บท 290: It was a sight that filled her heart with warmth and confusion all at once

Uzana's eyes, though blurred with fatigue, found Anara's worried face. "I… I'm alright," he rasped out between coughs, though his voice was frail. "I just… needed to be here."

"That's not true," Anara countered, her head shaking in disbelief.

Uzana's laughter, laced with sorrow, broke the silence as he lay on the ground, gazing up at the sky. The sound was empty, revealing the deep conflict within him.

"Uncle…" Anara's voice trembled with shock and concern. She watched, her heart breaking as she saw Uzana's vulnerability laid bare.

"I'm not good at pretending like your father is, Anara," Uzana confessed through his tears, his voice breaking with emotion. "I wish I could be like him—pretending everything is fine. But the truth is, we're not fine. We've never been fine!"

Anara's heart ached as she listened, her own tears silently slipping down her cheeks.