14. Drakar

Iam engrossed in reviewing quarterly reports when my phone rings, jolting me out of my focus. Sally’s mother’s name flashes on the screen and I feel a spark of urgency, answering immediately. ”Viola, is everything alright?”

”Drakar, I wanted to let you know Frank crashed early this morning,” she says, concern lacing her tone. “The doctors had to revive him.”

My muscles tense at the unexpectedly serious news.

”The doctors say he”s stable now but asking for you. I think it”s important you come to see him.”

Pushing aside my work, I stand quickly. ”Of course, I”m on my way now. Thanks for calling, Viola.”

As I hang up, a swirl of emotions washes over me. What does Frank want? There’s a sinking feeling that he’ll tell me he disapproves of our impending marriage. He’s been giving me and Sally strange looks, and I can tell he’s not completely won over with our act.

I stride purposefully to my car. Sliding into the driver”s seat, I take a moment to organize my swirling thoughts before starting the engine. Frank didn”t outright reject me. He merely wants reassurance. And while our arrangement began in practicality, over these months, my feelings have become more complicated.

I care for Sally, that much I”ve admitted to myself even if not yet to her. Seeing how her love and light positively impact those around her only strengthens my regard. No matter how this relationship started, my affection for Sally is genuine. I just need Frank to see that.

When I first agreed to this marriage arrangement with Sally, it was purely strategic – a business transaction to appease my board of directors. But Sally has a way of bringing out the best in people. Her radiant smile and kind heart have melted even my icy reserve.

Over the time we”ve spent together, helping with her father”s health and caring for one another, I”ve felt myself changing. Sally”s generous spirit seems to have breathed life into the parts of me that had long been dormant.

For the first time, I have people who care for me. Not because of any title or wealth, but for who I am.

I want more than anything to prove myself worthy of Sally’s hand. Even if our relationship began as an arrangement, I can’t deny the simple companionship is more than I could have hoped for. I will keep fighting to demonstrate through my loyalty and commitment that I am devoted to her in every way, now and always. This family means everything to me.

With perseverance and determination, I believe I can prove myself to Frank and earn the right to call Sally my wife in more than just name alone. My future is brighter than I ever imagined.

I pull into the parking garage near the hospital”s entrance and cut the engine. For a moment I sit in silence, collecting my thoughts. So much rides on this meeting with Frank. I take a deep breath, trying to quell my nerves.

Stepping out of the car, I smooth my suit jacket and roll back my shoulders, squaring my stance. Now is not the time for hesitation or uncertainty. I must project confidence and determination if I want to convince Frank I”m serious about proving myself.

The lights of the parking structure cast a hazy glow as I stride purposefully toward the elevator.

My expensive loafers tap briskly against the concrete floor, echoing in the cavernous space. Other visitors hurry past with looks of worry or exhaustion on their faces. I imagine Sally and Frank must feel the same strain of emotional turmoil.

Reaching the elevator, I tap my foot impatiently as the floor numbers light up slowly. When the doors finally slide open with a chime, I”m greeted by my haggard reflection in the mirrored walls. Smoothing my hair, I square my jaw and raise my chin higher.

The elevator rises smoothly, preparing to deposit me on the floor of reckoning. I know Sally”s soothing presence will help calm my nerves, but it”s Frank I must convince. By the end of our talk, I”m determined to leave him with a new understanding of my sincerity and worthiness. The doors open with a ding.

The sterile halls seem to stretch endlessly as I make my way towards Frank’s room. Finally spotting Sally outside the door, I call out and hurry over.

”Sally, is everything alright? Your mom called me, what does your father need?”

Her smile is warm but tired. ”He”s stable, just wants to talk. I think it”s a good sign he”s asking for you.”

Nodding, I take a steadying breath and enter the room. Frank meets my gaze, his blue eyes sharpened by pain but also something else I can”t place. Time to face whatever judgment awaits and keep earning their trust, one step at a time.

Frank lies in the hospital bed, tubes and machines monitoring his vital signs. His face is worn but alert as his eyes find mine.

”Drakar, come in,” he says warmly. I walk to his bedside and stand awkwardly, meeting his gaze. ”Viola said you wished to speak with me.”

”Yes, thank you for coming,” Frank replies.

A brief silence hangs between us as we study each other. I offer a small smile, hoping to ease the tension. The pause stretches as he searches for the right words.

”I wanted to thank you, Drakar, for everything you”ve done for my family,” he begins. ”Taking care of Sally and helping means more than I can say.”

”You”re welcome, but there”s no need to thank me,” I reply gently. ”I care for Sally and view you all as my family now, too.”

”Well, know that we feel the same. You’re one of the family now, Drakar. Both Viola and myself view you as part of this flock.” His smile is warm and reassuring, lifting a weight from my shoulders I hadn”t known was there.

Frank pats my hand kindly. His eyes began to droop slightly, exhaustion creeping in. “Please take care of Sally for me,” he says through a yawn.

“Of course,” I replied without hesitation. Frank manages a smile before sleep overtakes him.

I exit Frank”s room, mind swirling with our conversation. Sally waits patiently outside, ever the calming presence. ”How did it go?” she asks gently.

”Better than expected,” I reply with a small smile. ”He told me he considers me part of the family.” Sally”s responding smile lights up the dreary hallway.

”That”s a relief. My father can be overly cautious but his heart is in the right place,” she says sagely. I nod in understanding, having sensed Frank”s protective instincts quite plainly. An air of comfortable silence falls as we walk toward the exit together.

”I appreciate you making the effort, Drakar,” Sally continues after a moment. ”It means a lot that you”re trying to ease my father”s worries, not just for formalities but genuinely.” Her sincerity touches me.

Gazing down at her earnest face, I feel my usual guarded walls lowering imperceptibly. ”Your family”s acceptance is important to me. This agreement is about more than business– I want you both to feel at ease in this transition.”

The truth of my words surprises me.