Evelyn entered the ward slowly, her heart heavy yet hopeful. Her father sat by the window, staring outside with a faint smile on his face. She quietly approached him and glanced out the window, following his gaze. Children were playing on a nearby field, their laughter filling the air.
"Aren't they cute?" Evelyn asked softly.
Her father turned to her sharply, his eyes wide with disbelief. "Is this a dream? Or another illusion?"
Evelyn stepped closer, her voice trembling with warmth. "No, it's neither a dream nor an illusion. Your daughter Eva is here."
She wrapped her arms around him, and he immediately pulled her into a tight embrace. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Eva," he murmured repeatedly, his voice cracking with emotion.
Hearing him call her Eva shattered her composure. The tears she had been holding back fell freely, and soon both of them were crying, clinging to each other as if letting go might mean saying goodbye forever.
After what felt like an eternity, they pulled away. Evelyn sat by his side, carefully cutting his nails.
"I heard you got a job at Tyler's," her father said, his voice lighter now.
"Yes, I'm part of the HR team. I'm doing well, and they pay me handsomely. You don't have to worry about me," she replied, forcing a smile.
But guilt gnawed at her. She had never lied to her father before, and now here she was, hiding the truth: her marriage, the contract, and the looming danger if she failed to fulfill it in three months. She knew revealing everything would only worsen his condition.
"Really?" he asked, raising a brow. "If anyone gossips about you, let me know. I'll sue them all."
Evelyn chuckled, masking her unease. "Don't worry, Dad. I'll tell you if anyone badmouths me." She smiled brightly as she finished trimming his nails. "There, all done."
She grabbed a comb and began gently combing his hair.
"I'm sorry," he said suddenly, his voice heavy with regret.
Evelyn paused briefly but then continued combing. "Why are you apologizing?"
"I'm sorry I got sick when things went bad. I'm sorry I left you to suffer alone," he said, his voice breaking.
"It's not your fault," she replied, her tone firm yet comforting. "That witch drugged you."
"I have so many regrets," he confessed. "I should have listened to you."
Evelyn stopped combing and moved to sit in front of him, taking his hands in hers.
"Dad, don't dwell on the past. It's gone. Let's focus on the present, okay? Don't worry—I'll help you get your company back," she said with determination.
His expression turned worried. "That's too dangerous, Eva. This is my fight. I don't want you involved."
Evelyn smiled, her confidence unwavering. "Things have changed a lot, Dad. When everything is settled, we'll get your company back."
"Eva…" he began, but she cut him off gently.
"I have a powerful and reliable pillar now, Dad," she reassured him, her smile full of quiet strength.