Chapter 47

Chapter 47


Eva’s POV

The morning light filtered softly into my room, sneaking past the sheer curtains and gently nudging me awake. I stretched under the covers, letting the warmth linger a little longer before rolling over. My mind drifted to last night when Dominic mentioned that his father was waiting to hear the final date for the dinner with mine.

That one sentence had shifted the entire night for me.

“Once the dinner happens, everything else follows, the invitations, the press, the official public announcement…”

I didn't sleep much afterward.

Now that the fake marriage was turning into a public spectacle, the pressure felt heavier. I wasn’t just helping my father by being in this arrangement anymore. I was becoming a part of a lie we were spinning into something real, at least on paper.

With a sigh, I sat up and swung my legs over the edge of the bed, rubbing my eyes. I needed to visit my father at the hospital today. I hadn’t told him about the dinner yet, mainly because I didn’t know how to. He thought Dominic and I were true mates, deeply in love and happily heading toward a grand wedding.

The truth would crush him.

But I couldn’t avoid it forever.

After a quick shower, I slipped into something simple and comfortable, light blue jeans and a cream sweater, then headed into the kitchen. I packed a small basket with fresh fruits and a few things I knew he liked: bananas, apples, oranges, and two packs of dried cranberries he always added to his yogurt.

I looked around for anybsign of Dominic but none. He must have left early again.

Two of Dominic’s guards were already waiting by the elevator when I stepped out. I gave them a small smile and nodded. They trailed behind quietly as we made our way down and into the car.

The drive to the hospital was quiet. I stared out the window, watching as the city moved along with its usual rhythm, people rushing about, cars honking, bikes weaving between lanes. But everything in me felt still, like my thoughts were moving slower than the world outside.

When we arrived at the hospital, I was surprised when one of the nurses informed me that my father wasn’t in his room. I blinked in confusion until she said, “He’s in the garden. He’s been going out there more often lately. The sun helps his breathing.”

I thanked her and followed the narrow hallway until it opened into a wide, green courtyard.

And there he was.

Sitting on a wooden bench under a low tree, sunlight pouring over his face, talking animatedly with one of the garden staff about pruning roses. He looked… healthier. His skin wasn’t as pale, his posture more upright, and there was a lightness in his voice I hadn’t heard in a long time.

I stood there for a moment, holding the fruit basket and just watching him. I couldn’t remember the last time he looked this lively. Maybe… maybe the treatments were helping. Maybe the calm around him was working some sort of quiet magic.

“Eva?” he called, noticing me before I could approach fully.

His voice made my heart flutter. I walked toward him quickly, the guards remaining by the path entrance, as I held up the basket.

“I brought fruits,” I said with a grin. “Figured you’d prefer them over hospital food.”

His eyes lit up. “Ah, my sweet girl. Always spoiling me. Come here.”

I set the basket beside him and gave him a gentle hug. I tried not to hug too tightly, but he surprised me by holding on just a second longer than usual.

“You’re looking good today,” I said honestly, sitting beside him on the bench. “Brighter. Stronger.”

He smiled, glancing up at the blue sky above. “I feel better. My lungs haven’t felt this open in weeks. I’ve been sitting out here every morning for the past few days. You should try it. Clears your mind.”

“I might,” I said, brushing a leaf off my lap.

One of the workers came over to greet him and asked if he’d like the same tea he had yesterday. He agreed, and soon we were left alone again.

“So hoa has life with Dominic been?” He asked, his voice soft.

“He’s going to take over as Supreme Alpha soon,” I said, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “His father is preparing to step down.”

My father gave a soft, impressed whistle. “That’s big. Very big.”

I hesitated. My fingers tugged at the hem of my sweater as I stared at the flowers blooming in front of us.

“There’s something I came to tell you,” I began slowly, unsure how to say it. “It’s about the wedding.”

He turned fully toward me now, eyes narrowing slightly. “What about it?”

I swallowed. “Dominic’s father wants to meet you. Officially. Before we start sending out the invitations.”

For a moment, he said nothing. Then he nodded slowly. “Of course. That’s reasonable.”

His response was calm, but I noticed the crease between his brows. He was overthinking it. Worrying.

“You don’t need to stress about anything, Dad,” I added gently. “It’s just a simple dinner. Nothing big. Just a formal meeting.”

“Simple?” he repeated, obviously a bit stunned “Why would you say that, Eva?”