TEMPORARY MATES PERMANENT CRAVINGS novel Chapter 64

Sixty-Four

LISA

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My mother was adjusting to the hospital, though she had not settled into it yet. The room was private and spacious, with a window that opened toward the gardens and equipment arranged around the bed. Nurses came in at intervals to check on her and handle medications, moving with quiet efficiency.

She adjusted the blanket and turned her head as if trying to find a position that felt right.

“I need to thank Alpha Cameron properly.”

“Mom, he’s busy.”

“I don’t care. That man is paying for an expensive surgery, and I will not sit here without thanking him myself.”

I took out my phone and called him before she could keep going. He answered on the second ring.

“Hi. Sorry to bother you. My mother wants to speak with you.”

“Put her on.”

I handed her the phone and watched her bring it to her ear.

“Alpha Cameron, I don’t know how to thank you. What you’re doing for me, for my family, I cannot repay it.”

She paused, listening.

“You’re too kind. I promise we won’t take advantage.”

She nodded as he spoke, her mouth easing into a small smile.

“Thank you. Thank you so much.”

She stayed on the call for a few more minutes, repeating her thanks and listening closely. When she finished, she handed the phone back to me.

I stepped into the hallway before speaking. “Cameron?”

“When are you coming home?”

“This evening. Franklin is picking me up after visiting hours.”

“Good. I need to warn you. Evangeline is already reacting, and she may push things when you return.”

“I figured.”

“Keep your distance from her. I don’t want anything escalating.”

“I understand. You’ve already done enough for my mother.”

“Just focus on getting pregnant. That’s what matters. Once that’s done, everything settles.”

“Alright.”

He ended the call.

I lowered the phone and stayed where I was for a while before going back inside.

The doctors continued testing that afternoon, moving my mother through scans and examinations. They

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explained each step while pointing out what they were seeing, keeping everything direct.

The specialist Cameron arranged went over the plan in detail.

“The procedure will be done in stages. First, we work on the right eye and try to stop further damage. If that stage does not hold, the remaining steps will not be effective.”

My mother held my hand as he spoke.

“If the first stage holds, we move to restoring part of the vision that has been lost. It will not be complete, but it can improve function.”

He turned to her. “This process takes time, and it requires patience. If you commit to it, there is a real chance we can preserve your sight.”

“When do we start?”

“Tomorrow morning. The first procedure will take several hours. You will remain under observation afterward, and the full process will take months if everything progresses as expected.”

I nodded, keeping track of everything he said.

Franklin came by later with supplies, placing them near the bed. When I thanked him, he shook his head.

“The surgery is covered. Cameron handled it.”

We left the hospital as the light outside began to fade. The drive back to the main house passed without conversation, and I watched the road ahead through the windshield.

The moment I stepped inside, I saw them.

Cameron and Evangeline stood close together in the sitting room, his arm around her waist, her hand resting against his chest. They kissed where anyone entering would see.

I turned my head and kept walking.

“Lisa.”

I stopped and faced her.

“Welcome back. I hope your mother is settling in well.”

“She is. Thank you.”

She stepped away from Cameron and faced me fully.

“I wanted to speak with you. There are a few things we need to make clear.”

“Of course.”

“This arrangement exists for one purpose. You are here to carry our child, and that is the extent of your role in this house. There should be no confusion about that.”

“I understand.”

“Good. Because lately it has seemed otherwise. I want that corrected going forward.”

“It will be.”

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“I’m glad we understand each other. Not everyone would be as accommodating as I have been.”

Nadia stepped into the room and leaned against the doorway.

“She’s right. You need to remember why you’re here.”

I kept my attention on Evangeline. “I apologize for any confusion. It won’t happen again.”

“Thank you. You should get some rest.’

P

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