Chapter 58
Ethan insisted on keeping Dominick company until midnight before he finally went to bed.
He was almost dozing off himself, trying to stay awake in the kitchen for Dominick’s sake.
“We’re supposed to be men of status and yet, here we are, afraid to go to bed because of a woman. It’d be hilarious if anyone found. out.” Ethan said with a self–mocking laugh.
Dominick’s eyes narrowed, and he covertly pinched Ethan’s arm.
Ethan immediately grasped Dominick’s hint and raised his voice, saying, “I shouldn’t have drunk earlier. Drinking made me lose track of time. We’ve all had a long day. Let’s call it a night.”
While speaking, Ethan cast a tentative glance towards Lola’s room.
A sliver of light peeked through her door.
She hadn’t slept yet.
Ethan looked sympathetically at Dominick, teasing him even at this moment. He mouthed silently, “Be careful of someone sneaking in at midnight.”
Dominick rolled his eyes at him and turned to head back to his own room.
He went straight to the bathroom, leaning back in the bathtub, waiting for the warm water to envelop his body.
Two years ago, Lola was also here, begging for his trust.
He hadn’t given it.
Now, no matter how much he regretted it, it was too late. Time had passed swiftly before he knew.
He wondered where she was now and if Jenna was giving her a hard time.
Thinking this, Dominick felt his anger rise again, barely containing the urge to take out his wrath on Jenna..
He needed to figure out a way to find out from Jenna where Lola was. Relying solely on Ethan was too slow.
A faint sound came from outside, not loud, just a single instance. Dominick didn’t pay much attention to it as he put on his bathrobe and stepped out of the bathroom.
The room was dimly lit by only a bedside lamp, but he immediately noticed the irregular bulge under the covers.
“Who’s there?” His voice was low and cold.
The bulge under the covers suddenly moved, and after a few seconds, a small head peeked out.
“Dom, I’m scared.”
It was Lola…
Her voice was soft, her eyes filled with fear. Combined with Lola’s face, she looked pitifully endearing, stirring a sense of compassion.
But Dominick was very clear in his mind. No matter what she did,
“It’s safe now. There’s no need to be scared. Go back to sleep.”
to was not Lola.
Lola paused, slowly coming out from under the covers, revealing her lace nightgown.
“Are you trying to send me away, Dom? Don’t you like me anymore?” Her eyes reddened instantly.
Dominick frowned slightly, unable to hide the anger in his eyes.
Seeing Lola’s face being used in such a manipulative way, he wanted to strangle her right
t away!
“I’m really tired today. You should go back and rest first.” Dominick tried to control his tone, but his displeasure was evident.
Lola sensed Dominick’s cold attitude towards her and couldn’t help but feel suspicious.
“Dom…is there something you want to tell me? Why do I feel like you’re not as nice to me as you used to be?”
Lola lowered her eyes in hurt, her next words sounding vulnerable, yet each one was a probe into Dominick’s thoughts.
Dominick wasn’t a fool. He could clearly sense something off in her tone.
“Don’t overthink it. Isn’t this how we’ve always been?” Dominick replied, not directly answering but countering with a question. Property © of NôvelDrama.Org.
Lola paused. “Yes, right. But didn’t we say we’d try to get on better from now on?”
“Ever since you came back, Lola, you’re different. You were so shy and reserved before, but now, you’re quite forward.”
Dominick’s words were a test. He had never been cold to Lola, and this imposter, unaware of their true dynamic, naively believed his words were sincere, which was laughable.
He decided to continue this tactic to keep Lola in check. “Also, didn’t we agree to take things slow? Getting too close too fast might be too much for you, don’t you think?”
Dominick’s words sounded like they were for Lola’s benefit, as if he truly understood her.
They left Lola speechless, unable to utter even half a word in protest.
If she were too obvious, she might reveal her intentions, yet remaining silent only slowed things down….
Dominick moved closer, perching on the bed’s edge. His intense gaze locked onto Lola’s.
“You know, given how you are, I bet you’re thinking just that. And I get it, I really do,”
16:15 Thu, 20 Jun GBG
He was cunning, shifting all responsibility onto her. His words painted everything as if for her good, making Lola hesitate to voice even a slight objection.
This conversation had reached a delicate juncture. Pushing further might be risky. It could backfire, revealing something unintended.
“I understand. I’ll go back and rest then. You should rest early too,” she said.
The next morning, as soon as Dominick descended the stairs, Lola couldn’t wait to follow him out, as if she had been intentionally waiting for him in her room.
“Dom, where are you going today? I was thinking, since I spent yesterday with Ethan at home, I should hang out with you today.”
What Lola said was clearly meant for Ethan, who was sitting downstairs.
Upon hearing this, Ethan looked up. “Layla, do I hold the same place in your heart as Dominick? You know I won’t be happy with this.
Lola clenched her teeth. It seemed like Ethan always found a way to intervene whenever she tried to interact with Dominick.
“Don’t say that Ethan,” that was all Lola could respond with, her voice lack of strength.
“Right, there’s suddenly something up with Aerionia. Remember Eric, who used to be close to me? He’s getting married, and as a friend, I ought to at least give him a wedding gift.” Ethan said.
Lola had never heard of this person but pretended to know, nodding. “Oh, Eric? He’s getting married so soon? Congratulations to him. When do you plan to leave?”
Ethan’s eyes were filled with concern as he let out a long sigh, “Actually, the wedding isn’t the most important thing. You are. I’m not comfortable leaving you here by yourself. How about you come with me? Or maybe I just won’t go. I don’t necessarily have to be there, right? I can just say a few words to him through the phone, wishing them happy.”
Upon hearing this, Lola quickly responded, “It’s okay, Ethan. You should go. Don’t worry about me. Dom and Heather will take good care of me. Have fun.”
A fleeting emotion darted across Ethan’s eyes, swiftly concealed.
“If you say so, then I’ll go. But you must take care of yourself,” Ethan said, still seeming somewhat reluctant.
A spark of joy shone in Lola’s eyes. “Really, go. I’ll be totally fine. No need to worry about me!”
With Ethan around, he was holding up her plans. It would be better if he left sooner.
Ethan looked towards Dominick. After a moment of eye contact that seemed to confirm something, he went upstairs to pack his things.
Ethan didn’t have much to take with him. He just had a carry–on bag. Given the importance of the mission, there was no need to bring too much.
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