Chapter 2
Dominic’s face was filled with concern, his handsome eyes reflecting only my image–just like every day before.
Whether during our five years together before or during this past month since his return, Dominic had always treated me exceptionally well. I truly didn’t want to believe this reality.
I quietly locked my phone screen and forced a smile.
“I might have low blood sugar. Just lost my balance for a moment. I’m fine.”
Only then did Dominic relax, carefully helping me up from the floor.
“Let’s go to Coral Bay tomorrow. I’ll have my deputy book the flights. You’ve always loved the ocean, right? How about taking our wedding photos by the sea?”
Dominic was as considerate as ever, but after what I’d just learned, hearing these words now only made me sick.
“I don’t think so.”
Dominic froze, then gently stroked the back of my hand.
“What’s wrong, Aria? Why aren’t you happy? Did something happen? Didn’t we promise each other? No matter what happens, we never lie to each other.”
Hearing those words, I finally couldn’t hold back. I stared directly into his eyes.
“Dominic, is there really nothing you’re hiding from me?”
Dominic paused, then smiled faintly and spoke softly.
“What could I possibly be hiding from you?”
Fighting back the sting in my eyes, I nodded slightly.
“Good. Let’s sleep, Dominic. I’m a bit tired.”
Early the next morning, Dominic and I were awakened by knocking at the door.
When Dominic opened it, a red–eyed woman stood outside, holding a little boy about two or three years old.
“Dom, the baby keeps crying for his daddy. He hasn’t slept all night. I know you told me not to come find you, but I really have no choice…”
Panic flashed across Dominic’s face as he instinctively turned to gauge my reaction.
“Aria, don’t misunderstand. This is Vivian Pierce, our team’s medic. Her husband was my teammate and good friend who died from injuries during a mission. I look after them because I felt sorry for their situation…”
11:56
Chapter 2
Before I could respond. Vivian interrupted with a choked voice.
“Miss Bailey, I know you two are getting married. I don’t want to trouble Dom, but my child is so young. He keeps asking for his daddy. I really
I cut Vivian off, looking straight at Dominic.
“The child wants his daddy. Dominic, are you his father?”
After glaring at Vivian. Dominic turned to explain to me.
“Of course not. Aria! The child is already over two years old. How could I have a child that age? But Phoenix’s father died saving my life. I’ve been looking after them because of that. He just sees me as his father. This is all a misunderstanding.”
I carefully examined the child’s features. Though he was young, his facial features strongly resembled Dominic’s.
Grandpa would be coming for me tomorrow evening. I didn’t want complications, so I swallowed the searing pain in my heart and nodded.
“I believe you. Go ahead and help them. I’ll go upstairs and sleep a bit more.”
As I turned to go upstairs, Dominic followed closely behind me.
“Aria, are you angry? Don’t worry, I won’t let them affect our…”
Before Dominic could finish, Vivian spoke again in a pitiful voice,
“Dom, the baby hasn’t been eating or sleeping well during the month you’ve been gone. His health is suffering. I want to take him to the hospital for a thorough check–up, but I don’t know this area at all. Could you take us to the hospital?”
“You know, I have nothing left but Phoenix. If something happens to him, I couldn’t go on living.”
I turned to look at Dominic, who hesitated to answer, but his eyes betrayed his concern.
He was worried about the child.
1 nodded slightly.
“Kid’s health is serious business. You should accompany them to the hospital. After all, his father died saving you.”
Dominic’s face visibly brightened, his tone becoming lighter.
Then I’ll take them for the check–up and come right back Aria, thank you. Thank you for understanding.”
With those words, Dominic turned toward the door, expertly taking the child in his arms, his movements unnaturally practiced.
In his hurry, Dominic didn’t even change out of his sleepwear.
Chapter 2
I watched as the child nestled dependently against Dominic’s shoulder, and as the three of them walked away together.
My heart felt like it had been thrown into a bottomless abyss, sinking deeper and deeper until there was no echo left
