Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Dominic

As my parents step out of the car, I clench my fists, wondering why they’ve come here now.

But when I see my mother’s facial expression, she seems worried and just like that, it all makes sense to me. Vanessa must have called them about her current state. Couldn’t she just keep it to herself?

Now I’m stuck here with all of them and won’t be able to get to Carmella. Should I accept this situation and just give her a call? No. There’s something I can do to get away from here.

It takes me a few seconds to figure out so I pace around until finally, I come up with something. This will definitely work.

Quickly, I head down to meet them, going through what I’ll say several times as I take the elevator.

As soon as the elevator reaches the ground floor and opens, even at a distance. I can hear my mother’s concern in her voice as she sits with Vanessa on the couch

My father’s on the other couch, his expression showing similar concern. I can’t help but roll my eyes as I get closer. I can imagine what this would be like if my brother and sister would also show up.

Even when I’m close enough, my parents barely notice me. Their eyes are glued to Vanessa as my mother seems hair. What the hell? She’s not a baby.

Finally, my parents look at me and my father’s so stressed that be loosens his necktie.

“Son, what happened?”

“Father, I already told you it’s nothing. Vanessa says before I can respond.

“But just look at you, my daughter. First, you cut your honeymoon short and now this happened?”

to fix her

“I was just about to call you both and tell you about this. I guess someone beat me to it.” I say to my parents, glancing at Vanessa with clenched fists behind my back

“We had to rush here when Vanessa called” My mother moves to the edge of the couch so Vanessa can rest her back on her shoulder, leaving the other side of the couch empty.

As much as I don’t want to, I go over to that specific couch and next to Vanessa.

“Son. I hope you follow the instructions Doctor Miller gave you my father says.

“Of course, only the best for her” My lips curve into a fake smile as I gently hold onto both of Vanessa’s legs and let them rest in my lap.

She seems surprised but goes with it. I can’t wait to confront her about this. How dare she do such a thing? Did she know I’d be leaving her to go to Carmella? Is this her way of stopping me from leaving? That’s not happening. I just need to find the right moment to leave.

“Have you had something to eat, dear?” My mother sweetly asks Vanessa.

“I haven’t had anything since we left the island.”

“What? This is unacceptable. You need to eat or drink something now more than ever.”

“I think you’re right, mother. Babe, I want some juice.”

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Chapter 16

I internally scoff at how she just lovingly addressed me, but this is something we do whenever our parents are around.

“Okay,” I say to her. “Victor,” I call one of the butlers.

“No, not Victor. Can you please do it? I like the way you make it Vanessa says to me,

I can’t believe she’s making me do this right now, When my mother giggles, I look over at her and then seem to love whatever nonsense is going on between me and Vanessa.

Smiling at her, I gently put down her feet, ensuring I don’t cause her any pain.

“Ill be right back.”

As I begin to leave, I stop in my tracks when Vanessa speaks again.

“Wait, could you please add some cookies?”

“Whatever you want, babe. I poke my cheek as soon as I say it. That doesn’t even sound right.

my

father. They both

Once I’m in the kitchen, I can’t help but wonder why Vanessa’s doing this to me. Is it because I yelled at her on the private jet and told her to mind her own business?

Whatever the case, this makes me score points with my parents, even tell the maidservants to just stand by as I do it all by myself.

Just when I’m about to finish with it, my phone rings and I fear that it’s Carmella, but it turns out to be my father–in–law He’s obviously calling because of what happened to Vanessa and huff before I pick up.

“Hello!” I lean against the black countertop.

“Hello, son. Is my daughter near you right now?” As always, his voice is gentle.

“No. Is something wrong? I narrow my eyes.

y not that bad? I know she doesn’t like to make me

“I just spoke to her on the phone. Is it true that the pain in her cut is really i worry so she lies and hides her pain from me”

“She does?”

“Yes, it’s happened so many times before. Because she keeps it all inside and doesn’t want to make anyone worry, I just feel like she’s lying this time as well”

I can’t help but wonder if she told her father about her tears the other night. Whatever the case may be, it’s none of my

business

“It’s not that bad. That’s what the doctor said.” I assure him.

“I trust you so much that I’ll only believe it because I’ve heard it from you. I’m out of the country now so I can’t come over to check on her”

“Don’t worry. She’s in good hands.” I assure him.

When I return to the living room with the tray that has a plate of cookies and the juice, my father’s on the phone with one of the board of directors and keeps pacing

Despite Vanessa and my mother talking. I’m only focused on my father’s phone call. It seems there’s a problem. Even if I’m not working right now, I’m still interested in knowing what’s happening in the company I’ll be running in the future.

When that time comes, I won’t be serving cookies and juice to Vanessa, just divorce papers.

Chapter 16

Putting down the tray on the table and bringing it closer to the couch, I sit back down next to her and she smiles at me.

“Thank you.”

“Anything for you.” 1 fake a smile.

My attention drifts back to my father, who moves further away as he speaks and it gets harder to listen. I try to get up and go to him, but my mother’s next words keep me in place.

Im still sad that your honeymoon was cut so short but you know what? I’m glad it’s for a good cause.”

“Yes, but now I might not be able to see Penelope as soon as I want to.” Vanessa pouts and I lightly shake my head at her.

Now she’s acting all sweet after making me bring her some cookies and juice?

The only one I’ve ever done this for is Carmella

As soon as she crosses my mind, I realize that I’m wasting time here. I need to leave as soon as possible.

After clearing my throat for a start. I say, “I’ll be back soon. I have something important to take care of at the office.”

“What?” My mother firmly shakes her head. “The office? But you’re not working for now.”

I know but-”

T

“It can wait. Your wife needs you by her side right now.”

I look at Vanessa and clench my jaw for a second. This is all working in her What do I do now?

r favor. I have to get to C

to Carmella matter what.

When my father gets off the phone, he approaches us once again

Fixing his necktie, he says, “Well, it seems that I have to leave immediately. Something urgent has just come up.”

When I think about it, this is my chance to leave so I try to play my cards right..

“What happened?” I ask.

“There’s an emergency and it needs my attention right away.”

Ill come with you.”

“No, stay here and take care of your

ir wife. She needs you right now”

Shit. Why is nothing going according to how I planned it?

After I walk my father outside to the car, his bodyguards on standby, he places his hand on my shoulder, then speaks to me with a warm smile.

“Son, you’re doing such a great job so far.”

I don’t understand.” I shake my head.

I see the way you take care back then.

of Vanessa. I remember a time when your mother and I were much younger. We were so in love

“You’ve told me this a million times.”

“And I’m telling you again. It’s the little things that matter. That’s what brought us closer than we already were. I see that

Chapter 16

happening with you and Vanessa. I’m proud of you”

He pats me on the shoulder, then gets inside the

While it drives off, I can’t help but smile. This whole thing with Vanessa is truly annoying but my father’s proud of me. Right now, that’s what counts:

As I think about all the possible things I could do in his presence to show that I deeply care about Vanessa, my phone rings. When I looked down at the caller ID. I shut my eyes with a heavy sigh. It’s Carmella.

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ND GIFT

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