It was 9:00 p.m. when Lucas dropped me off at the hospital.

I was still thinking about everything that had happened at dinner and earlier that day.

When I reached the ward where my father was, I hesitated for a moment before slowly opening the door. I wasn’t sure if he’d be asleep or reading — he always had a book in his hands, whether it was a novel or something about business.

I peeked inside and found him deeply focused on his book. He didn’t even notice me walk in.

“Boo!” I said playfully.

My sudden voice startled him, and he dropped his book onto his lap.

“Chloe, you brat!” he laughed, pretending to scold me. “You scared me!”

I grinned. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to.”

He pinched my ear gently, still smiling. “You didn’t turn out so innocent after all.”

I sat beside him and sighed. “I thought you’d say that.”

He chuckled softly. “So, tell me — where were you? Did you have your dinner?”

I hesitated for a moment. I didn’t want to tell him about Lucas or the contract now when he wasn’t well.

“Yes, Father. I had my dinner, and about where I was… I’ll tell you when I’m ready,” I said, looking at him lovingly.

“Alright. No pressure. Tell me when you’re ready.”

“Okay, Father,” I replied.

I looked at the clock, only to realize that it was already 10:30 p.m. It’s always like this whenever I’m with my father — I never know when time flies by.

“Alright, Father, that’s all for tonight. It’s already late, so go back to sleep. You can read the book tomorrow,” I said, taking the book from his hand and helping him lay on the bed.

“Okay, okay,” Father said as he lay down.

“Goodnight, Father.”

“Goodnight, Chloe.”

After making sure that Father was asleep, I went to the bathroom and took a shower. I was glad the bathroom was soundproof; otherwise, it would have woken him up.

I changed into my nightclothes and lay on the sofa, making sure to set my alarm to wake up early — after all, I was getting married tomorrow.

Thinking about the wedding, I won’t lie — I was nervous. I mean, a marriage without love? I had never imagined that. I always dreamed of meeting someone, getting to know each other, going on dates, making out in the rain, and many more little things. But this is what I chose, so there’s no turning back now.

While thinking about all this, I didn’t realize when I fell asleep.

The next day, I woke up to the sound of the alarm ringing. I got up and went to the bathroom to freshen up. When I came out, I found Father already awake — probably because of the alarm.

“Father, here, read your book while I go and bring breakfast for both of us,” I said, handing him one of his books.

Then I went to the hospital canteen and bought some oatmeal, fruit salad, and vegetable soup — something light and healthy for him.

After buying breakfast, I went back to the ward and helped Father set up the table. I placed the food in front of him.

“Here, Father, have it while it’s hot,” I said, handing him a spoon.

“Okay,” he replied.

Then I sat on the chair beside him and ate my breakfast too.

After we were both done, I threw the containers in the dustbin and helped Father to the bathroom for his needs.

Once he was settled, I took a shower and got dressed.

When I looked at the clock, I realized it was already time. Just as I was thinking about calling Lucas, his call came through.

“Hello?” I answered.

“Hello,” he replied, his raspy voice coming through the phone.

“Are you ready? If you’re done, come down. We’re already at the hospital entrance,” he said.

“Okay, on my way,” I replied, ending the call.

I picked up my handbag.

“Where are you going?” Father asked.

“Ahh, Father, I have some work, so I’ll get going. Take care, and don’t keep reading too much — it’ll hurt your eyes,” I said as I hurried toward the door.

I quickly got into the elevator. As it descended to the ground floor, I tried to calm my racing heart. When the elevator doors opened, I took a deep breath and stepped out. This is it, I thought.

I walked toward the entrance and saw a sleek black Mercedes S-Class parked nearby — expensive, but lowkey.

I noticed Dylan standing near the car; I guessed he was waiting for me.

When he saw me, he waved his hand, and I waved back as I walked toward him.

“Good morning!” Dylan said.

“Good morning!” I replied.

“Here, get inside,” he said, opening the car door for me.

“Oh, thank you,” I said, getting in.

As I settled into the seat, I saw Lucas sitting upright, looking as serious as if he were in a meeting.

“Good morning, Mr. Lucas,” I said as I sat beside him.

“Good morning,” he replied, looking at me. “Did you sleep well?”

“Huh? Why?” I asked.

“You have dark circles around your eyes,” he said.

“Huuh— I… I was just thinking about today,” I stammered, averting my gaze. His eyes felt like they were looking right through my soul.

“You don’t need to worry about it. Just leave everything to me,” he said.

“Okay,” I replied softly.

After that, he took out his laptop and started working.

As he focused on his screen, I slowly took out my phone and opened the front camera to check my face. At first glance, I didn’t notice any dark circles, but when I looked closely, there they were — faint but visible.

I was a little shocked. Lucas actually noticed that? He must have really looked at my face closely, I thought, glancing at him quietly. He didn’t say another word, but the silence between us felt heavier than any conversation.