help you meet someone?"
Zeke blinked. "What?"
"I know plenty of lovely young women," she continued with a smile. "Well-raised. From good families. Smart. Elegant. Any one of them would be perfect for you."
Zeke immediately shook his head. "No. That's not necessary."
"Why not?" she asked, clearly not convinced.
"I'm still focused on work. And I can find someone on my own," he said firmly.
Elise narrowed her eyes. "Work. Always work."
Zeke leaned back slightly in the chair, already sensing the beginning of another lecture.
"You're always using that excuse, Zeke. Do you plan to marry your career?"
He sighed, running a hand down his face.
"I'm serious," Elise said. "You're not getting any younger, and neither am I."
Zeke offered her a small smile, hoping to soften the edge of the conversation. "I know, Grandma."
She gave a long sigh and looked out the window before whispering, "I want to hold my great-grandchildren, Zeke."
His smile faltered.
"A great-grandson… a great-granddaughter…" she murmured dreamily. "Before I go. Is that too much to ask?"
Zeke's throat tightened, and he looked down at the floor, the air suddenly heavier than before.
"You don't have to do it for me," she said gently. "But maybe… do it for yourself."
Elise's eyes turned wistful, her gaze drifting toward the window though her thoughts were clearly elsewhere.
"It would've been beautiful…" she murmured.
Zeke looked at her, sensing the shift in her tone.
"If only your marriage with Cassidy had blessed you with a child," she said gently. "That little one would've been four or five by now."
She let out a soft sigh, then smiled faintly.
"With your looks and Cassidy's beauty…" she shook her head lightly. "Your child would've been absolutely stunning. A little boy with your eyes, or a girl with her smile."
Zeke didn't reply. His lips tightened slightly, and he stared down at his hands resting on his knees.
"She would've been such a good mother," Elise added, her voice low. "And you… well, I've always known you'd be a wonderful father, if given the chance."
Zeke inhaled sharply, but said nothing. The silence wrapped around them like a weight.
"I still think about it sometimes," Elise continued, her voice barely above a whisper. "What could've been, if things were different."
Zeke finally lifted his gaze, his expression unreadable—but his eyes held a flicker of something raw, something buried.
He gently reached for his grandmother's hand, giving it a soft squeeze.
"You should rest now," he said, his tone quiet but firm.
Elise opened her mouth to protest, but Zeke stood up and adjusted the blanket over her legs.
"I'll stay here tonight," he added. "If you need anything, just call for me."
Elise looked up at him, eyes soft with affection. "You don't have to, sweetheart. I'm fine now."
Zeke shook his head slightly, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Humor me, Grandma."
She chuckled under her breath, her hand still resting over his. "Alright, alright. Just don't sleep on that terrible guest bed in the hallway."
Zeke smirked. "Noted."
"Good," she murmured, her eyelids already starting to flutter shut. "I sleep better knowing you're close."
Zeke watched her for a moment longer, then stepped back quietly, turning off the bedside lamp before slipping out of the room, the door closing with a soft click behind him.