Entering the house and heading to the kitchen, Lily found her grandmother, who looked at her with concern and asked:"You're te today. Is everything alright?"

  "Yes, I'm perfectly fine, Grandma. Today I realized I've fallen in love," Lily replied.

  At these words, Rosie, who had watched her granddaughter be forced to grow up fast after her parents' death, hesitated. She stood up, took the girl's hand, and said:"Sweetheart, you know you can tell me anything, no matter what's happened. We'll get through it together."

  Finishing speaking, she led Lily to the sofa and sat down beside her. The girl didn't want to tell her grandmother everything because of her heart condition. Rosie had cared for her since she was twelve; besides, Lily hated lying and, before meeting Ray, hadn't even known how. But looking into her grandmother's eyes, Lily decided to tell her the truth, starting from the day she and Ray had met.

  It was very difficult for Rosie not to interrupt her granddaughter. As soon as she finished her story, the old woman gave her a light smack on the back of the head and said:"You thought I'd be happy to find out you tried to buy me a little more time by selling yourself? Even if you'd succeeded, it could have led to you ruining your life."

  "I know it was stupid, but I was scared and didn't know what to do. Ray showing up helped me avoid the worst of it, so don't be so harsh," the girl said, rubbing her head.

  "I know I should have asked you beforehand, but everything happened so chaotically. I hope you don't mind that I invited him over, and I hope you won't mind us being together."

  "No, I don't mind. His illness didn't stop you. You're a good girl, and I'm very proud of the person you've grown up to be. But I don't think I have a say in this matter, considering you're the one who took on the care of our family. However, given your age difference, I'll need to talk to his mother."

  "As I said, I don't mind you two being together, and I know you're mature enough to make sound decisions. But I still have to ask: are you sure this is what you want? If you have any doubts, it's better to step back before it's too te."

  "I know the ending could be very tragic, and it will hurt me deeply, but as long as he's here, I want to do everything I can to make him happy. I absolutely, definitely love him," Lily said resolutely.