Chapter 62

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Chapter 62

Vanessa

It’s been over six hours since Dominic left and he hasn’t yet returned home. Now, it’s already 7 in the evening-

After I told him what happened at the orphanage, he immediately stormed out of the house without saying a word to me and drove off by himself.

I don’t know what he’s been up to since then, but it felt like lie believed me. I don’t want to get my hopes up, but it felt that way. There was a look in his eyes I had never seen before.

And since he left, I haven’t run into Carmella. It’s probably because for the most part, I’ve been in my own bedroom, keeping myself busy on my laptop.

Just as I step out of the shower, I hear a car outside and my first thought is that Dominic’s back. But the moment I look outside the window, my eyes widen at the car that has just pulled up. My mother–in–law’s here.

I’m actually surprised she came. I was talking to her on the phone not too long ago after she said she couldn’t reach Dominic and I couldn’t either. I didn’t know she was already on her way here.

And I’ve just realized she doesn’t know that Carmella’s staying here for now, Well, so what if she finds out? Dominic’s the only one to blame for this. Didn’t he think of the possibility that his parents or siblings would come over and see her?

I

Whatever the case is, I have to go downstairs and welcome her.

As I head to the elevator, I remind myself that my mother–in–law won’t even see Carmella’s since she’s in her bedroom.

But the moment the elevator opens, my jaw drops as I look at the scene in the living room. My mother–in–law is glaring at Carmella, who’s standing just a few feet away with her head low as she’s being questioned.

This isn’t what I expected. Why’s Carmella even down here in the first place? Now I’ll have to come up with a believable explanation as to why she’s here

“I asked you a question. What are you doing here?” My mother–in–law asks Carmella, her tone harsh.

“Vanessa invited me, Carmella replies, forcing a smile as she raises her head.

“And you shamelessly accepted the invitation?” She spots me and instantly calls out to me. “There you are. Her voice is less harsh, but she still maintains her glare..

“Mother, I didn’t know you were coming over,” I nervously say to her as I join the two of them and Carmella scowls at me.

“I had a little time to spare and thought I’d come over, and this is what I find?” she asks, pointing at Carmella.

Forcing another smile, Carmella says. “Mother-”

“Hold it right there. What right do you have to address me in such a manner? Make it the last time you ever do that. I better not find you the next time I come here. Now get out of my sight

Carmella awkwardly nods, facing the direction of the elevator. “Excuse me.”

In silence, my mother–in–law glares at her and only pays attention to me once the elevator doors close.

Vanessa, why are you allowing this woman to be in this house, right where your husband is? Why would you even bring her into your home, knowing the history that they share?”

“But mother-

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Chapter 62

‘I don’t want to hear it. She waves her finger dismissively. “How could you be so careless? The one thing that’s never made sense to me is

your friendship, but I don’t want her in this house

As she goes on to list down all the reasons she doesn’t like Carmella and how irresponsible it is of me to have her in my home, I hang my head low, wishing I could tell her the actual truth. And I can tell just how upset she is by all this. She’s never used this harsh tone with me before.

“Anyway, I think I’ve said enough,” she says, taking a deep breath to calm down. Im sorry, my dear. I didn’t mean to raise my voice at you, but I meant everything I just said about her”

“I understand.” I smile at her.

“I was talking to your father on my way here. Is he alright?” she asks, changing the topic.

“Yes, he is. Why do you ask?”

“I must’ve been thinking too much. Don’t mind me.”

“My father’s just pretty stressed out with all the work.”

“I guess that explains it. Now, where could my son be since we’re both unable to reach him?”

“I’m sure he’s with Frank or something

“Well, I guess I’ll see him some other time. He’s the other one I have to talk to.”

Just by the way she glares at the floor, I know she’s talking about Carmella.

“Won’t you stay for dinner?” I ask.

She chuckles. “I have some important things to take care of. I’ll see you at my daughter’s launch.”

After she leaves, I head up to my bedroom but before I can even open the door, Carmella speaks from behind me.

“Hold it right there.”

I roll my eyes as I turn to face her. Maybe I shouldn’t give her even a second of my time, but I’m curious about what she has to say. Whatever the case is, I’m able to handle myself around her.

“So this was your big plan to drive me out of this house?” She sneers.

“What are you talking about?”

“Don’t you dare play dumb! You called that woman to come here so she could see me.”

“That woman?” My eyes widen in surprise.

“Ugh! Call her whatever you want, I don’t care right now. You know she doesn’t like me so you used that to your advantage. I see what you’re doing here. You want me completely out of the way now that you’re going to be fucking my man!”

“What?”

Fm actually caught by surprise that Dominic told her. He didn’t even mention it to me earlier. I’m guessing it’s because he was too focused on my description of her at the orphanage.

*Even if that woman said I should leave, I’m not going anywhere for as long as Dominic wants me to stay. Don’t think you’ve won just because he’s going to be fucking you for a few minutes. It’ll mean nothing to him!”

“The same goes for me. I cross my arms.

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Chapter 62

“Oh, please. You think l–don’t see right through your bullshit? You clearly want my man all to yourself. Is that why you started making moves with your other plan this morning?”

“What are you talking about now?” I huff.

“There you go, playing dumb again. I know what you were trying to do this morning while you were on the phone, but it

won’t work!”

She seems so certain of what she’s talking about, but I’m completely clueless. Why am I even still here?

“You know what? Don’t waste my time. I have some important things to take care of,” I say to her.

I turn around to walk away, but she grabs me by the shoulder to make me face her again.

“Don’t fucking walk away from me because I’m not yet done talking Her eyes grow so wide that they look like they’ll pop out. “You’re not going to ruin things for me and Dominic! I’d rather die before I let that happen!”

“I never said he was mine.”

“The main goal of your stupid plan is clearly to tear us apart but you know what? I’m way ahead of you!”

“What plan?”

She twists her face in anger. “Keep playing dumb all you want. I know what you’re doing and I won’t let you succeed.”

And with that, she storms off to her bedroom, slamming the door

It takes me a few seconds to open my bedroom door as my mind races with questions. What plan from this morning is she talking about?

Dominic

It’s 11:00 p.m. and I’m finally on my way back home.

After listening to what Vanessa had to say, I was left speechless. I couldn’t wait so I rushed to the orphanage and spoke to little Billy and the staff. Their explanation of what happened matched with what Vanessa said to me.

I even checked the surveillance footage myself and what I saw and heard crushed me. First, it was the footage with Billy, and then the footage that captured what happened outside between Vanessa and Carmella

That’s why even though that happened so many hours ago, I haven’t had the strength to go back home.

This whole time, I’ve been struggling to come to terms with what the truth is. I didn’t know this was who Carmella was and she changed the narrative of what happened. I blindly believed her and even cleared things up at the orphanage because l’a never doubt her, and now I hate myself for it.

The moment I return home, I head upto speak to Carmella. While in the elevator, my heart’s already pounding hard with rage as I’ve already made a huge decision and nothing’s going to change my mind.

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