Chapter 59: Chapter Fifty Eight

When Dominic stepped into the hospital room, the air changed.

I had just finished adjusting my father’s blanket and was telling him about the fruit basket I brought when the tall shadow crossed the door. Dominic’s presence wasn’t subtle. He never just entered a room, he owned it. His shoes tapped softly against the tiled floor, his sharp black suit fitting him like it had been stitched directly onto his skin.

My father looked up slowly. His body tensed. His hand on the blanket stilled. And then his eyes widened.

Fear.

It was there. In the way his eyes darted to me and then back at Dominic. In the slight tremor in his fingers. In the way his lips parted, but no sound came out.

“It’s okay, Dad,” I said gently, brushing my hand over his. “This is Dominic. Remember I told you about him?”

He blinked a few times, unsure, his eyes moving back to Dominic. “That... that’s him?” he whispered. I vuess he hadn't met Dominic in person.

Dominic stepped closer, hands in his pockets, calm as ever. But I could feel the subtle shift in his energy. He was alert. Watching every twitch, every breath my father took.

I stood and nodded. “Yes, he’s the one.”

My dad looked from me to him again, then finally managed a stiff nod. “You’re... her mate?”

Dominic’s jaw twitched slightly, but he smiled. Just barely. “Yes, sir,” he said coolly. “I’m Eva’s mate.”

"Uh, uh. Welcome. Please take care of my daughter. She has nothing to do with our case so please."

“I understand,” Dominic said. “But I’m here to take care of Eva. And I’m here to support you too.”

I looked up at him, a little surprised at how natural that sounded. Like he meant it. Maybe he did. Or maybe he was just a very good liar. Either way, it comforted my dad a little. His shoulders eased, and the fear in his eyes softened into confusion. Then weariness.

“I never thought I’d live to see something like this,” he mumbled, sinking deeper into the pillows. “Just don’t hurt my girl. Please.”

Dominic’s expression didn’t change, but something in his eyes flickered. “I won’t.”

I stood there, between the two of them, my heart heavy with the weight of everything they didn’t know. My father didn’t know this was all fake, that I signed a contract out of desperation. And Dominic didn’t know how deep I was buried in guilt and secrets.

After a few more minutes of soft conversation and awkward silence, I gently told my father it was time. He looked confused again.

“Time for what?”

“The dinner,” I said softly. “You remember? With Dominic’s father.”

Realization dawned on his face slowly, followed by panic. “You mean... tonight?”

I nodded. “Yes, we arranged to pick you up.”

He glanced down at himself. "I...I can’t go like this.”

I almost let out a sigh. What happened to the hope I wasn't overdressed facade.

“It’s alright,” I said. “We brought your suit. I left it with the nurse earlier. They’ll help you change, and I’ll be right here.”

The nurse came in just as I stepped out of the room with Dominic. She gave him a quick glance, respectfully lowering her head. There was always a quiet tension whenever people saw him. They weren’t sure whether to bow or run.

We stood in the hallway, not speaking. He looked at me, then looked away. I knew he was still carrying the weight of my father’s reaction, but he wouldn’t say it. He never did.

“He’s just surprised,” I said, trying to break the silence. “He’ll be okay.”

Dominic nodded, looking straight ahead. “I get it.”

After about ten minutes, my father emerged, dressed in his old gray suit. It hung a little looser than it used to, but he looked like a man trying to hold onto his pride. He had a small smile on his face, one that tried to mask the nervousness in his eyes.

Dominic stepped forward and offered his arm to steady him. My father hesitated, then finally took it.

We walked through the hospital together. The guards trailed behind quietly, and I felt the eyes of every nurse and visitor on us. A few of the nurses waved at me, murmuring soft hellos. But their gazes always slipped to Dominic, cautious and watchful.

When we got to the car, Dominic opened the door for my father first. He helped him in gently, with surprising care, before moving to the other side. I slipped into the seat beside my dad and tried not to let my hands tremble as the car began to move.

The ride was quiet at first.

My father looked out the window, trying to absorb everything. “Your mother would’ve been proud,” he said suddenly, voice low. “You chose a strong one.”

I forced a smile. “Thanks, Dad.”

Dominic sat in the front seat with the driver, but I could see his posture stiffen slightly. He didn’t say anything, though. I appreciated that.

The car hummed along the highway, the sky outside darkening into shades of orange and blue. The closer we got to the outer gates of the Northwood district, the more I felt the tension rise. Even my father seemed to sense it.

“His father,” he said suddenly, “what’s he like?”

Dominic finally spoke. “Demanding. Cold. Traditional.”

My father chuckled lightly. “Sounds like someone I knew.”

Dominic gave a soft, dry laugh. I turned to look at him, surprised. He didn’t laugh often.

The car slowed as we approached the tall, iron gates of the mansion. The estate stretched farther than the eye could see. Beautifully intimidating. There was nothing warm about it.

The guards at the entrance gave a brief nod and opened the gates. We rolled in slowly.

My father leaned forward to get a better look. “Is this where you live?”

Dominic turned slightly in his seat. “It’s where my father lives. We’re just visiting.”

That seemed to satisfy him. For now.

As we drove up the winding path toward the grand house, my hands started to sweat. I glanced at my reflection in the window and fixed my hair quickly. My father was counting on me to hold it together. Dominic’s father was expecting a show. And Dominic... well, he was unreadable as always.

The mansion loomed ahead, tall and stone gray, like something out of a historical novel. Ivy clung to the sides, and golden lights shone from the large windows.

The car rolled to a slow stop in front of the grand entrance.

And just like that, it was time.

I stepped out first, smoothing my dress and adjusting my expression. Calm. Confident. Fake.

Dominic circled the car and helped my father out.

The three of us stood side by side in front of the mansion. My heart was pounding in my ears.

“Ready?” Dominic asked.

I nodded.

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