Defiant Heir (The Heirs 3)

Since I turned thirteen, watching classic movies have been our thing, where Gramps play chess with Jase. Carla and Gramps read the same books, and with Forest, he plays golf.

When Gramps goes to Youtube instead of selecting a movie, I frown.

“Have patience with me, my girl. I don’t go on Youtube often,” Gramps explains. “Ahh… there it is.”

Then he presses play on a reconstructive video done by Dr. Menard. My eyes are glued to the TV screen as Dr. Menard explains how he did reconstructive surgery on a woman who had suffered domestic violence. Seeing the before and after pictures leave me speechless.

When the video ends, Gramps says, “I wanted you to see how good your doctor is, so you won’t have any worries about your impending surgery.”

From talking to my family the past weeks and now having watched the video, I do feel confident that Dr. Menard will be able to help me.

“I know he’s good,” I agree with Gramps. “I’m worried about going back to the academy and having to attend classes for the three weeks before the surgery,” I explain.

A dark frown settles between Gramps’ heavy eyebrows, and then he barks, “You’re my girl, and if anyone gives you any trouble, I’ll end them.”

My grandfather’s fierce protectiveness warms my heart, but it doesn’t do anything to lessen my anxiety.

“Tell me what you’re worried about,” Gramps urges me to open up to him.

Knowing he won’t back down, I let out a heavy sigh. “Kao.”

The thunderous expression on Gramps’ face darkens.

“I’m scared of his reaction. Noah has been sending me updates regarding Kao’s vision, and this morning he said Kao could see finer details like faces and what they were wearing.” My anxiety has increased with each day closer to the end of the Christmas break. I don’t want to go back. I wish I could hide at home until after the surgery, but missing a whole month of school is also not an option. “I don’t want Kao to see the scars. It would kill me if he were repulsed by me.”

“Are you in a relationship with Kao?” Gramps asks.

I shake my head. “We were close before the accident and were on our first date when it happened.”

“And after the accident? How was your relationship with him?”

“He said he wants to be just friends.” I suck in a suffocating breath. “After he found out I got hurt, he withdrew from me.”

Gramps nods, the corners of his mouth pulling down. “It’s simple,” he grumbles. “The boy’s not worthy of you.”

I shake my head, and bringing a hand up, I tuck some hair behind my left ear. “But I love him.”

“Even so,” Gramps reaches for my hand and gives it a squeeze, “Those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter won’t mind.”

Easier said than done.

“You’re right.” I force a smile to my face, and getting up, I grab our cups. “I’ll make us more coffee while you select the movie.”

I try not to hurry to the kitchen because even though my grandfather is right, I can’t stop worrying. I wouldn’t survive it a second time if Kao were to be repulsed by the scars. I’m barely hanging on as is, and it feels like a feather could knock me over.

God, how am I going to do this? I have to go back in two days.KAOThere’s a constant smile on my face as I sit in the living room. Movement catches my eye, and it widens my smile. I can make out Mom, even though she’s blurry, as she walks toward me. Everything is still black and white, but if I focus for an extended period of time, the blurring decreases a little. I can see so much better than a week ago.

Dad almost cried when I recognized him a week ago. Hell, I almost cried. It’s been a long three weeks of recovering, and I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy, but things are starting to look up.

The healing has given me hope. If my eyes keep getting better, there’s a chance for Fallon and me. I’ll be able to offer her a future again. The thought makes my heartbeat speed up. Not having contact with her the past three weeks has been nothing short of hell. I have to hear how she’s doing via Jade, Mila, and Noah.

We’re going back to the campus this afternoon so we can get settled in. I’m nervous and worried I’ve hurt Fallon too much, and any chance I might’ve had with her is gone.

But I have a plan. First, I’m going to work my ass off to get our friendship back on track. Once my sight is good enough for me to see clearly enough to function on my own, I’ll pursue her with everything I have.

With a little luck, we might be together by the end of the month. It’s a new year, and I have new hopes.