"Help me!"

As I sat on the couch, trying to gather my strength after the surgery, Liam and Chloe argued about my post-op diet.

"She shouldn't eat that," Liam said, his voice laced with concern. "Sugary stuff is bad for her recovery. She should take items that are low in sugar and high in protein. Foods that aren't providing high quantities of fiber and protein should be avoided"

Chloe rolled her eyes. "It's just a small cookie, Liam."

But Grandma intervened, siding with Liam. "Take it away, Chloe. We weren't thinking"

"Ahhh, sorry. I was the one that did the unthinkable. Miya, so sorry" she took the plate away.

I felt a pang of relief as Chloe took the plate away. "It's okay," I said weakly.

Just then, Mr. Bean escorted Ana into the house, and my heart lifted. "Hey, Ana! Sit here," I said, scooting over to make room for her.

Ana smiled and handed me a small cupcake with a candle on it. "I came running right after my test. Congrats on your recovery, bestie!"

As I blew out the candle, Grandma remarked, "Ana and Amiyah are really close friends. Even with the memory loss, their connection remains strong."

Liam seemed about to leave "I'll take my leave now"

I surprised myself by asking him to stay. "Wait a little," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Grandma invited him to dinner, and Liam accepted, studying me closely. I couldn't look at him. I was giving him the wrong signals. Firstly, I told him I don't have any feelings then this.

As we sat down to eat, the tension between us was palpable. Ana noticed it too, her eyes flicking between us with curiosity.

She looked around the dining room which had high ceilings and large windows. Expensive artworks were used, to give a beautiful touch to the place. The furnitures were intricately designed. It had a grand chandelier and plush carpet. I could see the amazement written on her face.

Grilled fillet mignon with roasted vegetables, seared foie gras with broiche toast and fruit compote, pan-seared scallops with truffle risotto and parmesan cheese was served.

"Liam, Amiyah, why are you guys so awkward?" Grandma said.

"Because they have a reason to be..." Before Ana was able to finish.

I chocked her with roasted vegetables "It's yummy, isn't it?"

After dinner, Liam's phone rang, and he stepped outside to take the call. I felt a mix of relief and disappointment. If not for that caller, Ana would've told grandma everything that happened between us.

As he talked, I couldn't help but overhear his conversation with his sister, Veronica. She sounded desperate, and Liam's expression turned serious.

"Hey, why are you calling me continuously" It was Veronica. She called three times before he had the chance to pick up.

"Its not like I wanted to hear my elder brother's voice that's why I called! Help me" She said reluctantly.

"You said what?" He pretended not to hear. She has never asked for help since she was like 7 years.

"Help me" she whispered.

"If you are not ready to talk I'll hang up now"

"Wait... Please help me"

"With what?"

"So I'm in Henry's parent house. They were angry. They felt I was using their son for years and I'm not ready to marry him" she explained, hurriedly.

"So..."

"So?! So?!! I'm in this condition because of who!" She yelled, angrily.

"You don't have a right to yell now, do you?"

"Yea," she hated to admit but it was true.

"Please help me"

"What will I do there?"

"You will explain to them that you are the cause of the delay and show them your sincerity. Our family sincerity. You will be the one to calm them down so I won't break up with Henry" she explained as if it was that simple.

"So you really love this guy. I'll be there soon"

"Ok thank you. Big bro!" She was so happy. Liam was too. It has been so long that he heard her calling him that.

When he hung up, I asked, "Is everything okay?"

"Mm" he looked at me, closely.

"Sorry, I came...to...to... I wasn't eavesdropping. We dropped something in the car. I came to take it" I went to check if Rose was back after hearing horning sounds.

"But you heard us?"

"Yup. Your sister was very loud" I commented, sincerely.

He hesitated before explaining that his sister needed his help with her boyfriend's parents. I felt the need to offer some advice "Thats how she is. Advice me. What should I do there? I don't know what to say" he asked for my suggestion. He used to do everything on his own before. I must say he has changed.

"Hmm, you commend your sister's love for the guy in front of her parents and the remaining should be words from your heart. Sincere words. You have to do that yourself. You can do it"

"You think?" His perfectly made brows arched up in amusement.

"Yea, leave now. She must be very nervous. I can only imagine the cold shoulder she was given to make her beg for help like that" I said.

"Ok, I'll be off now after waving Grandma goodbye" he wanted to come in.

"She isn't a kid. I'll tell her in your regards. Go now. Go on" I told him to leave. I heard Aunt Chloe planning for Rose and Liam to have a conversation as soon as Rose arrived but I won't allow that.

"I'll really leave now"

"Mmm, bye" I waved him goodbye and watched him leave.

"Thanks" he seemed grateful.

As Liam was leaving, I felt a pang of unease. I didn't want him to go, but I couldn't explain why. "Be careful," I said instead.

He smiled and waved goodbye, leaving me with a sense of longing.