Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Dominic

It’s been thirty minutes now since I sat alone in this study, editing the clips and pictures I took with Vanessa outside.

I transferred everything to the computer. That way, it’s easier to navigate.

As I edit the next clip, my phone buzzes and I don’t even need to check to know who it is. It’s Carmella. She’s sent me several Lexts to apologize but I haven’t replied.

I also haven’t told her where I am. She’ll eventually

me on her owIL

I’m not mad at her. I just hate how she was careless enough to go outside and for what? Just to annoy Vanessa?

While I like the idea itself, it was bad timing and I wish she was smart enough to think about that. But then again, when it comes to her, that’s impossible.

As I edit these clips and pictures, I come across several moments where my arm is wrapped around Vimessa’s waist and she gives off a certain reaction. I’ve been studying her for a while now and it’s clear to me that’s a sensual area for her.

Not to dwell on it, I move on to the next clip by hovering with my mouse and it takes me a while to begin. I’ve just realized t have the footage of Vanessa and I kissing.

That part hasn’t even played yet, but I know it’s this particular footage.

Though I can easily fast forward it to the part where I kiss her, something I’m sure would warm my mother’s hear, I let go of the mouse and lean back to watch.

I already know that Vanessa’s body language gave her away but seeing this footage from a different angle is quite amusing

She seems more flustered than I initially thought and as it builds up to the moment I kiss her, I clench my fists to stay composed

Now that I’m looking at this, I realize I kissed her for such a long time.

Once the kissing part is done, my eyes widen when the part where I made a fool of myself begins.

Quickly, I fast forward because I don’t want to be reminded of in

I can’t believe I have everything on camera, including the moment she goes into the water.

Since she’s too far away, I zoom in on her and lean closer to the screen.

Just then, the door opens and I change the frame on the screen before I can even look back to see who it is.

“Babe,” Carmella says in a low and sad tone. “Tve been looking everywhere for you.” She stands right behind me and places. her hands on my shoulders.

“I’m right here.” I don’t even look up at her as I focus on the paused frame of just the sea

“You’ve been here this whole time? Why didn’t you tell me? I sent you several messages and your phone is right here.”

“You know exactly why I didn’t tell you.”

Are y

you still mad at me?” She wraps her arms around my neck.

“What do you think?

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11:13 THU su

Chapter 12

“Babe. I’m sorry. I kitow I shouldn’t have gone out there.”

“But you still did.”

know what hurt me the most when I was out there with that bitch? You to

I look up at her in surprise. “When did I take her side!”

“When you told me to give her the phone back.”

“What did you want to do instead?”

“I wanted to throw it in the ocean. She mischievously taps her fingers.

“Then you should’ve done that.”

She gasps, “Would you have allowed it?”

“Of course

“Next time. I’m definitely doing it. So what are you working on!

Tm editing the footage.”

“Can see it?”

You really want to see me and Vanessa together?”

took her side.

“On second thought, forget it. But babe, you didn’t do anything extreme, did you? She kisses my check.

“Of course not. Why would you u even think that way?”

“I don’t know. I guess it just crossed my mind.”

Trold you she means nothing to me and you know it. You’re the one who matters here. There’s something I didn’t tell you. We’re leaving this place tomorrow morning”

“Why?”

“I have to see Penelope.

“Who’s Penelope?”

I’m a little disappointed but not surprised. “She’s the little girl who just had a successful surgery.

“Oh, that one.”

1 scoff. I don’t even want to get into it with her.

“You know what?” She turns flirtatious as she whispers in my car I want to make it up to you.”

“How will you do that?” I’m still a little annoyed by her failure to recognize who Penelope is.

“I’m giving you thirty minutes to work on this footage. Afterwards, come to the bedroom and then you’ll find out.”

Just like that, my mind shifts and Hick my lips. “I like the sound of that.”

Once she leaves, I resume watching the clip I was on and I only select a small section from the kiss. That’s all I need. I delete everything else, including ninety percent of the footage focused on the kiss and Vanessa in the water.

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Chapter 12

Vanessa

It’s been five minunes since I got on the phone with Mia, my best friend and all she’s been talking about is Dominic. If only

she knew the truth.

“So where is he now?” she asks.

“In the study.”

“I bet he’s in need of you right now and here I am, keeping you away from him.”

“It’s no big deal.” I fake my amusement.

“Don’t be silly! Any minute now, he’ll come looking for you.”

I can’t help but scoff. To the public, Dominic and I have been very convincing.

I just

love you two are so in love!”

“Me too. He really makes me happy.”

“I bet he does and in more ways than one! You still haven’t told in about your wedding night. Were there red roses? Or maybe candlelight: Tell me everything!”

Despite the type of response I’ve just given her, she giggles with excitement as if I’ve given her all the details.

“Dominic is so romantic. You’re so lucky

The two of us keep talking for a while until 1 decide I can’t take it anymore. I’ve heard enough about him.

Once I put the phone down, I look around and sigh heavily. I would’ve loved to stay here longer but this is for a good cause. Id love to see Penelope..

How could Dominic be such a pain in the ass to me and a saint to those children? I wonder.

As I keep thinking about it, my phone rings again and this time, It’s my mother–in–law.

“Hello?” I say with enthusiasm,

“Why haven’t you called me since you arrived?” She playfully silks. “Do you know how jealous I was when you spoke to Bernard earlier?”

“Actually, he’s the one who called me.”

“My dear, it doesn’t matter. I’m still jealous! But anyway, how are you?”

“I’m okay.”

“Oh, you poor thing. I know it hurts so you don’t have to hide it from me. This was supposed to be your honeymoon for two weeks and now it’s been cut short.”

I don’t mind. I’m excited to visit the hospital. There’ll be more times like these”

“Come to think of it, I’m glad you’re coming back so I can give you your gift. I’m certain you’ll love it more compared to Bernard’s gift.

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pler 12

Tm sure I will, mother: But please don’t tell him I said that.

“It’s our little secret, she whispers with a giggle.

After the call ends, I look down at my phone and smile with a hand on my chest. Everyone greatly care of about, except my fucking husband.

Now that I want to be away from my phone, I decide to go downstairs to watch a show or something.

Right when I get to the stairs, I pause when I hear grunts and pans from what seems to be Dominic’s bedroom.

“Fuck mel Carmella screams

How annoying that she’s so loud and part of me feels like she’s doing this on purpose. It’s all in an attempt to irritate me in case I’m listening. It’s not like he can actually make her scream that loud. There’s no way.

With a shrug. I walk downstairs and call the chef, instructing her to make me a meal.

Then, I make myself comfortable, reach for the remote and find something entertaining to watch. The volume is loud enough for me to hear nothing from upstairs.

It hasn’t been too long since the private jet took off and I already can’t wait to get off.

Apart from the staff ready to serve us, being on this private jet with Dominic had been awfully silent, just like the evening we traveled to our honeymoon destination using this same jet.

There’s also a wide distance between us from where we’ve taken our seats.

Once in a while, I glance at him with concern. He’s been sipping on whiskey since the private jet took off. It’s in celebration of a huge business venture that was another success for him. He made five billion dollars in just a month. Frank gave him the good news before we left the island.

Though Dominic’s very slow with sipping the whiskey, I’m greatly bothered by it and it’s not even because I don’t drink. I do, but it’s usually wine and only once or twice in a month. I’m only bothered by this because of what it could do to him.

Telling myself to just let him be, I look outside the window offering a view of the clouds below.

When I glance at him this time, he puts down his glass of whiskey and leans back in his plush white leather seat, placing his hands on the armrests with gleaming gold.

As much as I don’t want to, I feel I should say something to him before he picks up that glass again.

“I think you should stop drinking now,” I say to him.

He glares at me, raising his chin as he speaks bitterly. “How about you mind your own business? It already sucks enough that I can’t travel with Carmella and celebrate with her at this moment. Now I have to deal with you telling me what to do?”

“I’m just concerned that by the time we get to the hos