Episode 9
(I Wish I Could Erase That Time)
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"Did you tell Samuel and Lara?"
"Hah. Don't mention their names."
Blake's voice was low, simmering with anger, his expression twisted in frustration.
"..."
Iris's brow furrowed deeply at his response. Her chest tightened, a sharp pang piercing her heart as her thoughts drifted to Cecilia—her beloved granddaughter… the one who meant more to her than words could say.
They say grandparents love their grandchildren more than their own children. Iris never believed it... until the moment she laid eyes on Cecilia.
That day… She remembers that day vividly. Too vividly.
<
"Mother, you have a granddaughter now!"
When Samuel spoke those words, a strange flutter stirred in my heart. Anxious, restless, I suddenly felt an overwhelming need to see my grandchild's face, to look into her eyes, to hold her… but the timing couldn't have been worse.
In a few short hours, Blake and I had a flight overseas for the biggest project our company had ever undertaken. A project that could take years to complete. Years. That meant I might not see the face of our grandchild for a long, long time.
But I couldn't accept that. So, I made the most reckless decision of my life.
"Let's go, Blake."
"Huh? Where?"
"We are going to see that child."
"Huh? You sure?"
"Yes."
"...Pfft! Hahaha."
After a brief silence, Blake suddenly burst into laughter.
"..." (눈_눈)
Iris shot him a disapproving look, her eyes narrowing.
"I never thought I'd see you this eager."
Blake chuckled. He could still recall Iris's reaction when they first heard of Lara's pregnancy. To most, she seemed unfazed, almost indifferent. But Blake knew better. Despite her cool exterior, she had been quietly surprised.
Throughout Lara's entire pregnancy, Iris had sent an endless stream of gifts—food, rare medicinal herbs, and supplements. Sometimes, she'd even cook herself and drop by to visit Lara, pretending it was no big deal.
Back then, Blake assumed it was simply because Cecilia was their first grandchild—that Iris's gestures were just out of formality, not affection.
But that was the thing about Iris. She wasn't the type to wear her heart on her sleeve. Her love wasn't fiery or outspoken. But once you really knew her, you'd understand how warm she could be—though only a select few ever experienced that warmth. Perhaps five or ten people, at most.
Even with Lara, Samuel's wife, Iris never showed much emotion. Lara was just... someone. Someone her son loved and married, but nothing more. No particular fondness, no deeper connection. She was a part of the family, but not of Iris's heart.
He thought Iris would feel the same when they had grandchildren. However, he was completely wrong.
"Alright. Let's go."
Blake said with a smile. They quickly rushed to the hospital where Lara had given birth, taking a helicopter to make it there in record time. Soon, they arrived at her room.
I still remember that moment—the instant I laid eyes on her… my beloved Cecilia.
She was like a little angel, with her silky pitch-black hair, rosy cheeks, and lips as red as the most delicate roses, all framed by her soft, pale skin.
I was completely overwhelmed, lost for words.
"She looks just like you, Mother!"
Samuel exclaimed, beaming as he cradled the child in his arms.
"Here, take a look!"
He said, placing her gently in my arms.
"Huh? Wait–"
I hesitated, my heart fluttering with both excitement and trepidation.
As soon as I held her, Cecilia, who had been peacefully sleeping, opened her eyes.
Oh no, is she going to cry?
Usually, any child would let out a wail in my arms. However, she didn't. Instead of wailing, I was met with a gaze—those beautiful honey-coloured eyes looking up at me, filled with wonder. And just like that, as if she felt my warmth, she cuddled closer and drifted back to sleep, her little body melting into my embrace.
At that moment, goosebumps danced across my skin as a tender warmth blossomed in my heart.
"Oh…"
A whisper escaped my lips, barely audible, as I was caught in the magic of it all. Then, suddenly—
"Nnh!"
The sweetest sound floated from the child's lips, a melody that wrapped around me like a warm hug. Her tiny lips curled into the most adorable smile.
In that instant, my heart swelled with warmth, and the goosebumps returned.
"Ah… Haha…"
I found myself smiling without even realising it.
How utterly adorable!
"Are you laughing at Grandmother?"
I realised then that I had never felt anything quite like this—not even when I gave birth to Samuel. This warmth filled me in a way I didn't know was possible.
Was it because she was a girl? I had always longed for a daughter. But after Samuel, I lost the ability to have more children. So perhaps that's why… I don't know. It was a feeling I could hardly put into words, and I cherished every moment of it.
"Oh, my! Why are you enjoying this all by yourself? Give her to me too."
Blake exclaimed, reaching out for the child. But I couldn't bring myself to let go… I just couldn't.
"No. She's going to stay in my arms."
After all, we would be leaving soon, and who knew how long we'd be overseas? I wouldn't have the chance to hold her like this again.
"Huh? That's unfair!"
Blake grumbled, but his words fell on deaf ears. Iris's entire attention was captured by the child snuggled in her arms, an enchanting little being who had stolen her heart.
After what felt like both an eternity and a heartbeat, Iris reluctantly had to leave the hospital, knowing their flight was only half an hour away.
The journey from the hospital to their private jet felt like an eternity, and even while seated on the jet, Iris found herself lost in thoughts of Cecilia.
We must return soon. If we take too long, she might grow up without me. I don't want to miss a single moment of her growing up! What if, upon our return, she feels distant—strange? That would be unbearable.
>
However, unlike my silly worries, the next time I saw her… it was nothing short of horrific. Just the memory twists in my gut, a shadow that refuses to leave.
Haa~ I wish I could erase that time.
"My baby girl… I will always stand by you."
Iris whispered, a hidden promise echoing through the years.
"So forget about those who can't see your worth. Cast them aside… Cruelly… Just as they did…"
She murmured, her voice low and threaded with unspoken rage. She gently brushed her fingers through Cecilia's hair, unaware that she was awake, absorbing her every word.
Every Single Word…