Chapter 6
The day labella was discharged. Doniale seemed to notice her low spirits. Dominic offered to make up for her missed birthday
He bought flowers, ordered a cake and arranged a candlelit dinner at an upscale restaurant
After lighting the birthday candles, he placed a party hat on her head
Happy birthday, Isabella, What’s your wish this year?
Isabella closed her eyes pressed her palms together and made her wish
I hope the wedding goes smoothly. 1 hope Dominic Histon gets exactly what he wants and marries Chloe Winslow. And i each other.
When she opened her eyes, she met Dominic’s expectant gaze
“What did you wish for? Tell me
If I tell you, it won’t come true.”
Dominic smiled and ruffled her hair. If you don’t tell me, how can I make it happen for your
Isabella blew out the candles, her gaze sealing on him and her voice distant
You’d make any wish come true for me
“Any wish at all.” he replied with certainty
Hearing his confident tone, she forced a smile. “No need. My wish is simple. I can do it myself”
With that she stood and headed to the restroom.]]
By coincidence, she ran into Chloe there.]
Chloe e gave her a contemptuous once over.
hat after, we’ll have nothing to do with
Dominic brought you here? Wow. Even after all these years, be at Temeinders my favorite restaurant. Tell me, ilid be bring you here for a date, or just to
reminisce about me?”
Seeing the smug look on Chloe’s face, Isabella tumed off the faucet and inner to gode her. But Chloe pressed on aggressively.
“Oh, and that birthday cake you’re about to eat? Let me guess–Dominic huys you the same one every year? Well, of course he does. get for me every birthday.” |
It’s the same one he used to
“And those dishes on your table–lobster rolls, shrimp scampi, and grilled fish–they’re all my favorites. Do you actually like them too?”
“Oh, I found our high school yearbook the other day. You had short hair hack then, right? Funny.. because now you’re rocking these soft waves. Exactly like 1 used to wear mine. You’re so thin too… If I squint, you almost look like me.“]
“And these past few times we’ve met, your clothes and jewelry are all from brands 1 loved six or seven years ago–though I’ve moved on since. Tell me, are you really just that much of a coincidence? Or is Dominic just molding you into his little Chine 2.07 Making you into what he really want? Because he can’t forget
With each word, the color drained from Isabella’s face.
She looked down at her clothes, shoes, handbag–all gifts from Dominic.
Her hair–the exact style he said she’d look so much prettier in. He had personally taken her to a stylist to get it cut that way
The dishes Chloe mentioned did regularly appear on their dinner table at home
As Chloe continued listing examples, Isabella involuntarily recalled countless details from their past.
The gates he’d given her, the places he’d taken her on dates, his habit of kissing her earlobe…]
Without exception, they all connected back to Chloe
In that moment, Isabella felt her heart tremble
So all this time, Dominic had only ever seen her as Chloe’s replacement
Those genuine feelings and affection he’d shown were nothing but poison wrapped in sugar.
Chapter 7
