At that moment She lifted her eyes again, her heart tightening at the sight of Cecilia sitting there, calm as ever.
"Let me take you home," Valentina said, her voice almost pleading. "Please. You need to rest."
For a long moment, Cecilia didn't answer.
Then, with a faint, knowing smile, she shook her head slowly.
"My dear" Cecilia said gently, her voice warm but firm, "this is not something you should worry about."
She shifted slightly in her chair, her hands folded neatly on her lap.
"I know my limits," she said. "And this... this is nothing I cannot handle."
At that moment Valentina opened her mouth to argue, but Cecilia lifted a hand to stop her.
"You just focus on yourself, my dear. Get your strength back. That is what matters most right now."
Her eyes softened, filled with something close to pride. "You are my daughter-in-law. It is my right—and my duty—to make sure you are safe and well before we even think about going home."
