Chapter 34

Chapter 34

Dominic

I want to strongly defend Carmella right now, but that’s the last thing I’d ever want to do in this situation.

To cut the story short, I place my hand on my father’s shoulder. “We should join everyone downstairs.”

“Nice try, but you’re not fooling me.” His expression softens as he points at me with raised eyebrows. “I know you only want to go back to your wife.”

a

I fake a smile as we walk out together. “You definitely got me there.”

As we head downstairs, my father’s on the phone so he slows down, but I don’t, it’s because I’ve just heard laughter and those voices sound too specific. Quickly, I turn at the comer and I see Vanessa alone with Jake in the hallway. He’s standing so close to her that I poke my cheek.

I widen the distance of my strides to get to them and I can see him constantly feasting his eyes on her figure. Whatever he’s saying to her, she seems to be enjoying it. She never laughs like that with me.

When s

she sees me, she clears her throat. “Hey, babe.“”

The moment I’m close enough, I wrap my arm around her waist as a first step to establish boundaries, then look down at her.

I need to speak to Jake in private so how about you join the others, hmm?”

“Sure.” She nods:

Before let!

– her go, I lean forward for a kiss and her eyes widen a little in surprise, but she still kisses me back

After I let her go, my eyes linger on her curves for a few seconds and when I look over at Jake, he has his lower lip between his teeth with his eyes fixed on her.

ver over him with intimidation.

“Hasn’t it yet occured to you that I’m standing right here?” I tower o

“Hey, I was only looking, okay?” He takes a step back with a chuckle.

“That’s my wife you keep looking at like that.”

“I know. And you’re lucky she’s your wife. Otherwise, I’d be

“Enough. I don’t even want to hear you say it because I know you, playboy”

He proudly nods. “Well, you’ve only spoken the truth, big brother.”

“What were you and Vanessa talking about?” I cross my arms, narrowing my eyes at him.

“Seriously?” He scoffs

“Answer the question.”

“We were just talking about me becoming an uncle. I can’t wait.”

My expression softens a little and I drop my crossed arms. “Really?”

“Yup and those are going to be some good–looking kids because of the two of you- my handsome brother, and the breathtakingly gorgeous

19:25 Thu 4 Jul

Chapter 34

Vanessa.”

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“Hey, watch it.”

“Come on, I’m just saying.”

He goes on to talk about how he’ll spoil my children and I just let him have his moment.

At the same time, my mind races with thoughts about how I’m finally working side by side with my father within the company I want.

By the time my father ends his call, he joins the two of us, then we head downstairs together.

As we all

ve all sit near the fireplace and engage in conversation, it’s not long before Jake turns a little serious.

“I’ve been holding my tongue from the time we all arrived here, but since no one’s gonna ask, I will Vanessa, are you alright? We all saw that clip of you breaking down in the aisle. What happened?”

I’m glad Vanessa was smart enough to tell me before we got here. I almost thought no one would bring it up since they all seemed more focused on the children, but I guess not..

Putting on a show, I firmly hold Vanessa’s hand and gesture to her that I’ll be the one to talk about it.

After I explain it all to them, their faces turn sorrowful.

“Oh, I…I shouldn’t have asked, I’m sorry.” Jake turns regretful as he looks at Vanessa.

“It’s alright.” She smiles at him, then looks into my eyes. “Honestly, I don’t know what I would’ve done if my husband wasn’t with me in that aisle. He’s the reason ni was able to get through that moment because he comforted me.”

Her words and the expression in her eyes feel so genuine that I actually question if she’s acting right now or really means what she just said.

“Everyone, I have some great news to share,” my father says with enthusiasm to lighten the mood, breaking my eye contact with Vanessa. “I’m finally bringing Dominic onboard into my company.”

The place erupts in cheers for me and Jake is so hyped that he even gets up and hits the side of my shoulder.

Vanessa places her hand on my chest to catch my attention and smiles at me. “Congratulations, babe,”

I gently run the palm of my hand along her wrist and smile back at her. “Thank you, my love.”

As we intertwine our fingers like a loving couple, I lock eyes with her, thinking about my new plan of action. I’m more determined than ever to impress my father, especially now that he’s letting me work on Project J–22. It’s for this reason that I now find it necessary to accomplish the last step. I need to get Vanessa pregnant.

19:25 Thu, 4 Julia