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“It’s not that easy.”

“Nothing worth doing ever is. But you’re a Milton. Since when did we stop looking forward?”

“We didn’t.”

“Good.” He sighs. “You will marry. I can force you if I must, but I don’t want to. So don’t deny me this.”

“Can’t you—”

“End of discussion.” His eyes close.

Doesn’t he get it? Love is not on the agenda for me. But I nod. Let him believe I’ll find a way.

“What did the last scans say?” I ask.

The pause is heavy, a leaden shroud that drapes over us both.

“Nothing.”

“You know I will ask the doctors the second I step out of this room.”

“It doesn’t look good.”

It’s the first time he admits to having a bad condition. That means it’s worse. All the talk about me marrying. It makes sense now. I run a hand over my face and lean back in the chair. This whole situation is fucked. Dad’s basically on his deathbed trying to marry me off before he’s gone.

I stand up and lean in to press a kiss on his forehead. “Get some rest, Dad. I’ll come back tomorrow.”

He grabs my wrist with surprising strength. “Don’t forget what we talked about.”

I gently pry his hand off. “I won’t.”

Dad’s eyes search my face, and when he finally nods, I squeeze his shoulder.

“See you tomorrow.”

He settles back against the pillows as I walk to the door. My hand hovers over the handle, and I glance back at him. Still as a corpse, except for the rise and fall of his chest.

With a quiet click, I shut the door behind me.

Novalie is sitting in the waiting area with her head in her hands.

When I get closer, she lifts her head. “Everything okay?”

“Never better.” No use telling truths that cut too deep. “Did the doctors talk with you?”

“No.”

I sigh, rubbing my temple. This whole damn situation gives me a headache.

“Don’t talk to them without me,” I say.

She glances up, eyes glistening.

I grip her shoulders. “If they want to talk, you get me first. Understand?”

Novalie’s lips press into a thin line as she holds my gaze. For a moment, it seems like she’ll refuse. But she finally nods, a reluctant acquiescence to my demand.

I release her and straighten my tie. “I need some air. Stay put until I get back.”

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