My CEO HUSBAND:sign Chapter 78 - Seventy Eight:promise me one thing

Chapter 78: Chapter Seventy Eight:promise

one thing...

She was still laid down in bed, her face pale, as though all her strength had been drained.

I rushed over, took her hand, and fought back tears. "Nana, you’re awake! You scared ."

"Alicia, what happened to your head? How did you get hurt? Is it serious?" she asked weakly, her raspy voice full of concern as she looked at the bandage.

Even in her condition, she was still worrying about . My chest tightened, and tears filled my eyes.

"What’s wrong? Does it hurt badly?" she asked.

I quickly shook my head. "Nana, don’t worry. It’s just a small bump. It doesn’t hurt."

"You need to take better care of yourself. Don’t end up like ... my body is failing, and I don’t have much ti left," she said softly.

"No, Nana. Please don’t say that. You’ll get better. You’ll live a long, healthy life," I replied, my voice trembling.

"Why are you crying like a child?" she murmured, reaching out to wipe my tears.

"As long as you’re okay, I won’t cry," I said hoarsely, struggling to stay composed."Alicia, I’m old. Everyone reaches this stage eventually. I’ve made peace with it. I’m not afraid... and I hope you won’t be either, alright?"

I bit my lip, trying to hold myself together, but in the end, I broke down. I collapsed onto the bed, sobbing uncontrollably.

I knew this day would co soday.

But this was my grandmother—the person who loved

most. I wasn’t ready to lose her.

"Good girl, don’t cry," Nana murmured, gently stroking my hair.

Alexander stepped closer and helped

sit up, his voice soft. "Co on, Alicia. Nana is awake—that’s a good thing, isn’t it?"

I forced a smile through my tears, wiping my face with my sleeve. "I must look ridiculous... Nana’s finally awake, and I’m the one crying. I should be happy."

Alexander said nothing, only frowning slightly as he reached out to wipe the tears from my cheeks.

"Alicia, Alexander," Nana spoke again, her tone calm but firm. "It’s just us here, so let’s be honest. You two are planning to divorce, aren’t you? If not for my condition, it would’ve already happened."

Alexander and I exchanged a silent glance.

"Don’t try to hide it from ," she continued. "I may be old, but I’m not senile. I know exactly what’s going on."

"I’m sorry, Nana... we’ve disappointed you," I said, my vision blurring again as tears filled my eyes.

"Alicia, don’t cry," she said softly. "What worries

most is you. You may seem strong on the outside, but deep down, you’re the most sensitive and insecure person I know."

She was right.

The real

was fearful and fragile. I couldn’t even bring myself to tell Alexander I loved him.

I was afraid—of rejection, of being laughed at, of losing everything. So I hid my feelings behind indifference, pretending I didn’t care. It was easier that way... easier to act like I had nothing to lose.

"Alexander," Nana continued, turning to him, "I know you think you still want to be with Lilian. I won’t selfishly stand in your way... but the truth is, you’re confused. You don’t fully understand your own feelings yet."

She paused, her voice growing more serious. "So I need you to promise

sothing."

"Nana, tell ," Alexander replied firmly. "If it’s within my power, I’ll do it."

"I want you and Alicia to truly try to get along," she said. "If, after I’m gone, you still decide to divorce, I’ll speak to Steve beforehand. No one would try to stop you."

Her gaze softened. "But until then... can you promise

that?"

Alexander looked at , tears streaming down my face. After a brief pause, he nodded. "Nana, I promise. I’ll try to get along with Alicia from now on."

"Alicia, what about you?"

"I promise too, Nana. I’ll do my best to get along with Alexander."

All I wanted was for her to recover. I couldn’t bear losing another loved one. I had already lost so much, and she was the only person left who truly cherished —just as I cherished her.

"Good... now I can rest easy," Nana said, a faint, satisfied smile on her lips. "It’s late. I’ve kept you both up long enough. You must be exhausted. Go get so rest. I’ll sleep too."

She had just co out of surgery and was already struggling; staying awake this long had clearly taken a lot out of her.

"Sleep, Nana. I’ll stay until you fall asleep, then I’ll go."

"Good girl."

Before long, she drifted off. I remained by her side, watching her peaceful face. Yet, all the while, I could feel Alexander’s gaze on .

After a mont, he walked over, gently patted my shoulder, and gestured toward the door.

I stood up quietly and followed him out.

"Go back and rest," he said softly.

I looked at him, his face still slightly blurred in the dim light. "What about you? You’ve been up just as long."

"My uncle called—he’s on his way. Once he arrives, I’ll co find you."

"Alright, I’ll head back first."

"I’ll walk you upstairs."

When we reached my room, I paused. "Should I leave the door open?"

"Yes. I’ll be there soon."

"Okay."

I lay down, but sleep wouldn’t co. I kept tossing and turning, my thoughts fixed on Nana’s condition.

And then there was her request... asking Alexander to stay and try for her sake. Even in her condition, the first thing she did after waking up was call us in just to say that. She had set aside her own peace of mind for us.

How could I ever deserve that?

If things were different—if leaving Alexander could save her—I wouldn’t hesitate. I would do anything.

But life doesn’t work that way.

So things can’t be traded or fixed.

Footsteps echoed faintly in the hallway before stopping at my door.

It opened gently, and Alexander stepped inside, walking to my bedside. "Still awake?"

"I can’t sleep."

He freshened up in the bathroom, then ca back, slipped into bed, and pulled the covers over himself. "Go to sleep."

"Mm."

Without saying it out loud, we both chose to avoid the topic of Nana’s request.

I closed my eyes, and soon, sleep took over.

Soti later by dawn the sharp sound of a ringing phone pulled

from my sleep. I jolted awake and instinctively reached for my phone, only to rember it wasn’t with .

The ringing ca from Alexander’s side. He pushed off the covers, grabbed his phone, and got out of bed.

I thought he would step outside to answer, but instead, he remained by the window, gazing into the sunset.

"Hello, Lilian."

Alexander’s POV

"Alexander... I had a nightmare. Can you co see ?" Lilian’s trembling voice ca through the line.

"Not today," I replied quietly. "My grandmother is unwell. I need to stay at the hospital with her."

"Your Nana is sick? How serious is it?" she asked anxiously. "Can I co visit her?"

I paused, glancing at Alicia on the bed. She quickly turned away and shut her eyes, pretending to be asleep—but it was too obvious. I saw right through her.

I looked away and considered Lilian’s request. Nana had just undergone surgery yesterday, and her condition was still unstable. Besides, she might not like seeing

with Lilian. It was best not to disturb her for now.

"Lilian, Nana’s condition isn’t stable yet. It’s better to wait until she improves. And... I may not have ti to see you for the next few days....."