Chapter 52
Chapter 52
Eva’s POV
The first thing I heard that morning was laughter.
Not the loud kind that echoed through the penthouse. It was low and unexpected. Soft enough to make me pause in the middle of brushing my teeth.
It was Dominic.
He was on the phone, walking past my door toward the kitchen. I cracked the door open just a little and peeked out, toothbrush still in hand.
He was dressed in joggers and a black T-shirt, barefoot, his hair slightly messy—clearly hadn’t been awake long either. But he looked relaxed. Genuinely relaxed. That rare, quiet kind of peace that made you want to freeze time.
I didn’t want to eavesdrop, but the sound of his laugh felt strange. Not bad—just rare. Like he’d remembered something simple. Something real.
I finished up in the bathroom, tied my hair into a messy ponytail, and padded out to the kitchen where the smell of brewed coffee welcomed me. He’d already made a pot, bless him, and I poured myself a cup without asking.
“You’re up early,” he said, not looking up from the tablet he was scrolling through now.
“You’re cheerful early,” I replied, sliding onto the barstool. “I didn’t know you laughed before 10 a.m.”
He gave me a side-glance, lips curling into a smirk. “I’m full of surprises.”
I sipped my coffee, watching him. “Who were you talking to?”
“My younger cousin,” he said. “Remember Kai?”
“He’s getting married,” Dominic added, setting the tablet aside.
“Wow,” I said, raising my eyebrows.
““Apparently, he met someone during one of his adventure trips and now they’re engaged.”
“That’s kind of sweet,” I said, resting my cheek against my palm. “Gives hope to all the chaotic souls out there.”
He shot me a dry look. “Are you calling me a chaotic soul?”
“Did I say that out loud?” I teased.
He rolled his eyes and went back to his tablet, but I could still see the edge of his smile.
\---
Around midday, I decided I needed a change of scenery. I’d been spending too many days bouncing between the club, the penthouse, and the hospital when I visited my father. Everything was beginning to blur.
So, I chose to go to one of my favorite places in the entire city—the botanical conservatory.
It was quiet, full of fresh scents and warm humidity, like stepping into a peaceful bubble that ignored the rest of the world. The air always smelled of soft earth and blooming orchids. I hadn’t been in months.
I let the guards know I wouldn’t be far and took one with me—Dominic insisted, even though I could handle myself just fine.
The conservatory was nearly empty. Just a few families and some older couples walking along the winding paths.
I took my time. The tropical room was my favorite. It was filled with massive green leaves, colorful birds flying overhead, and soft mist coming from tiny sprinklers above.
As I walked through, I let my hand brush gently against the leaves. For the first time in days, I wasn’t thinking about wedding dresses, or dinner dates with our parents, or guest lists and silver cutlery.
I just breathed.
After about an hour, I sat down near the koi pond with a sketchbook I’d brought. It wasn’t something I told many people, but I used to draw a lot when I was younger. Mostly plants and buildings. Nothing fancy.
I flipped to a blank page and began sketching the way the vines curved around the pond’s stone edges. It felt natural, like my hands remembered what to do even if my head was full of other things.
By the time I was done, my page was full of rough lines and leafy spirals. Not perfect. Not polished. But it felt good.
I checked the time, it was already afternoon. I was supposed to be back before dinner, but I had a little time left.
I stopped at the small gift shop at the exit and picked up a little potted plant one of those hardy succulents with chubby green leaves. It looked like something Dominic wouldn’t kill accidentally, so I figured I’d leave it on his desk as a surprise.
\---
When I got back to the penthouse, I found it empty again. Dominic’s keys were on the counter, which meant he was home, just out of sight.
I placed the small plant near his laptop, then went into my room to freshen up.
A few minutes later, I heard the sound of footsteps and the soft clink of glassware. When I peeked out again, Dominic was in the kitchen, tossing slices of apple into a bowl.
“Didn’t know you were back,” he said without turning around.
“Got in a few minutes ago,” I said, walking toward the counter. “Brought you a gift.”
He turned then, one brow raised. “A gift?”
I nodded toward the desk. “It’s a plant. Don’t kill it.”
He walked over, picked it up, and turned it in his hand. “Is it real?”
“Yes,” I said with a small laugh. “It’s a succulent. You barely have to water it. It practically takes care of itself.”
He gave a small nod. “Sounds like my kind of commitment.”
I took a seat while he returned to the fruit bowl. “You hungry or just snacking?”
He shrugged. “Snacking. I’ve got some documents to review tonight. My father sent a whole packet of updated protocols for when I take over.”
“Exciting?” I offered.
“Exhausting,” he corrected.
There was a small pause before I added, “At least you’re not doing it alone.”
He glanced up at me. “No. I’m not.”