Marrying My Father's Enemy
Chapter 38: Callian Is Back

Chapter 38: Callian Is Back

Chapter 38: Callian Is Back

Eira sat in the quiet hospital room, with her eyes glued to the screen of her phone.

Headlines flashed across it, each one was more shocking than the last.

Dominion Investors Begin Pullout—Stock Free Fall Continues.

She exhaled a shaky breath, her heart pounded faster as she read the latest updates. "Finally," she whispered to herself. "They’re actually leaving him."

So focused on the news, she didn’t hear the faint move from the hospital bed behind her.

The beeping machines, the conversations of nurses down the hall—it all faded as she scrolled through the articles.

But then, a soft and weak voice broke through. "Eira..."

She blinked, thinking she was imagining it.

"Eira," the voice called again, barely louder, but real.

She felt a faint pressure on her shoulder, and she jumped, startled.

Her phone slipped from her hand, colliding with the floor.

Slowly, she turned around, heart thudding.

"Callian!" She gasped.

Her hand went to her chest as if to calm something deep inside.

Her pulse quickened, fingers trembling slightly as she tried to gather herself.

His eyes were open and looking right at her, with a gentle smile lifting the corners of his lips.

"Callian...?" Her voice cracked as she stepped closer. She was shaking. "Is it... are you really awake?"

He managed a small nod, his smile growing just a little. "Hey, Eira..."

A sob escaped her, and she rushed to his side, wrapping her arms around him.

"Oh, Callian... I thought I’d lost you forever." She buried her face into his shoulder, her tears soaking through the thin hospital gown.

Callian flinched a bit, but then he lifted his arms, pulling her close with a shaky hug.

"Hey, hey," he murmured in a still faint but warm voice. "It’s okay... I’m here."

She pulled back just enough to look into his eyes, her face wet with tears. "Are you... really okay? You’re... awake?"

"Feels like it," he whispered, brushing a stray tear from her cheek with his thumb. "Though... I think I might still be dreaming, having you here."

Eira laughed through her tears, holding his hand tightly. "Don’t you ever scare me like that again, Callian. You don’t get to leave me."

"I’m not going anywhere," he murmured. "Not as long as you’re here."

She hugged him again, squeezing him tightly, as if he’d slip away if she let go.

"Eira," he whispered after a moment, his hand still resting on her back. "You... didn’t give up on me?"

Her face pressed against his shoulder, she shook her head. "I’d never give up on you, Callian. Not ever."

He smiled, leaning his head back, closing his eyes. "Thank you," he whispered. "For being here... for waiting."

They stayed like that, wrapped in each other’s arms; the world outside seemed to be forgotten.

Eira wiped her eyes, pulling herself together. "I need to tell Rylan—and your family," she said, reaching for her phone. "They’ll be so happy you’re awake."

But Callian’s hand lifted up, gently catching her wrist. "Wait. Not yet." His voice was quiet.

She paused, looking at him. "Are you sure?"

He nodded. "Just... let’s keep it quiet for now." He glanced around the room, his eyes softened as they landed on her. "How long was I... like this?"

"About a month," she said gently, her fingers squeezing his hand.

He let out a slow breath. "A month," he murmured, looking up at the ceiling, processing it. Then he turned back to her. "And you? Are you okay?"

"Yes," she answered quickly, forcing a small smile.

She didn’t want to tell him about Henry, the headlines, or any of the assaults. He’d just woken up.

This wasn’t the time.

He watched her for a moment, but then nodded, letting it go. "Could you, um... could you call the nurse for me?"

Eira pressed the button by the bed, and within seconds, a nurse hurried in.

The woman’s eyes widened, and she gasped, covering her mouth with her hand. "Callian Reed! You’re awake!"

"Looks like it," he said, giving her a small smile.

The nurse stepped closer, looking him up and down with a grin. "I’ll say... and you look better than ever." She let out a little laugh, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Welcome back."

Eira shifted to the side, waiting for the nurse to check his vitals, but the nurse barely glanced her way, focused entirely on Callian.

"How do you feel?" she asked him in a bit too sweet tone. "Need anything? I’ll be here all day if you do."

Callian glanced at Eira, his eyebrows lifting slightly, but he stayed polite. "Thanks. Just... glad to be awake."

Eira cleared her throat, trying to get the nurse’s attention. "Um, so... is he okay? Does he need anything specific?"

The nurse finally looked over, but only for a second. "Oh, he’s fine," she said, waving Eira off before turning back to Callian with a big smile.

"You’re incredibly lucky, you know that? Most people don’t wake up this soon."

Callian gave a small, polite nod. "I guess I am."

The nurse’s smile widened. "You must have a strong will," she said, resting a hand lightly on his arm.

"If there’s anything you need—a new pillow, extra blankets, anything—just call me, alright?" Her voice was so soft that it seemed like she was purring.

Eira’s lips pressed together.

She glanced at Callian, who was trying not to look too uncomfortable.

He shifted his arm slightly, and the nurse reluctantly took her hand off.

"Thank you," Callian said, looking over at Eira for some backup. "But I think I’m good for now."

The nurse let out a small laugh, barely moving away. "Well, if you’re sure." She lingered by his side.

Eira cleared her throat again, louder this time. "I think he might need some rest, actually," she said, keeping her voice firm.

The nurse blinked, finally stepping back. "Oh, right. Of course." She sent one more smile at Callian. "Just call if you need me."

Once she left, Eira let out a small sigh of relief.

"Well, looks like you have quite the fan," she murmured, folding her arms.

Callian rolled his eyes, giving her a tired smile. "Good to know I haven’t lost my charm," he said dryly.

Eira chuckled softly, shaking her head. "You’re definitely back."