Chapter 89

Chapter 89

Dominic

As we get closer to this restaurant called Flavor Rush, now is a good time to remind Vanessa of how to conduct herself around Patrick.

Listen up,” I say to her while looking ahead. “This is your ex–boyfriend and currently, your friend or whatever, but you’re with me, your husband and you better act like you love me.”

“I know. There’s no need to remind me.”

Her tone sounds a little harsh as she looks outside the window and catches me by surprise a little. What happened to her? Everything was fine just a

moment ago.

“I was only reminding you in case you get too comfortable. No hugs or any of that shit, just a handshake.”

“Don’t worry about it. I know exactly what to do.”

Once again her tone is a little harsh and I can’t help but ask, “Is everything okay with you?”

“Why would something be wrong?”

“Something about you just feels different.” I tilt my head as I look at her side profile.

She jerks her head in my direction with a glare. “What makes you say that?”

“Is there something I’m missing?” I raise my eyebrows at how sharp her glare is.

I’m just thinking about a lot right now.” She sighs, now looking a little sad.

“Did something happen?”

“No, I’m just… I thought…never mind.” She looks away.

“Spit it out.”

“It’s nothing important. Besides, this isn’t the time to talk about it.”

“It doesn’t matter. Spit it out.”

I actually don’t want to see her like this.

“I’m getting a little anxious about where to establish my first branch for my hair care line. I was thinking about it a lot today while I was having lunch.”

It takes me a while to speak as I’m in disbelief. This can’t be it, but still, I shake my head.

“Are you being serious right now? Is this what has you in such a grumpy mood? Why would that even bother you when you’re not establishing anything right now? You don’t even have a team. You’re getting way ahead of yourself.”

“I know.” She looks outside the window again, her voice a little calmer.

“Once you’re ready for that, I’ll be the one to assemble your team.”

“Yeah.” Her enthusiasm seems to have completely faded and I don’t know what to make of this.

Though she’s already explained why she’s in such a grumpy mood, it still doesn’t feel right and that’s because I now know what she’s like. What am I missing?

Just as the car turns at the corner, I receive a call from Mike and I know what this is about. It even makes me chuckle a little as I pick up the call. “Hey, man,” I say to him enthusiastically.

“It’s happening this Saturday!” he cheerfully says from the other end of the line.

“Of course it is.”

“You know, I can’t believe we finally made it after postponing the launch so many times and you, my friend, are bringing in lots of numbers.” That’s why I’m the face of the brand. You couldn’t find anyone better than me for this.”

He bursts into laughter. “You’re still bringing your gorgeous wife, right?”

I glance at her in her sexy white dress and messy bun. “Of course and I’m bringing in an extra guest around her neck.”

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That’s exactly what I was about to say. Also, the suite you wanted will be available. It’s only right that you get the best the hotel has to offer. Everyone will be there because of you.”

Come on. You’re now giving me too much credit. This is your product.”

“And you’re the face of the brand. You obviously have a huge role to play in this. See you this Saturday.”

“Wait, I have a question.”

“Go ahead.”

As I continue to discuss with Mike, the car comes to a stop and Vanessa steps out on her own, slamming the door a little too loudly and heading in a certain direction.

I look ahead and spot a thin looking guy but neatly dressed. It doesn’t take long to figure out that it’s Patrick. As they face each other and I can see their side profiles, my speech slows down a little as I raise my eyebrows at how Vanessa’s face brightens up and she smiles. It’s the complete opposite of how she was just now.

I’m expecting to see a handshake between them, but I clench my fist when she opens her arms wide and goes in for a hug, wrapping her arms around his neck. What the fuck is she doing right now? We talked about this.

What pisses me off even more is Patrick’s response to the hug. He tightly wraps his arms around the narrowest part of her waist and comfortably rests his chin on her shoulder. Fuck! I don’t like this at all.

“Can I call you back?” I say to Mike.

“Sure!”

As I cut the call, my eyes are on the two of them as they keep holding each other. She doesn’t seem to want to drop her hands from his neck, and it’s the same for him. Why do they look so comfortable with each other?

I quickly step out of the car, approaching them with wide steps. Why would she go against what we agreed on?

As I approach them, they break the hug, then engage in a conversation with constant giggles. She looks so into it and it makes me wonder. She said she feels nothing for him but by the looks of it, she does.

I clear my throat when I’m close enough, holding my head high and faking a smile.

“Babe,” I say to Vanessa to grab her attention. “I thought you were going to wait for me until I finished with my phone call.” I wrap my arm around her waist, pulling her away from Patrick to widen the distance between them and bringing her closer to me.

She places her hand on my chest, looking up at me with a fake smile. “I just couldn’t help it when I saw Patrick here. Patrick, this is Dominic, my husband. Babe, this is Patrick.”

“Hey, man. It’s good to finally meet you. I’ve heard so much about you,” I say to him, extending my hand with a smile.

He smiles back, shaking my hand. “The feeling is mutual. Not only have I heard so much ab

you, I actually see you everywhere.”

We both chuckle, the handshake getting a little tighter as we make eye contact for a few

seconds.

“Shall we go inside?” Vanessa says to us.

“Sure.” I nod with enthusiasm, loosening my grip and he does the same.

With the bodyguards now behind us, I stand right between her and Patrick as we make our way inside. After what I just saw, I don’t want him close to her.

“So, what’s up?” I turn my head in his direction.

“Nothing, really.” He shrugs. “I’m still thinking about which part of this town I want to settle in. There are a few great options but some are more expensive than others.”

‘Let me know if you need any help.”

“Of course.”

“So… what do you love to do?” I ask, wondering just how awful his life has been if this is what he looks like now that he’s trying to get himself together.

He sighs. “I haven’t been doing anything fun for a long time, but I love to go fishing.”

“I see. As for me, I love to play tennis.”

“You do?” He raises his eyebrows.

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Chapter 89

“Yeah.”

“I’ve always wanted to learn how to play tennis.”

“I can teach you.”

He stops in his tracks. “You really wouldn’t mind?”

“Not at all, but I have to warn you right now. I’m extremely good and as a rookic, you wouldn’t stand a chance against me.”

He chuckles. “And I bet it would be the opposite with fishing.”

Vanessa tries to join the conversation a few times, but I constantly cut her off. I don’t want her talking right now. She went against what we agreed

So far, Patrick seems cool, but I’m closely keeping an eye on him.

As soon as we step foot in the restaurant, which has quite a number of people since it’s afternoon, I close my eyes and inhale deeply.

“I’ve never been to this restaurant before but the aroma smells great,” I admit as I open my eyes. “I only dine in the most exclusive restaurants. That’s how it’s been all my life but right now, I’m impressed.”

“Wait until you taste the food.”

The way Patrick talks about it only makes me eager to taste it.

After finding ourselves a table, I pull out a chair for Vanessa and she sits down without even thanking me. Her attention is just on Patrick.

“Hey,” she says to him. “I was thinking about what we discussed last time.”

“Yeah?” He leans toward her, placing his elbow on the table.

I feel a little out of place right now, but take my seat next to her and reach for the menu which is on the table.

“We should order now.” I interrupt their conversation and Patrick leans back in his seat.

I look down at the menu and I have no idea what to go for. Everything looks so good. I wonder if it tastes just as good.

“You know what’s funny about such menus in small restaurants?” I say to them. “The pictures used don’t even look like the food served.”

“This place is different and you’re about to see that.” Patrick’s lips curve into a smile.

“I think I’ve already decided what I want to order,” Vanessa says.

“And what’s that?” Patrick asks, leaning toward her again.

Try to guess.” She leans toward him.

He chuckles and for a moment, I wonder what’s funny, until he speaks.

“You know, it still blows my mind that you still love that combination. You even ordered it the last time we met.” He shakes his head. “I remember how much you used to eat it back then.”

“Oh, come on. Stop!” She giggles and lightly places her fingers over her lips, leaning back in her seat.

I clench my jaw for a second, my fake smile fading. Is this what it’s like when it’s just the two of them? Or is this the toned down version I’m seeing right now? Whatever the case is, the more I sit here and witness it, the more I realize just how much I can’t stand it.

After placing our orders, I decide to keep his attention on me.

“So, Patrick, I’m glad you’re interested in playing tennis.”

“Yup.” He instantly pays attention to me.

“Just tell me when you’re up for it and I’ll teach you all about it.”

“Once I report for work, I want to give it my all. It might take a while, but I’ll definitely tell you when I’ll be ready.”

As we keep talking about it, Vanessa receives a phone call.

“Guys, I’m sorry about this. Just give me a moment. I really need to take this call. It’s Mia.”

After she gets up and leaves the table, Patrick stares right at the view of her figure and his gaze lingers on her ass. I even notice his expression change for a moment to one filled with desire. He obviously likes what he sees. She’s so sexy and that slightly loose dress on her bottom half is quite

the tease.

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Chapter 89

“So, you and my wife were dating in highschool.”

He shifts his attention back to me and says, “Yes, we were. Did she tell you all about us?”

“Yeah, she told me about how you messed up.”

He lowers his head with a heavy sigh. “That’s why when I met her at the orphanage, I was so embarrassed. I still feel awful even now, especially because she’s helping me get back on my feet.”

As Vanessa talks on the phone outside while the bodyguards keep an eye on her, she can be seen through the glass and Patrick keeps glancing at her. It gets on my fucking nerves so much that I just want to slam my fist on the table.

“Vanessa told me so much about you,” he says, looking down at the table. “Now, she only has eyes for you. I hope you’re taking good care of her.”

Furrowing my eyebrows and turning serious, I say, “What makes you think I’m not?”

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