"Allow me to escort you out," Lilah offered.

Jerrold promptly rose from the sofa, adding, “Grandma, I'll accompany you as well."

“Of course, of course, our considerate little one!"

Brenda beamed and they guided her downstairs, where the chauffeur awaited.

Lilah and Jerrold observed as the elderly lady departed. Afterward, Lilah hoisted Jerrold in her arms and ascended the stairs.

As they reached the doorway, she paused and softly voiced, “Darling, it's time for you to go to bed. I, too, am going back to my apartment."

Jerrold's countenance instantaneously bore a reluctant expression and he tenderly clasped her hand. “Lilah, could you stay and sleep with me?"

Before she could reply, Gerard swung the door ajar and fixed his gaze upon her with profound intensity. “He's truly missed having you here."

Today marked Jerrold's birthday and Lilah couldn't bear to witness his unhappiness.

"Very well."

Jerrold immediately beamed, clutching Lilah's leg like an endearing ornament.

He guided her back to the television but the hour was growing late and drowsiness soon overcame Jerrold. Lilah, in her caring manner, carried him to his room to tuck him in.

"Mom..." Jerrold mumbled, in his half-slumbering state as she tucked him into bed.

Lilah's heart felt as if it were breaking into a million pieces as she ran her fingers through Jerrold's hair. Once he was deep in slumber, she rose and made her way out of the room.

In the living room, Gerard stood, absent of a shirt, drying his hair, with a laptop stealing a fraction of his attention. Her gaze unintentionally landed on the sculpted lines of his abdomen.

"He's asleep, isn't he?" Gerard's voice was hushed as he turned to face her.

She nodded, struggling to find her voice for a moment. "I need to leave now."

"Stay a bit longer? There's something I want to discuss."

She hesitated but took a seat next to him.

With a thoughtful motion, he closed his laptop, letting his intense, profound eyes meet hers. “Is there still something that's bothering you about us?"

She frowned. “What are you getting at?"

“I want to understand if there's still anything stopping you from being with me; I'll make it right." Gerard leaned in, his voice soft yet earnest. "I just... I need to be with you."

A blush blossomed across Lilah's cheeks, causing her to avert her eyes. "Why me?"

His voice took on a texture, like an old, comforting song. "It can only be you. No one else."