Chapter 14
Dominic stood alone in the empty master bedroom, fingers brushing over the thin layer of dust on the vanity.
she would sit here carefully applying her skincare, while he lounged against the headboard, silently watching her.
In his turbulent life, those were rare moments of genuine peace.
Now there was nothing
His phone screen dimmed for the seventeenth time. Still no response:]
Dominic stared at Isabella’s name on his screen until the betters blurred before his eyes. His message thread showed dozens of texts rent with zero replies.]
The last one he’d sent simply read:]
(Isabella, quit playing games. Just come home.
“Sir, your coffee.” the butter murmured, setting the cup on the nightstand.
Dominic turned and realized it was the exact spot where Isabella used to leave him a glass of water every night.
He stood motionless, po touching the coffee
He’d ordered it purely out of habit–whenever Dominic came home, Isabella would bring him coffer
The room fell into silence until something caught his eye—a partially open raw in the bedside table.
He spotted a familiar box_||
Dominic’s heart lurched as he pulled the drawer open. Inside was a black the jewelry case containing the sapphire necklace they’d bought together at an auction last year.
labella had treasured in once. But now it lay forgotten, collecting dust.
“Did she leave anything elser
His voice was rawa and broken like a desperate traveler in the desert
The housekeeper hesitated. “Miss Bennen disposed of most things. She only took some clothes and a few books…
“All the jewelry you gave her is still in the study safe.”
Dominic staggered to his feet and rushed to open the safe. The password was still Isabella’s birthday.
Everything was there the gemstone earrings, necklaces, bracelets even the diamond ring he planned to give her at their wedding
Domirac’s fist slammed against the metal door, blood mediately seeping from his knuckles
He felt no pain there. The real wound was in his chest, bleeding far more profusely.||
His mind replayed that night – Isabella’s birthday. The way her lashes trembled as she closed her eyes to make that wish. And her words “If I tell you, it won’t
come thE.
So even then, she had already decided to leave.
“Domini?
Chlor’s bright voor came from the doorway. “Why aren’t you answering your phone? Mom and Dad want us over for dinner tonight
Tandnis turned at the sound of her voice:||
Chloe wore a while dress today, soft curls cascading over her shoulders–the look was so familiar it made his stanach twist with pain.||
Tabella…” The same escaped his lips involuntarily
Chipe traze, her radiant smile stiffening on her face. What did you just say?–||
Nothing. Dominic rabbed his temple. “I can’t make it tonight. Something came up at work. [
“Work again!” Chloe’s voter turned shrill,
“Ever since we saw tabells on that bridge, you’ve been completely distracted She’s married to Lucas Montgomery now, and everyone in our circle is laughing at us!”
At this, Dominic’s head snapped up. His gaze so intense that Chloe instinctively stepped hock.||
“Laughing about what exactly?“]
Chloe bit her lip, hesitating before continuing “People are saying they’re saying you were cheated on. That Isabella had been hooking up with Lucas all along…||
Dominic..
“I said, get the fuck out
Dominic’s roar seemed to make the entire house viber Chloe opened her mouth in say something more but instead left with tears in her eyes, slamming the door behind her.
The room fell silent again. Dominir sild down to the floor just an his phone screen lit up
It was his assistant calling
3
“Did you find anything?” ||
“Yes, Mr. Hinion. We’ve located Mrs. Montgomery–I mean, Miss Bennett, She’ll be at the Brooklyn Arts Center at three this afternoon for an exhibition.”
Hearing his assistant’s ship with Isabella’s new title, Domine’s chest heaved. Even is impossible to breathe.
