The next day, Marianne and the others were at the hospital, except for Dylan and Michael, who had prior commitments but promised to visit later that evening.

Grandma Emma arrived at the hospital, her warm presence immediately filling the room. She gently picked up Emilio and held him in her arms before turning to Jake.

“Once again, I’m so proud of you,” she said, reaching out to ruffle Jake’s hair affectionately.

Jake swatted her hand away with a playful grin. “I’m not a baby, Grandma!” he whined, eliciting laughter from everyone in the room.

Marianne smiled faintly at the heartwarming scene, but her thoughts were elsewhere. Her mind lingered on...