The Alpha's Contracted Lover

CHAPTER 8::FATHER

Emily's POV

I looked at the contract he had handed me, feeling so uneasy. I didn't want to do this and what bothered me most was what his reaction was going to be. Signing this would mean giving up my personal life entirely.

I glanced up at Berton who was watching me with a kind but intense expression. I had no idea what he was going to tell me after I'd told him my mind.

"I appreciate the offer," I began hesitantly. " I really do, but I can't do this. It would mean giving up too much of my life. And, after everything that's happened, I can't help but wonder if there are other reasons behind your offer." I said the words in a breath, before slowly glancing up to know what his reaction was going to be.

Would he be mad at me or was he going to push it off like nothing had happened. I didn't think he would be kind about it, for someone who had stared at me the way he did when he walked into the bathroom when I was undressed.

Berton's face softened. "Emily, I understand your concerns. But I assure you, my intentions are genuine." I felt a bit better when he spoke that way. At least, he wasn't going to make it clear that I would be in trouble if I didn't do what he wanted.

"I know," I said, forcing a smile. "But my current salary is enough to support us. You've already done so much for me and I can't ask for more." I was happy that I was taking advantage of the bravado I suddenly picked up because if I wasn't being direct and assertive, he would try his best to make me change my mind without force, and I didn't want to change my mind about this. My decision was final and nothing was going to change my mind now. "Emily," he started, but I shook my head, interrupting him while returning his gaze.

"I appreciate your Alpha. I really do. But I'm I'm I have to decline." I finished, leaving no other room for argument.

He sighed before he nodded reluctantly. "Alright. If you change your mind, the offer stands." He said. As I left the office and walked through the company building, I felt relieved and a bit uncertain about what he was going to do now. I was proud of myself for standing my ground, but a part of me wondered if I was making a mistake. When I got home, I couldn't wait to tell my father the good news about landing a job at a major corporation. But as soon as I walked through the door, my heart stopped. My father had collapsed on the floor, trembling violently.

"Dad!" I screamed, rushing to his side.

I grabbed my phone and dialed emergency services with my hand shaking. I couldn't help the fear that had gripped me right now.

"Please, hurry!" I begged the operator and within minutes, an ambulance arrived and rushed him to the hospital.

I was pacing about in the waiting room when we arrived, filled with fear and worry.

Finally after what felt like an eternity, a doctor walked out of the ICU and approached me. "Miss Emily, right?" "Yes, that's me," My voice was shaky as I replied.

"Your father's body has suffered severe damage from years of hard work, and I'm sorry to let you know that he has developed cancer. Without prompt treatment, he might not have long to live."

The tears filled my eyes as I asked, "I-Is his illness treatable?" I was so scared.

The doctor sighed as the look on his face turned serious. "A full recovery is unlikely, but we can try to relieve his symptoms. However, it will be costly."

I sighed, not wanting to imagine how much it was going to cost. "How much?" I asked with a pounding heart.

She named a huge sum: "$150,000."

I felt my knees go weak instantly. "I don't have that kind of money," The words came out as whispers.

The doctor shook her head in pity before placing her hand on my shoulder. "Do what you can, Miss Emily. We'll do our best to keep him comfortable."

I used my savings to secure a few days in the hospital for my father and pleaded with the doctor that I would do everything possible, promising to raise the necessary funds. But as I left the hospital, I knew that my future was bleak and gathering such a huge sum within a few days would be impossible. Back at home, I sat in the dark, trying to think of ways to raise the money.

That's when my phone rang. It was Steven. His call brought back all the hurt, but I answered it anyway.

"Emily," he said coldly, "I wanted to let you know that it's over between us."

I clenched my fists, trying not to allow the words to get to me. "I already knew that, Steven. You made it clear to me when you cheated on me." I sneered but he laughed, a cruel sound that sent chills down my spine.

"Well, now it's official. I'm with someone better- someone beautiful and from a wealthy family. Goodbye, Emily."

Before I could say anything, he hung up on me and when I tried calling him back, it wouldn't even ring. That was the moment I came to the chilling realization that he had blocked my number.

I stared at my phone, feeling all sorts of emotions- anger, shock, sadness, despair and acceptance. I had no idea how I was going to accept such a rotten day.

Everything had gone totally wrong, and I knew that there was only one way to redeem my father from dying. I couldn't let anything happen to him, but that meant I was going to call Alpha Berton to tell him I'd changed my mind. I couldn't believe I would be swallowing my pride so soon.