Chapter 14%
The next few days passed in a blur
Even though I healed faster than humans, the emotional pain still remained. My body healed quickly. There was more soreness when I sat up, and no pain when I walked or moved!!
But the ache in my chest was heavy, refusing to heal no matter what
Alastair stayed by my side throughout.
He never hovered, or made me feel uncomfortable, but every time I looked around, he was there
Most times, he sat by the window reading a book, or in the kitchen making delicious meals for me. He cooked better than I expected, and he even made tra the exact way I liked it without asking.
“How did you know I love my tea this way?” I asked after sipping the tea he gave me.
He smiled. “1 asked your father.”2
Every time I cried, he would be there
He never tried to make me stop. He would just kneel in front of me, wrap his arms around me gently, and hold me until I stopped.
By the end of the week, I was almost fully recovered physically. All my wounds and bruises were gone. I was even taking short walks -around the house.
I felt stronger and lighter!
One moming, I stepped into the living room and saw Alastair sitting with two cups of te
One for him, one for me.
I smiled and joined him, sitting on the couch opposite him
“You look better,” he said.
I took the tea. “I feel better. Thanks to you.
He gave me a soft smile. “You don’t need to thank me.”
We sat in comfortable silence for a while, just enjoying each other’s company⠀
Then, after a while, Alastair set down his cup. “Willow.”
I looked at him.
“You don’t have to marry me,” he said quietly.!!
I blinked. “What?“8
tea.”
He looked down at his cup of tea. “I know you felt pressured into this arrangement. You were looking for a way to get out of your predicament, so you agreed to your father’s proposal to marry a stranger“]
I swallowed hard.
“I get it,” he said softly. “But you don’t owe me anything “X
I stared at him, shocked:3
1 will always be here for you,” he continued, “Whether or not we get married, You don’t need a ring to have my protection, support, or my love.”
My throat tightened. “Why are you saying this?”
“Because you deserve to heal,” he said. “You don’t have to give me anything you’re not ready to give.“%
Tears burned behind my eyes again.
“L., I don’t know what to say, I whispered.
He gave me a warm smile. “You don’t have to say anything.”
I looked at him for a moment, and I felt something shift in my chest.!
“I’ll marry you,” I whispered
Alastair blinked. “You–what?”
“I’ll marry you,” I repeated. My voice was shaky, but I didn’t look away from his intense gaze “I know I don’t love you yet. But I know I’m getting there. Every day, I feel it more.”
His eyes widened slightly
“I feel safe with you,” I added. “You tre
A lear rolled down my cheek.
treat me so well.”
I continued. “I have moved on from that other life, and I want to start over. I want to start over with you.”
Alastair stood slowly and walked over to kneel before me. He gently cupped my face, brushing the tear away with his thumb.
His eyes pierced into mine like he was trying to make sure that I really meant it.
“You don’t have to say yes because you feel pressured,” he murmured.)
Im not I said softly!
He looked at me for another long moment, then slowly nodded. “Okay,” he whispered, a small smile tugged at his lips. “Then I’m the
다 *
luckiest man alive.”
Before I could respond, the front door opened and my father walked in.
His eyes widened when he saw Alastair kneeling in front of me, his hand still on my cheek.
He blinked. “Did I walk in on something?”
Alastair stood up, but he didn’t move away. “We were just talking.”
I took a deep breath and stood up. “Dad… I think it’s time to get married.”
My father paused, then he sighed. “Are you sure? Willow, I know that you said it earlier, but you were just looking for an escape and-“”
I cut in. “I mean it, Dad, I want to marry Alpha Alastair
My voice didn’t shake this time.
Alastair looked like he was trying not to smile too hard. He kept his hands behind his back, but his joy was very visible on his face. “You’re sure?” my father asked again.
“Yes sir,” I said, nodding firmly.
A smile crossed his lips, then he turned to Alastair. “Take care of my baby girl.”
Alastair stepped forward, nodding solemnly. “With my life.”
Then my father grinned widely. “Then what the hell are we waiting for?”
I blinked, “Huh?”
He clapped his hands together. “We’ve got a wedding to prepare! Let the preparations begin!”
For the first time in a very long time, I grinned.)
