Alicia shifted nervously under my gaze, pulling me out of my daze.

"Are you sure those heels are okay? Your leg isn’t fully healed yet," I said, noticing her discomfort.

"No, it’s okay. I can manage," she replied.

"You should switch to flats. We have to welcome the guests."

I went back into the closet and brought out a pair that matched her dress.

"Thank you. I’ll just change it," she said, sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Let me help."

Before she could refuse, I knelt down in front of her and gently helped her out of the heels and into the flats.

"All done."

"Thanks," she said softly, her cheeks turning slightly pink.

"Let’s go."

I offered my arm, and we walked out of the room hand in hand....

Alicia’s POV

"Alexander and I would like to wish you a long life and good health. May this birthday serve as a reminder of how truly wonderful you are. We love you so much, Nana."

Grandma’s eyes immediately filled with tears as she accepted our greetings and gifts.

Despite her age, Nana’s beauty was still undeniable—especially today. The wrinkles on her face only seemed to add warmth to her smile. There was a deep satisfaction in her eyes as she looked at all of us gathered together. She looked happier than I had seen her in a long time.

When we presented our gifts, she could barely hold back her tears.

Alexander went first, presenting the bracelet he had chosen for her. The moment she saw the delicate design inspired by her hometown, her eyes lit up with joy.

Then it was my turn.

I handed her a soft grey handmade scarf—one I had spent months knitting in secret.

The moment Nana touched it, fresh tears welled up in her eyes. She pulled me into a tight hug, holding me like I was still the little girl she used to teach.

But after a moment, she quickly released me and wiped her eyes.

"We can’t ruin your makeup today, my beautiful grandchild," she said with a small laugh.

Knitting was one of Nana’s favorite hobbies, and she was the one who had patiently taught me when I was younger. Before Grandpa and my father passed away, we used to spend hours together like that.

After Grandpa died, Nana stopped knitting completely.

I couldn’t think of any gift more meaningful than this.

There was something else that could make her even happier—the news of my pregnancy. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

But I couldn’t tell her yet.

So this scarf was the best I could do.

Even though my knitting wasn’t perfect, I had done it with all my heart.

"Don’t cry, Nana," I said softly. "I just want to see you happy. Do you like my gift?"

"Of course I do, Alicia," she replied warmly. "Thank you so much."

From the corner of my eye, I noticed Alexander quietly watching us.

There was an emotion in his eyes that I couldn’t quite understand.

Perhaps he was surprised.

After all, he never knew I could knit.

Even before I moved into the Blackwood mansion, I used to visit occasionally. But Alexander and I rarely crossed paths. Whenever we did, it was brief—no greetings, no conversations.

Just strangers passing by.

When I started making the scarf, I had to be careful. I always made sure Alexander was either in his study or working late so he wouldn’t accidentally see me knitting.

I wanted the scarf to remain a surprise.

"I thought you had forgotten about this," Nana said gently.

"How could I ever forget something you taught me, Nana?" I replied with a smile.

"I hate to interrupt this touching moment," Aunt Rose’s voice suddenly came from behind us, "but the guests have started arriving. Alexander and Alicia, you two should go welcome them."