Natalia’s POV

“You did what?” Amy snapped as I told her everything that happened. The business deal, Micheal’s reaction to it, especially that he accepted the marriage.

I groaned, pacing the room. “The man didn’t want to marry me in the first place, Amy. I had to give him a reason.”

Amy shook her head, exasperated. “He clearly likes you, Natalia! You didn’t have to tell him about that stupid deal. To be honest, if I was him, I would think you just want the money as well.”

“That is exactly why I’m marrying him, Amy!” I snapped, turning on her. “My father needs money for his kidney surgery and Micheal needs a wife for whatever reason. From where I’m standing, we are both benefiting.”

Amy crossed her arms and she rolled her eyes at me. “You like him, and he likes you. You just don’t make such a deal. Scott hurt you, yes, but that doesn’t mean you should rush into this like it’s nothing. Go talk to him and tell him you were desperate or something.”

Her words stung because, deep down, I knew she was right. I might have rushed into this. I didn’t even think through it when I knocked at his door.

“Here,” she said, holding out her phone. “Call him. Tell him you want to meet.”

I hesitated, staring at the phone in her hand. “Fine,” I said after a long pause, taking it from her.

I sighed before pressing on call. As his voice oozed from the other side, my chest rose. “Hello?” His voice was sharp, almost impatient.

“It is Natalia,” I said softly, barely able to get the words out.

There was silence on the other end, and my stomach churned. I half-expected him to hang up. But he didn’t.

“Do you need something?” he asked flatly.

I glanced at Amy, who was gesturing for me to say more. Taking a deep breath, I said, “can we meet? Tonight?”

The silence that followed felt like an eternity. When he finally spoke, his voice was calm but distant. “Send me your address. My driver will pick you up in an hour.”

Before I could reply, the line went dead.

I lowered the phone, staring at it as if it would give me answers. Amy nudged me. “That’s good! Now, go talk to him. Just be honest.”

As I tried to process what had just happened, my phone buzzed. It was an unknown number.

“Hello?” I answered hesitantly.

“This is Dr. Prakashi,” a calm voice said. “I’m calling to inform you that your father has been admitted to the hospital. He is stable, but we need to keep him under observation.”

My heart sank. “Is he okay? What happened?”

“He is stable, but his condition requires further care. I would prefer to discuss the details in person.”

“I will be there soon,” I said quickly, hanging up.

Amy’s face was full of concern. “What is wrong?”

“My father is in the hospital,” I said, grabbing my bag.

Amy stood up immediately. “I will drive you.”

“No,” I said firmly. “It is late, and I don’t want to get you in trouble with your dad.”

“Call me if you need anything,” she insisted.

“I will,” I promised, and rushed out the door.

*

When I saw my father sitting up in bed, smiling weakly as I walked in, tears nearly came out from relief. At least he wasn’t hooked up to any scary machines.

“Natalia, my girl,” he greeted me. “You didn’t have to come. I told the doctor not to worry you.”

“I’m your daughter. Of course I came,” I said, taking his hand. “You should have told me. What if something happened to you?”

He sighed, his smile fading. “I’m fine. God’s keeping me until I walk you down the aisle.” He coughed trying to let out a laugh. “Where is Scott? I haven’t seen that boy in a while.”

I froze. I hadn’t told him about Scott and Eva. I couldn’t, not with his health so fragile. Forcing a smile, I said, “don’t worry about that. Just focus on getting better. I will take care of everything, Dad. Just give me a week, okay?”

He opened his mouth to argue, but I cut him off. “No arguments. Just rest. I will talk to the doctor.”

“I love you,” he said softly.

“I love you more,” I whispered, kissing his forehead before stepping out.

As I turned a corner, my eyes froze. Scott and Eva where there, holding hands. Even though I wanted to rip both of them apart, I just kept walking, I had bigger problems.

“Why are you even here? Father didn’t want you here.” Eva sneered. “He doesn’t like you. Why don’t you just leave?”

I turned, my voice calm but firm. “Eva, this isn’t the time or place. Father is sick. Focus on that instead of starting drama.”

She smirked, stepping closer. “Scott left you because you are pathetic. And soon, father will too.”

Anger flared in me, but I kept my composure. “Scott is a loser, Eva. If you want him, you can have him. You two deserve each other.”

She raised her hand to slap me, but before it reached my face, I caught her wrist. “Don’t even dare.”

Without thinking, I slapped her instead. She stumbled back, and Scott reached for me, but before he could touch me, a familiar voice rang out.

“Don’t even think about it.”

I turned and found Micheal just a foot behind me.

I stared in shock as Micheal grabbed Scott’s arm, forcing him back. “If you ever lay a hand on her, it will be the last thing you do.”

Scott glared at him, but Micheal’s icy stare didn’t waver. Then, turning to me, he asked, “are you okay?”

I nodded, unable to find my voice.

Micheal looked back at Scott. “Stay away from her. If I ever see you even looking at her, God only knows what will become of you. That is your only warning.”

Once Scott and Eva slinked away, Micheal turned back to me. His tone was sharp as he said, “I don’t know what you are doing here, or why you were with them, and I don’t want to know.”

I opened my mouth to explain, but he cut me off. “Whatever it is, deal with it. I came because we have to attend a dinner party tomorrow. I wanted to take you shopping. I can’t go with you while looking like… that.”

I sighed. “Okay.”

His cold gaze softened for just a moment as he turned to leave.

I stood there, watching him walking away from me. My chest felt tight, full of emotions I couldn’t even name.