Chapter 13
Dominick’s expression shifted slightly, and a cold steer tugged at his lips. “She’s still holding on to fantasies? She must have a death wish.
“Nick, don’t be so harsh on her. Alexis said softly, her voice full of gentle pity. “Ellie… she’s pitiful, really.
“Paiful“” Dominick’s disgust deepened, his tone sharp. “She’s not pitiful–she’s just reaping what she’s sown.”
“That Alexis lowered her head, nervously fiddling with the hem of her sleeve, her expression troubled.
Jennifer and Gregory exchanged a glance, and Gregory quickly chimed in, “Alexis, don’t trouble yourself. I know you have a kind heart, but risking Mr Vanderbilt’s anger for someone like Eleaf is me wor
Alexis didn’t respond, her head hanging low, looking like a picture of delicate misery.
Dominick’s gaze swept over her, faint ripples of emotion flashing across his usually impenetrable expression. Even Alexis, who had spent years by his side, couldn’t decipher what he was thinking. He was like a deity perched high above, cold and unapproachable.
The
room fell into an
into an uneasy silence. After what felt like an eternity, Dominick finally spoke, “Fine”
“Really, Nick “Alexis head shot up, her face lighting up with surprised joy
With a faint smile, Dominick said, “Since you’re speaking for her, I’ll agree”
His tone was so indifferent that it was impossible to tell whether he was being sarcastic or simply apathetic.
But Alexis took it as a victory. Flashing a sweet smile, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him. “You are the best.”
Dominick stiffened slightly, his hand twitching as though he was about to push her away. But he stopped himself, instead turning his head toward Gregory “Take me to see Eleanor
“Sure, sure, this way” Gregory said eagerly, bowing his head and leading the way like a dutiful servant.
They arrived at the cramped dingy place that Eleanor called Ier room. The dim lighting and oppressive atmosphere made Dominick’s brows furrow so slightly
“Ik something wrong. Mr. Vanderbilt Gregory asked nervously, noticing the subtle change in Dominick’s expression. “Is there something Inappropriate”
“No,” Dominick interrupted, his voice cold and clipped. “Open the door?
Gregory fumbled with a set of keys and unlocked the rusted padlock that
secured the door.
The door creaked open, revealing Eleanor sitting in the corner of the bed, her knees pulled tightly to her chest. She looked up at the sound, and when she saw Dominick, her eyes widened. “Dominick,” she blurted out, hier voice trembling with hope. You came to see me?
Then, her mind raced. “Why is he heret Has he found out about Alexis and Jennifer’s plan to marry me off? Is he here to stop it?
The
Dominick’s cold gaze cut through her thoughts. His next words crushed whatever fragile hope she’d been clinging to. He said icily. “Shut up.
no right to say my hame
Diranori eyes dummed instantly. She stared at him, stunned into silence. And then, she L
beitir, like shards of broken glass. The sound grated against Domusick, and he frowned.
burst into
Laughter. Her laughter wasn’t warm
- ed. las voter daarp.
Blur just sat there quietly, her fare unreadable. There was no point in explaining. Any explanations would only
epersion, the tralient le wouldn’t lift a finger to help her. Even though he knew they l
bat happened to her
the lan gap of =luteers fragile faith dad had left. And now, even thu
had arranged a man for her, he
What she hadn’t expected, though, was
un mudd barmenider, hamber, and more dismissive than anything she ha
with detached indifference: “This Sunday afternoon, you’ll
fruar, disbelief flashing in her r
She stared at him, wide–eyed, yet he tumed to leave Dominick
” she called out, unable to
1/2
Dreame–Read Romance Stories
Chapter 11
back her emotions.
Dominick paused his steps but didn’t turn around
ou want me to get married?” Eleanor’s voice cracked as she stepped forward, her frustration spilling over. “Do you even understand what that means? Who do you think you are to decide my life for me? You don’t even know what
“Enough” Gregory panicked that Eleanor’s outburst might anger Dominick, so he rushed forward and slapped her. “Don’t speak to Mr. Vanderbilt like this”
“Cet away from me?” Eleanor shoved Gregory aside and stepped riglu in front of Dominick, glaring up at him with barely restrained fury
Dominick finally lowered his gaze and looked at her with the coldest, most unfeeling stare she had ever seen. It cut through her like ice, stealing the breath from her lungs. Meeting his gaze. Eleanor understood everything.
A bitter laugh escaped her lips, and she said. “I see now. You just want to get rid of me,
don’t you?”
don’t get a way.
So what if I do!” Dominick’s voice was sharp, each word like a slap. “It’s my decision. You d
Your decision. Well, you can decide my life, right?” Eleanor repeated, her voice dropping to a whisper. Her head bowed, her words fading into silence as she stood there, unerly still, like a puppet with its strings cut,
Dominick’s gaze lingered on her. For a moment, his jaw tightened slightly, and his lips twitched as if he wanted to say something more. But he said nothing
nd took a
Finally. Eleanor raised her head and
a deep breath. Her voice was eerily calm. “I get it now. This time, I’ll listen to you, il marry that man” Jennifer, Alexis, and Gregory all let out silent breaths of relief. Their faces lit up, barely concealing their joy. If Dominick hadn’t been standing there, they might have thrown a celebration on the spot. They thought, ‘Great, that troublemaker finally learns to be smart
Dominick didn’t share their enthusiasm. He simply stared at Eleanor, his expression unreadable, though his gaze burned into her like a brand.
(wrong) Aren’t you happy?” Eleanor asked, a mocking smille tugging at her lips. “Isn’t this exactly what you wanted
Wh
Dominick’s voce dipped, his frustration evident as he let out a cold laugh. “You’re sharp–tongued as ever. Very well, I’ll be waiting to see you go through with it”
After speaking, he turned sharply and strode toward the door.
Gregory followed him and asked, “Mr. Vanderbilt, are you leaving! How about staying for some coffee!
“No need” Dominick snapped, his tone biting.
Jennifer shot Alexis a look, and Alexis quickly wheeled herself after him. “Nick, let me see you out,” she said.
Dominick hesitated briefly, and his voice softened just a fraction. “Alright”
Beanor’s eyes immediately welled with tears. She let out a stilled sob before slamming the door with a loud bang.
Ekominick a shoulders suffered at the sound, but he didn’t look back. He walked straight outside with an unreadable expression.
At the entrance, Dominick nodded to Alexis and was about to get into his car
Alexis noted something and called out “Nack, wait a moment
I turned around slightly. “Yeah?
nd smiled. “Your tie is a linte messy” Her gesture was obvious she wanted to fix it for him.
faint hum and straightened his tie hummelt. He th
العرق
He then got into the car without a backward glance, leaving Alexis standing
B
