Chapter 126
KATYA POV
The elevator dinged softly, and I stepped out onto the second floor, heart still thudding from the Miss Red encounter.
Quiet. Just the way I liked it. I hugged the wall, moving cautiously down the hallway toward Nonna’s room.
Each step was asured, careful, like I was walking through a museum filled with priceless glass.
The thought of running into anyone — anyone especially Mr Antonio antonio— other than Nonna made tense.
I reached her door and paused. Normally, I would knock. But what if she was asleep? I didn’t want to wake her.
So, carefully, I turned the knob and eased the door open. The room was dim lighted, the morning light spilling gently across the floor.
And there she was....Nonna, struggling to lift herself from the bed, her hands clutching at the sheets as she tried to maneuver toward her wheelchair.
"Nonna!" I whispered, stepping forward. "Here, let help." She glanced up, startled but relieved when she saw . "Katya...?" Her voice was soft, tinged with the faintest surprise.
I reached her side and gently steadied her as she shifted. "Yes, it’s . Don’t worry, I’ve got you."
Her hands trembled slightly, and I wrapped one arm around her waist, supporting her weight as she leaned on . "Careful, careful..." I murmured, guiding her to her wheelchair.
She let out a soft sigh of relief once she was seated safely. "Thank you, darling. You didn’t have to co in," she said quietly, her eyes scanning my face.
Concern mixed with gratitude. Sothing warm. "I wanted to," I said simply, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "I thought... you might need ."
She smiled faintly, "Always Katya I do but you know my grandson needs you the most now." She eyes as I adjusted the footrests, made sure she was comfortable, and then stepped back slightly, watching her settle in.
I didn’t think much about what she said, just shrugged. She didn’t know her grandson can no use his leg. "Why are you here so early Katya?"
I took a deep breath, shifting slightly in my spot. "So... well... sothing happened yesterday," I said, trying to sound casual. "Mr Salvatore... he can walk now."
Her eyes widened, and then—oh god—the purest, unfiltered joy crossed her face. "He can walk?!" she exclaid, her hands gripping the arms of her wheelchair as if she might lift herself into the air.
I froze a little, caught off guard by her reaction. I didn’t like it...not really. Not because I didn’t want Roo to walk, but because it reminded of everything that ca with him doing so.
The power he suddenly held over the mansion, over everyone... But I didn’t bla her. How could I? He was her flesh and blood. She had every reason to be happy.
"Yes... he can walk," I said, my voice quieter now, careful not to sound too emotional.
Nonna’s eyes sparkled. "Oh, Katya... my boy. That is... that is wonderful!" She chuckled, a light, airy sound that made the room feel warr. "Did he... did he do it by himself?"
"Well..." I hesitated, not wanting to diminish her joy but also not ready to explain everything. "I wasn’t exactly there when he did, but he’s walking. That’s what matters, right?"
Her smile softened into sothing almost tender. "It matters indeed. Why didn’t he co to ?" I bit my lip, shifting on my feet.
My thoughts spun as I watched Nonna’s bright, eager face. He should have at least dropped by to tell her the good news... and the demon isn’t even in his room.
"I... I don’t know," I said finally, forcing my voice casual. "I thought he did. But... it’s still very early, and it happened so late last night... maybe he’s still asleep."
Nonna tilted her head, one brow raised. "That boy... sleeping at this hour? He doesn’t sleep much, even when he was in that wheelchair. I doubt he will now, with his legs moving again."
Her gaze sharpened, curious and almost amused. "But then why are you unsure? Shouldn’t you have checked on him?"
I froze, caught off guard. I had gone to his room but the door was locked. I shifted awkwardly, unsure what to say, twisting my fingers together.
"I... I don’t know," I admitted quietly. My eyes dropped to the floor. Nonna reached out, her hands warm as they took mine, gently holding them.
"Katya... why are you so anxious?" she asked softly, her voice steady, calm, yet carrying that subtle authority that made want to tell her everything.
I blinked, caught off guard by the concern in her tone. Before I could answer, she guided toward the edge of her bed. "Co, sit with . Let see what’s troubling you."
I hesitated, then slid onto the bed beside her, careful not to touch her too roughly, trying to keep the calm exterior I always forced myself to maintain.
"What’s wrong, darling?" she asked again, her eyes scanning my face with gentle insistence.
I hesitated, I badly wanted to tell her how hurt I felt about the way I was treated yesterday but who was I in this house. She would probably take her people side.
So I just muttered, "Nothing... really. I... I went to Roo’s room this morning, but it was... locked."
Nonna’s brow furrowed slightly, sharp and alert now. "Locked? Are you sure, Katya?"
"Yes," I whispered. "I... I checked about three or four hours ago."
Her hand tightened around mine. "Take to his room. Now. Let’s check again."
I froze for a mont, my stomach twisting. But I nodded anyway. "O-okay. Let’s go."
As I rose from the bed, Nonna steadying herself in her wheelchair, I felt the familiar swirl of anxiety return, but also... relief. At least I wouldn’t have to face it alone.
We moved toward the hallway, the morning light stretching across the floor, and I myself for whatever awaited us behind that locked door.
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