Chapter 65

Chapter 65

Vanessa

After constantly thinking about Dominic’s break–up, I only managed to fall asleep around 4 a.m. and now, I’m paying the price for it as I feel like I didn’t rest enough. It’s even obvious from my eyes. But these signs of tiredness still won’t get in the way because I’ll use makeup to cover it all up. I can’t afford to look like a mess.

I’m supposed to meet Sophie at 12 p.m. so I can try on the diamond necklaces before they launch. I know that even if I don’t give her my opinion, she’ll still be launching them anyway, but actually want to do this. I was honored that she asked. Knowing her fashion sense and just how influential she is in the beauty industry, I’m certain all the pieces look great.

Just so I’m ready in advance, I decide to take a shower but before I can even go in, I finally hear from Dominic when he calls. I feel like I’m making it too obvious that I’m so relieved he’s finally gotten in touch with me, and even when I ask where he is, it leaves me feeling a little embarrassed. I’m just glad he’s okay

Right after my call with him, I step into the shower, the same image of him watching my bare chest flashing in my mind once I’m done and stand in the doorway. I wonder if that’ll ever go away. But unlike before, it doesn’t bother me as much.

Just as I reach for another towel for my wet hair, I receive another call and it’s from a number I don’t recognize. My first thought is that it’s Carmella and it’s only because Dominic subtly hinted at the situation with her. But on second thought, it can’t be. I already blocked her, so with that in mind, I pick up.

“Hello?

“Good morning, Vanessa. It’s Patrick,” he says from the other end of the line.

“Patrick! I was wondering when I’d hear from you.” My lips curve into a smile.

He chuckles nervously, “I actually wanted to call you right away but thought I’d wait. I didn’t want to seem like I was in a hurry or anything.”

“I’m glad you finally called.”

“I hope your husband doesn’t mind that I’m calling you.”

“Not all,” I say to him, thinking about how I’m free to do whatever I want, just like Dominic is.

“Are you home?” he asks.

“Yes.”

“Is he with you?”

“No, but he’s on his way back.”

Then I guess I should make this quick.” He chuckles nervously again.

“Come on. I’ve already told you that it’s okay.”

He sighs with relief. “In that case, ever since I saw you at the orphanage, I couldn’t stop thinking about certain incidents from high school. They just sort of came back to me.”

“Oh, yeah? Like which ones?” My eyes widen in curiosity.

“Remember the ice cream incident by the water fountain?”

I chuckle with embarrassment and hide my face in the towel. “Oh, no, please don’t bring that up.”

1/4

“I just couldn’t help it. I–clearly remember your face when it happened.”

Despite playfully warning him a few times, he goes on to talk about it and while on the phone with him, I use my other hand to dry my hair with the towel after uncovering my face.

Since I woke up late because of the time I fell asleep, I’m having my breakfast a little late. Though it’s not yet ready, I don’t want to just sit here in my bedroom. I want to take a walk around the house.

While in my bathrobe, I slowly make my way through the hallway, still talking to Patrick on the phone. Unlike yesterday, he sounds more at ease, and he’s actually still funny. I didn’t know he still had it in him to make me laugh.

Since I’m not in a hurry, I lean against the wall, looking right at the elevator and just then, it opens and I see Dominic. I’m actually surprised that he’s already here and my heart starts racing, but I try not to show it by focusing on the call. Even though I keep smiling, I ask myself why my heart is racing. It didn’t happen until Dominic showed up.

With a blank expression, he walks past me and heads in the other direction.

I don’t know what I was expecting to happen, but this is how it should be, so I completely focus on my phone call with Patrick, and he reminds me of something else that was so funny that I burst into laughter.

“Oh, Patrick, don’t make me laugh so hard” I place my hand on my ribs, my laughter causing me some pain.

He giggles from the other end of the line. T’m just glad I made you laugh, but you know it’s true.”

While still facing the other side, I realize I didn’t hear Dominic open any door, I even feel like he’s still behind me, so I turn around and he definitely is, but he’s already walking to his bedroom door. I furrow my eyebrows at how it’s taken a bit longer than usual. Maybe I’m just thinking too much.

“You know, I’d love to see you again, but I don’t know if you’d want to see me. And on top of that, you’re a busy and married

woman.

“Of course I’d love to see you. That’s why I gave you my number We’ll definitely meet up.”

After hearing all about Patrick’s struggles during the chat I had with him at the orphanage, I feel like there’s something I can do to help him. I can only hope he’ll work hard and not mess up

Dominic

My movements are a little rough as I take off my shirt and unbuckle my belt. It’s because I can still hear Vanessa in the hallway, talking to Patrick and constantly bursting into laughter, What the hell is he telling her that she’s laughing this hard? I’ve never seen her like this before, not even with Jake or Frank

And why the hell does she want to meet up with him? Though I can’t stop her, I hate to admit that it’s bothering me a little since this is her ex–boyfriend.

She should’ve gone downstairs by now, but I can still hear her latghing in the hallway. It’s fucking–atinoying.

Just as I head to the bathroom, someone knocks on my door. I don’t know who it is, but I wrap only a towel on my lower half, then open the door, only to see Vanessa standing there.

The moment she sees the towel hiding what’s underneath, she clears her throat and looks away, her hair clinging to her face.

“Sorry,” she says. “I didn’t know you were-”

“Stop acting like you’ve never seen me like this before. What is it

The nerve of her to come and talk to me right after talking to Patrick makes me clench my jaw.

“I just wanted to tell you something important,” she says, still not looking at me. “Your mother was here last evening and “I know. I spoke to her this morning”

“Oh, okay

She’s still trying so hard not to look at me and despite how I feel, find this funny. We once spent a whole night in a room together. I guess it’s just that she’s not used to this.

“Anything else?” I ask.

Before she can respond, her phone beeps and she looks down at her screen. Her face instantly brightens up and it actually makes me raise my eyebrows at her. Was that a message from Parick? Once again, I tell myself that it doesn’t matter. She’s free to do whatever she wants.

“If you’re just going to stand here and not talk, I’m going to take a shower now.” I glance at her phone as if I’m able to see what she’s looking at.

She shoots her head up with a glare just for a second before her eyes return to normal. “I have something else to say but it’s not important, at least to you.”

“Spit it out

“I’m meeting up with Sophie in an hour.”

“Seriously? Why are you only telling me this now?”

“Considering the state you were in-

“That should be none of your concern. You should’ve told me earlier.”

She scoffs. “Why?”

“Because I’m supposed to go with you.”

“Says who? I can do this alone.”

“No, I’m coming with you. I have a very important meeting, but it’s only in the afternoon. I can spare an hour. I’m not doing this for you. I’m doing this for me. Got it?”

“Fine.” She huffs, finally walking away.

I slam the door a little too loudly and it takes me a moment to let go of the handle as I shut my eyes. I’m not yet at ease and I can feel it. I need to relax and be in my right mind by the time this afternoon arrives.

Even when meeting my sister, I can’t show her that I’m in this state. I’ve been doing a great job so far at acting like a loving husband. I can still pull this off despite the pain in my heart.

By now, I know how long it takes for Vanessa to be ready, so I head outside first after I’m ready and lean against the car, thinking about how Carmella would still be deceiving me right now had I not grown curious.

About ten minutes later, my attention shifts when Vanessa steps out in a strapless body hugging dress that’s slightly above her knees, the green color a great contrast with her red lips. Her luscious hair is styled in some wavy curls and a huge side part. It all falls in the back, accentuating her shoulders, neck and collarbone.

With her eyes on her purse, my gaze lingers on her. I try to stop looking, but I just can’t do it. It’s only when she raises her head that I look away from the gorgeous sight of her. I’m not afraid to admit that part to myself.

On our way to Sophie, Vanessa and I don’t speak much and the ride is mostly silent, except when she chuckles softly while

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SEND GIFT

keeping her eyes on her phone as she receives new messages. The ringtone is actually annoying me. Who the hell is she texting? Is it Patrick? She’s never done anything like this before, so it has to be him.

Why ar

am 1 even doing this to myself? Starting now, I won’t be bothered by this.

Just as I try to ignore it all by paying attention to my phone, Frank calls. It hasn’t been that long since I left his house. I wonder what he wants to say.

“Hello?” I say to him.

“You won’t believe what just happened,” he says from the other end of the line.

I sit

p more. “What is it?”

up|

“It’s Carmella!”