Chapter 13

Chapter 13

Vanco

Dominic can be a complete asshole most of the time and even in this case, I guess I shouldn’t have expected any other reaction apart from him telling me to mind my own business.

At a loss for words after I’m told to shut it, I press my lips together as I face the marble floor. I guess I should’ve really kept my mouth shan

I know (11) take a while before we arrive in California, but I don’t want him to embarrass both of us by showing up at the hospital while reeking of alcohol

After what just happened, I don’t think I can keep looking at him while he continues to drink. I know that I’ll only get the urge to once again suggest he stops doing it, despite promising myself to stay out of it.

When I rise to my feet so I can head to the private room, he stops me in my tracks by grabbing onto my wrist.

“Do you actually think we’re going straight to the hospital from here?” he asks, “We’re first going home. We’ll only go to the hospital once I receive confirmation that Penelope’s awake. It could even be in the evening. Until then, don’t you dare play the role of my wife. I can clearly take care of myself. Have I made myself clear?”

My heart aches a little. I really wish I didn’t say anything to him a few seconds ago.

“Whatever you say.” I pull my wrist away then continue in my intended direction.

I want to be as far away from him as possible, so I head to the back of the cabin until I’m in the private stateroom.

Sittingbdown on the plush white bedding, I trail my fingers on the texture as I begin to wonder if this is what’ll keep happening to us.

Will a day ever come when he’ll take my advice!

Had Carmella said it instead, would he have listened to her?

Even if he would’ve continued to drink, I’m certain he would’ve been nice to that he chose to be rude..

to her in his re

response. It’s only because it’s me

At this moment, I even feel like I should start being rude to him as well, but that’s only possible in my head. It’s never been in my nature to be rude to people unless they really deserve it.

To keep myself occupied, I reach for the tablet to resume watching the show from earlier. There’s a few more hours to go until we arrive.

Dominic

On one hand, this is one of the best days of my life. This business deal that’s made me billions of dollars is private and has nothing to do with any of my family and business assets.

On the other hand, this feels like a half celebration because I’m drinking alone. Of course, I’d drink with Frank but I muc

I prefer drinking with my babe.

Thinking about how she’s not here with me right now is getting to me

When I left the island with Vanessa, we left her behind. I made separate travel arrangements for her to avoid raising any form of suspicion.

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Chapter 13

If only I could’ve all brought her on my private jet with me right then, we’d be celebrating right now.

I even thought of bringing her a Vanessa’s friend but that wouldve only raised questions because this was my fucking honeymoon. I’m just glad it’s over quickly

As I pour myself some more whiskey. I look in the back and can help but scoff. Who does Vanessa think she is? Just because we took some footage by the shore and spoke about Penelope, she now feels entitled to tell me what to do. No fucking way.

It’s a good thing my alcohol tolerance fascinates all those who know me. Despite all this whiskey I’ve just taken, I feel nothing

However, I’m sure I do reek of alcohol. That can easily be sorted out. I would never go to the hospital in this state, not at the orphanage. I’ll make sure to take care of it as soon as I get home.

The thought of my new home with Vanessa only reminds me of the fact that for as long as I don’t take over the family business, 111 be living with her under the same roof.

even

The mansion is quite spacious and I can easily avoid her. But just the thought that shell be somewhere in the house bothers

I guess I’ll rarely be home since I’ll be at work or with Carmella. If only I could bring her to live with me right now. It might be impossible for now but giving it some time since Vanessa and I are newlyweds, I’ll make it happen under the pretext of Carmella visiting her friend.

I’m so glad she’s so understanding. Fll always take care of her after what she went through with her awful husbands

Now that I feel I’ve taken enough whiskey, I pour myself a full glass of water, then scroll on my tablet as I check out the toy store catalog. It’s a billion dollar subsidiary run by my Aunt Patricia.

It’s been a long time since I started wondering what toys to get Penelope but until now, I can’t yet figure it out.

This isn’t my first time getting toys for one of the children but because her surgery was the most critical among many, I don’t want to just get her something so simple. It has to be special.

Looking at the catalog brings no ideas to mind so I guess I’ll just leave it until the moment I’ll actually get to the store and I won’t be going alone.

Vanessa

As I descend first from the plane in my blue flowy dress, I raise my eyebrows a little at the scene before me here at the airport.

There are people around standing at a distance and taking pictures, giving space to the bodyguards surrounding the jet.

They’re all dressed in black suits and black shades, each equipped with some white earpieces.

I’m going to have to get used to this because the Richards family are extremely powerful people and always need extra security around them.

There have been incidents in the past of attempted robberies that never went as planned. All these bodyguards around are highly trained professionals. Some even have military training. Even with their black suits on, their physique can be seen from their arms.

As soon as I step off the last airstair, Dominic follows suit and I can instantly smell the alcohol.

Minding my own business, I face forward as the bodyguards surround us while they look around, possibly for any potential

threats.

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Chapter 13

I didn’t grow up with aordinary life, but there was never this level of security

When we tumm at the corner of the airport, there’s a black limousine parked and it’s only one of two which Dominic owns.

There’s a bodyguard standing right by the door and when I’m close enough, he opens the door for me.

As soon as I get inside, I’m not comfortable because I feel like 1st pulled a muscle in my calf, but Dominic gets in and speaks with a lace of imitation

“Move”

I don’t even look at him as I roll my eyes, dowly dragging my leg as I move over, just as rudely instructed.

It’s only when I’m on the other end of the seat that I hiss from the pain.

“What’s wrong?” His tone is now laced with a little bit of concem

“I think I pulled a muscle in my calf.” I grit my teeth.

“How’s that even possible? You were fine a few seconds ago.”

“It just happened, okay? It’s not like anyone ever plans for this to happen.”

Is it that bad?” His question actually surprises me. Now he’s actually concerned after being rude to me?

I’m trying my best to not make a big deal out of the pain, but it’s so unbearable that I groan.

“Yes, it’s that bad.” I admit to him.

“Let me see that,” he says, trying to reach for my leg.

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