A week had passed since the dinner, and Diana couldn't stop thinking about the proposal. It lingered in her thoughts like an unanswered question. Weighing the pros and cons had consumed her, making it hard to focus at work. As co-CEO of her father's company, she knew she should've been more composed, more professional—but her mind was elsewhere, and guilt gnawed at her.
"Miss Frost, the meeting with Mr. Williams is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. sharp," her assistant, Sarah, reminded her.
Diana looked up from her thoughts. "Have you prepared all the documents?"
"Yes, ma'am. Everything's ready."
"Good."
Just then, her phone rang—Dr. Kylle, her father's longtime physician. A chill ran through her.
"Go ahead first, Miss Bridge," she told Sarah. "I need to take this call."
Sarah nodded and left the room.
Diana answered. "Hello?"
"Diana," Dr. Kylle's voice trembled. "You need to come to the hospital. Your father… he collapsed."
Two hours later, she stood in the hospital corridor, numb. Dr. Kylle approached, her face grave.
"Your father has cancer."
The words struck like a blade.
"We can treat it, right?"
Dr. Kylle hesitated. "It's already stage four."
Diana reeled. Her father had always seemed so strong, so full of life. This couldn't be real.
"He had annual checkups. He should've known," she protested.
"He did," Dr. Kylle admitted. "He was diagnosed three months ago."
"What?" Her voice cracked with disbelief. "Why didn't he tell me? Why didn't you tell me?"
"He didn't want you to worry. He asked me not to. I'm so sorry, Diana."
Tears welled in her eyes. "I'm his daughter. I should've known."
"I tried to persuade him, but you know how he is—once he makes a decision, nothing can change it."
She imagined him, suffering in silence, hiding his pain behind a smile to protect her. And she hadn't noticed a thing.
"How long does he have…?" The rest caught in her throat.
"It depends on treatment and his will to fight. It could be six months… maybe less." Dr. Kylle gently took her hand. "He refused chemotherapy. Said he didn't want to spend his final days in a hospital bed."
Diana nodded, blinking away tears. "Then I'll convince him. I won't let him leave me… not like this."
Two days passed. Her father remained unconscious after the operation. She hadn't left his side once. The hospital room was quiet except for the soft beeping of monitors.
A knock broke the silence. When she opened the door, she was surprised to see Adam standing there, holding a bouquet of white lilies.
"Adam? What are you doing here?"
"I heard what happened. I came to visit. I hope I'm not intruding."
"No, not at all. Please, come in."
He followed her to her father's bedside, handing her the flowers.
"Thank you."
Many of her father's colleagues had visited, but seeing Adam here—despite his packed schedule—took her off guard. She knew they had shared mutual respect, but this was unexpected.
"How is he?" Adam asked, genuine concern in his voice.
"We don't know yet. He had surgery, but he's still unconscious." Her voice faltered. She almost broke, but forced herself to hold it in. Not now. Not in front of Adam.
"He'll recover," he said softly, his voice steady. "He wouldn't leave his daughter like this. He loves you too much."
The words, simple as they were, warmed her heart.
"Did he… talk about me?"
"All the time." Adam gave a faint smile. "Every time we met, it was 'My daughter is the best of the best.'"
That was so like him. She let out a small laugh through the sadness. She missed him—his voice, his teasing, his warmth. And the thought that he might only have a few months left crushed her.
I'd trade places with you if I could, she thought. I'd do anything just to see your smile again.
And then Adam's words from a week ago echoed in her mind: It could please your father… Their marriage. Would it bring her father peace? Would it give him joy?
Was that why Adam was here today? To hear her answer?
But he didn't bring it up. Not once. Even after twenty minutes of conversation.
She let out a quiet sigh of relief. Maybe… he came just because he cared.
Adam glanced at his watch. "I have to go. But if you need anything, let me know."
There was a rare softness in his voice.
"I will. Thank you, Adam."
He nodded. "Get some rest, Diana. You look exhausted."
She gave him a faint smile. "I'll try."
And then he was gone—without pushing, without expecting anything in return.
She turned back to her father. If this would make you happy…
A few minutes later, she dialed Adam's number.
After three rings, he answered. "Diana?"
"Are you still at the hospital?"
"Yes. Do you need something?"
"Where exactly are you?"
"Parking garage."
"Wait for me there."
She found him near his car, finishing a call. When he saw her, he hung up immediately.
Standing a meter away, she met his gaze. "I accept your proposal."
He didn't flinch. No joy, no surprise—just calm.
"Are you sure?" he asked.
"Yes," she replied, steady.
"Have you thought it through?"
"I have."
He extended his hand. "Then it's a deal, Diana."
She took it. And as their hands met, her heart thudded with uncertainty.
Please… let this be a decision I won't regret.