Chapter 68

Chapter 68

Vanessa

Carmella blocks the way, forcing the driver to stop the car and with no hesitation

and begins slamming on it.

she rushes over to the backseat window

Just how out of control is she for her to go to such lengths? She doesn’t even know who’s inside. Anyone from Dominic’s family could’ve been in this car right now. Hasn’t she thought about that? Or does she just not care?

On one hand, I just want to instruct the driver to proceed so I can get inside and ignore her, but on the other hand, I want her out of here. I know she’s come to cause trouble, but this is my residence,

As I open the door, she takes a step back, ruffling her messy hair

Then, once she realizes it’s just me, she twists her face in anger.

“What the hell are y

you doing in Dominic’s favorite car?” she asks

“His cars are mine, too. Isn’t it obvious?” I close the door, stepping away from the car.

“Tell him to come out here and face me right now!”

“I don’t ever remember telling you I’m your servant for you to make such a demand. If you want to talk to him, call him or something

“How the fuck am I supposed to call him when he’s blocked me? She grits her teeth.

“He has?” I raise my eyebrows, genuinely surprised.

“Yeah and it’s all your fault!”

“I see you’re still blaming me for your own wrongdoings.”

Bring him out here or I’ll make sure you all regret it!”

“Are you seriously making threats right now?” I scoff

“Don’t test me.” She sneers.

“Dominic’s not home.”

“Oh, please! Don’t give me that crap!”

“Don’t you think I’d bring him out here if he was around? That’s how much I’d want to get rid of you.”

“If he’s not here, fine. I’ll just wait for him.” She crosses her arms.

“If you want to do that, go ahead, but not near my property.”

Your property? You own nothing here, bitch.

“As Mrs Richards, it’s definitely my property.” I smirk, holding my head high.

“You think you’ve won by making him break up with me? I’ll make sure I get him back so you can go crying to your opportunistic father and hug that stupid bear since your mom can’t comfort you!”

Unable to contain my anger, I slap her hard across the face. She looks back at me with wide eyes, ready to slap me back but I

1/4

Π

slap her on her other cheek.

“Don’t you dare disrespect my parents,” I warn her, my tone threatening. “If you won’t leave, I’m calling security.” I get my phone from my purse, my gaze fixed on her.

“Now you think you can just slap me whenever you want?”

“Say something you shouldn’t and I’ll show you. Get out of here

“Get this through your head, she says, pushing her hair hack with a heavy breath as she glares at me, my handprints clear on her cheeks. “I’m not going anywhere no matter what you do!”

Before I can speak, my phone rings and I glance at the caller ID. I take a few steps back just so I can quickly answer, but I keep an eye on Carmella,

“Hey, Patrick, I can’t talk right now.”

“Did I catch you at a bad time?” he asks from the other end of the line.

Suddenly, Carmella’s eyes widen and she takes several steps back in the direction of her car, frantically shaking her head at

“No!” she yells.

Then, she rushes to her driver’s seat and drives off, looking back at me as she yells. “This isn’t over!”

I stand in place, stunned while still holding my phone,

“Vanessa? Is everything alright?” Patrick asks from the other end of the line.

“Oh, yeah, everything’s fine. I just have something to take care of

“I thought I heard… never mind”

“Just give me a few minutes and I’ll call you back. I say to him.

As soon as I end the call with him, I dial Dominic’s number.

“Hello?

“Where are you?” I make my way back to the car.

“I’m still at the office.

“Carmella was here”

“She was? Fuck. What happened?”

“She demanded to see you and wouldn’t leave. But suddenly, she just drove off. I don’t know why but you better take care of her. Next time, I’ll do much worse.”

“What did you do?”

“I slapped her for disrespecting my parents”

He sighs. “Vanessa-”

“No, I won’t tolerate any disrespect, especially when my parents are involved”

“Fine. I’ll take care of th

After the beep, I sigh, wondering what suddenly changed Carmella’s mind when she seemed so determined to speak to Dominic. I can’t believe he went as far as blocking her.

Dominic

Last night, I was out drinking with Frank until much later. I only came back home around 2 in the morning so I could fall asleep.

Yesterday’s meeting was long and there were so many times when I found myself zoning out, thinking about Vanessa and I while we were in Sophie’s office.

Even after she called to tell me about how Carmella was waiting outside, which was crazy to me that she had already done what she said she’d do. I only thought about tightening security sooner than I intended to, then tried to shut her out of my mind.

It didn’t take much effort as I’m already in a strange place in my mind right now.

Even at this moment, I can’t stop watching Vanessa as she talks to my dad on the phone while walking around in the living

I should’ve gone to the study or just stayed in my bedroom so I don’t have to see her, because she’s already being distraction for me.

She’s already dressed up to leave, and is in another body hugging dress. The only difference is she’s not showing off her neck. and collarbone. Her lips are just as red as they were yesterday and the same goes for her hair. As she paces around, my eyes, keep following her movements when she’s not looking.

It’s only when she heads to the elevator that I focus on the article I’m reading on my phone.

If only I could get closer and look into her eyes. I’m wondering if she would still have that intense look from yesterday. It’s still running through my mind.

Only a few minutes later, the elevator opens and she’s with her handbag, seemingly ready to leave. Thinking about the high possibility that it’s Patrick she’s meeting this afternoon makes me clench my jaw again.

“Hey, I’m leaving now,” she says to me.

“Go.” I don’t even look up from my phone,

“Are you still going to the children’s hospital?”

“Yeah.”

I

“Cool. I guess I’ll see you later.”

I wonder why her tone sounds more gentle as she speaks to me.

As she turns to the other side and makes her way to the door, I raise my head and lean back in my seat, my gaze roaming all over her figure from the back. I want to look away right now. I know I should, but I just can’t.

“Wait,” I say to her and she turns around.

“What is it?

“Who are you going

10

meet? You said it wasn’t Mia.”

3/4