Page 7 of Let Me Love You

“He’s asking to see you.”

As I glance around the room, my chest becomes heavy when I realize she’s talking to me still. “If he’s awake and asking for me, does that mean he’s okay?”

Her face stays impassive. “The doctor will be able to update you shortly. If you follow me, I’ll show you the way.”

I tap my fingers in order from my pointer finger to my pinky against my thumb, trying to calm my heart. But it’s like a bull at a rodeo, refusing to be tamed. The nurse uses her badge to open the double doors, and she ushers me inside. Once we’re heading down the corridor, I keep my eyes on the floor in front of me. Everything is so sterile and bright. My father is still young. He shouldn’t be here because of a heart attack.

His bad heart is why he retired young, you fool.

The nurse suddenly stops, and when I lift my gaze, she says, “You may go inside, but you only have about fifteen minutes.”

I nod my thanks and take a deep breath before reaching for the door handle. My hand lingers on the cool steel. I’m not ready for this. My father might have been a busy man, but he was more loving than my mother ever was. Fate is cruel, taking the one family member who I know loves me.

Isabella isn’t as bad as our mother, but her icy exterior has blocked me out ever since she was a teenager.

Taking one last breath, I turn the knob and walk inside. The dimmed lights give off a gentle illumination. The monitor next to my father’s bed beeps the most reassuring sound.

I stand next to his hospital bed. If he wasn’t connected to the machines, I could almost pretend he was sleeping.

“Victor?” my father rasps. He struggles to open his eyes, but when he does, his gaze meets mine. “Oh, Vic, I’m so happy you’re here.”

There’s a rare uncertainty lacing his words. My stomach twists into a thousand little knots, but I shove that feeling away.

I reach out and place my hand over his. “I’ll always be here when you need me, you know that.”

He nods once, and his eyes slam shut. “I’ve never told you this, but you’re a grown man now.” His words are soft, as if he’s forcing himself to speak. When he reopens his eyes, my heart drops. “I’m scared, Son. My time on this planet seems to be numbered.”

I open my mouth to contradict him, but he gives me a look that screams, “Let me talk!”

“When I had my last heart attack a year ago, they said I probably wouldn’t survive the next one. I’m not sure I’ll make it out of this hospital.”

I squeeze his hand gently. “You will make it out. Look,” I say, motioning at him. “You’re awake and talking to me. You’re in the best hospital around.”

Dad winces. “Please, just promise me something so it will ease my mind.”

Cocking my head to the side, I study my father. His lips are chapped, and his skin is paler than usual. His salt-and-pepper hair is disheveled, but he’s here. He’s alive. “I’ll promise you anything.”

“Marry for love. Don’t allow your mother to set you up with one of those heiresses. Well, unless you fall in love with one of them.” He huffs. His breathing comes in shallow bursts as if even talking is too much for him. “I’m rambling. All I’m saying is please don’t let your mom or the board sway you when it comes to marriage. It’s a lifelong commitment not to be taken lightly. I know the board is pushing you right now because of the stupid rule your grandfather made. Look at me. I married your mother because he wanted me married by twenty-five, and I let your grandma set me up with someone just to stay CEO.”

A sudden ache takes over my throat as I swallow. I’ve always felt sorry for myself due to my mother’s lack of maternal instincts. I never thought how it must affect my dad.

“Son, are you listening?”

I nod, my tongue too dry to speak.

“Promise me.”

He doesn’t have to elaborate. Only one woman’s face pops into my mind at the thought of marrying for love. Maybe I don’t love her yet, but she’s the only woman who has made me feel alive. And that’s enough for me.

“I promise to marry for love.” A sudden and stupid idea pops into my head, but I’ll do anything to make my father happy. “Actually, there is a woman I love, and we were planning on getting married next week.”

My father’s eyes blink rapidly. “What?”

“As you mentioned, the board has been pressuring me to get married. I thought a small, secret wedding would be better for privacy.” I smile as if I’m not lying through my teeth. “Her name is Serenity, and I think you’ll love her.”

“Serenity?” My father says her name like it’s an answered prayer. “I’m scared I won’t make it another week. Can you move it up to this weekend?”

Three days. This weekend is in three days. “Yes, of course, Father.”