Chapter 58

Chapter 58


Eva stirred from her sleep, her eyes fluttering open slowly. The soft rays of the evening sun slipped through the curtains, painting gold patterns on the floor. Her body felt warm under the blanket, but her heart was racing again tonight was the night of the dinner. Or at least, the first step toward it. She was going to pick up her father and bring him to the penthouse.

She sat up slowly and stretched, her bones cracking lightly after the short nap she had taken. Her nerves had been buzzing all afternoon, and eventually, they had tired her out. The nap helped a little, but the anxious feeling still lingered at the back of her mind like an itch she couldn’t reach.

Dragging herself out of bed, she padded across the room barefoot and went to the bathroom. After a quick wash, she changed into the outfit she had carefully picked out earliera simple but elegant navy blue dress that fell just below her knees. It was modest but flattering, paired with low-heeled shoes and small silver earrings. She brushed her hair, leaving it to fall softly over her shoulders.

With her makeup kept light and natural, she gave herself one last look in the mirror. “It’s just a dinner,” she whispered, trying to calm herself. “Just picking up Dad.”

She walked into the kitchen and brewed herself a quick cup of coffee. The warm bitterness helped calm her nerves a little more. As she sipped, she glanced at the clock. It was nearly time. Dominic had told her he’d be back before they left, and just as she placed her empty cup in the sink, she heard the sound of the front door unlocking.

Dominic stepped in, dressed in a dark charcoal button-down shirt and black trousers. His hair was still slightly damp, like he’d rushed back from somewhere. His eyes met hers briefly, taking in her appearance before he moved further inside.

“You ready?” he asked, voice calm but unreadable.

Eva nodded. “Yes. I was just about to come get you. It’s time.”

He gave a short nod and reached for his phone, checking a message before pocketing it again. “Let’s go.”

Together, they left the penthouse, the silence between them thick but not uncomfortable. Dominic walked ahead of her slightly, his tall frame making her feel even smaller than usual. The elevator ride down was quiet, the soft hum of the machine the only sound. Eva clasped her hands in front of her, glancing sideways at him but quickly looking away when she caught his eyes on her reflection in the mirror-like doors.

When they reached the underground parking lot, Dominic led her to one of the black SUVs. It was clean and sleek, the kind of vehicle that suited a man like him powerful, silent, and always ready. A driver opened the door for her, and she slid into the back seat. Dominic joined her after exchanging a few quiet words with the driver.

The ride to the hospital was smooth. The sun was setting now, casting a golden-orange glow across the city. Eva leaned her head against the window, watching as tall buildings and bustling streets passed by. She could see the hospital getting closer, the familiar glass facade reflecting the evening sky.

She tried to stay calm, but her fingers tapped lightly on her lap, betraying her anxiety. Dominic didn’t say much, but she could feel his eyes on her occasionally. Not in an invasive way, more like he was checking if she was holding up.

"No need to be nervous. You'll do greaf,” he said quietly after a while.

She turned to him. “You think so?”

He nodded once. “Yes.”

Eva gave a small smile. “Yes. Many times. But never for something like this.”

Dominic didn’t respond, but his gaze softened just a little before he looked away again.

When they arrived, the driver pulled up to the private entrance where fewer people were around. Eva stepped out first, smoothing down her dress and taking a deep breath. Dominic came out behind her, adjusting his sleeves before joining her side.

The nurses at the entrance looked up, some of them offering smiles.

“Eva, good evening,” one of them said cheerfully. “You look lovely tonight.”

Eva smiled back. “Thank you, Clara.”

Then Clara’s eyes shifted to Dominic, and a slight hush fell among the other nurses. Their smiles remained, but their movements slowed a little. Everyone in the hospital knew who Dominic was even if he didn’t come often, his name being associated with her spread like wildfire.

“Alpha,” one of the male nurses said respectfully with a small nod.

Dominic gave a curt nod in return, his expression unreadable as always.

Eva walked ahead, trying not to be bothered by the attention. She was used to it now, though it still felt a little strange. She took the elevator to the top floor, where her father’s room was located. Dominic followed behind without a word.

The hallway smelled faintly of antiseptic and lavender, like always. Nurses moved quietly from room to room. A few glanced at them as they passed but quickly turned back to their tasks.

When they reached her father’s room, Eva stepped in first.

Her father was sitting on the couch near the window, looking out at the garden with a calm expression. A soft breeze came through the slightly open window. He looked much better than usual. His skin had more color, and his eyes were brighter. A small tray with some soup and fruit sat untouched beside him.

“Dad,” Eva called softly.

He turned and smiled when he saw her. “Pumpkin.”

She walked over and leaned down to give him a hug. “You look good.”

“I feel better today,” he said, patting her hand. “I was about to call you.”

“Well, you don’t have to. I’m here to take you out for dinner. Remember?”

His brows lifted. “That’s today already?”

Eva nodded. “Yes. We’ll be going soon.”

He reached for his walking stick and stood up slowly. It almost brought tears to her eyes seeing him finally able to stand. One of the happiness she got from agreeing to this deal witj Dominic. “I hope I’m not underdressed,” he chuckled.

Eva helped him fix his shirt collar. “You look perfect.”

Then she heard the soft sound of the door opening behind her. She didn’t need to turn to know who it was. The air in the room seemed to change immediately, as if the temperature dropped just slightly.

Her father looked over Eva’s shoulder. His expression shifted.