Chapter 9

At eight o'clock, I got ready. I looked at myself in the mirror. I was wearing a long white dress with shiny earrings, and my hair was slightly curled. I smiled at my preparation. Maybe it would be the last time, I had dinner with him. I thought to call him to let him know I was staying at my friend’s house but the phone rang before I could dial. The call was from Dominic.

"Come down," he said in his deep voice.

Surprised, I looked out of the apartment window and saw his car waiting in front. When I reached the car, the driver opened the door for me. But the next moment was more surprising for me. Dominic was sitting in the passenger seat. I couldn't help but wonder why he was there; he never came to pick me up himself, always sending the driver instead.

“Ma’am.”  As the driver waited for me to get in, I nodded in affirmation and got into the car. Dominic was engrossed in his cell. He did not raise his eyes even once.

Wanting to give the impression that I was also busy, I took out my phone and started scrolling.

"Why aren't you dressed appropriately?" he asked abruptly, I looked at his face.

"What?" Confusingly, I replied.

"Has the separation made you deaf?" he remarked sharply. His gaze was fixed on my deep neckline.

"What's the problem? I can wear whatever I want." I said, grinding my teeth. He never talked about my dress, so why now?

"What could be the problem? If the neckline would be a little deeper, at least the time would be a better pass." he teased, leaning closer to me with a playful smile. My face turned red at his words.

"That's shameful," I muttered in disbelief.

"Do you want to seduce me? Come a little closer," he quipped, putting his hand on my waist to pull me closer.

"I'm not like the other girls you're used to, Dominic," I replied firmly, trying to make a distance.

"Of course, you're different. None of them have the privilege of being Dominic's wife," he remarked sarcastically, gazing at my face.

"I wish I hadn't been bestowed with that privilege," I said in a bitter tone, hoping for a bitter response from him. But, to my surprise, he remained silent. He removed his arm from my waist and turned his face.

We continued our journey in silence, with him immersed in his phone and me, lost in my thoughts. When we reached the restaurant, I felt uneasy seeing his mother with grandmother. Grandma seemed happy but the bitter impression on my mother-in-law’s face was not hiding from me. Things carried on as usual. We sat down to eat, but suddenly I felt his hand at my thigh.

I froze at the unexpected touch, a rush of disbelief coursing through me. His hand rested lightly on my thigh, an almost casual gesture, yet it was anything but.

My breath hitched as I turned to look at him, trying to make sense of what was happening. He didn’t meet my gaze, his face impassive as he continued to nod along to something his grandmother was saying.

“Dominic,” I whispered sharply, my voice low but urgent. He glanced at me, his expression unreadable, though there was a flicker of something I couldn’t quite place—defiance, perhaps, or something darker.

“What are you doing?” I asked under my breath, my words barely audible over the clinking of silverware and soft hum of conversation around us.

“Just playing the part of a devoted husband,” he replied, his tone laced with sarcasm but low enough that only I could hear.

“We’re getting a divorce,” I hissed, trying to pull my leg away, but his grip, though not forceful, was firm enough to keep me in place.

“And?” he said simply, his eyes meeting mine for a brief moment before he turned his attention back to the table.

My heart pounded in my chest, not from fear, but from the sheer audacity of his actions. For the last time we spent together, he had been distant, cold even. And now, with our marriage hanging by a thread, he was acting like this? It made no sense.

“Dominic, stop,” I muttered, my voice firmer this time.

“Relax. It’s just a touch, Sophia. Nothing to get worked up about.” He smirked, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly.  Before I could respond, his grandmother turned her attention to us.

“You two have been so quiet tonight,” she said, her eyes twinkling as she looked between us. “I hope everything is going well.” I forced a smile, my cheeks burning.

“Of course, Grandma,” I replied, my voice steady despite the chaos swirling inside me. Dominic’s hand moved forward and my breath hitched.

"Excuse me." I excused myself to freshen up and hurriedly left the table. I entered the washroom, clutching my stomach with mirth, and stood by the sink. Suddenly, the bathroom door opened, and Dominic walked in. I was shocked to see him there. My eyes widened in surprise. Before I could say anything, he swiftly leaned in and kissed my lips.

My eyes were about to boil out of surprise.

It was the first time that he kissed me. He never take the lead like that. Caught off guard, I felt breathless, almost as if I might faint.

I was so shocked that I accidentally bit his lip; the next moment, he pulled away with a jerk. Blood came out from his lower lip.

"Shh. Why are you biting?" He seemed annoyed. His words were met with a firm response from me.

"Stay away from me. I don’t want your touch.” I said, trying to steady my breathing.

"Well, then who was she, moaning in my embrace and saying, 'I want to eat you'?" He stepped closer, placing both hands on the edge of the sink; grabbed my waist, raised an eyebrow, and inquired in a reminder manner. My face flushed red at his words.

"I was crazy at that time," I admitted, bowing my head in embarrassment.

"So, what changed now?" he asked, a playful tone creeping into his voice.

"I changed. I'm not the same Sophia who would blindly fall for you anymore." I replied confidently, my cheeks still burning at his closeness.

"Let's make sure," In a husky voice, he leaned toward my lips again. Before that he kissed me again, I pushed him away.

"Stay away, Mr. Dominic.  I am not a toy to use.” I yelled tears welling up in my eyes.

"And what if I don't?" he challenged, his tone stiff.

"What kind of game is this? It's not love; you just want to torment me, want to have fun of my helplessness. Stop doing this, I can’t…..” I retorted, feeling a mixture of frustration and helplessness but he didn’t let me complete.

“I want you back, baby.” He said, and I was taken aback. His face was normal. Was he making fun of me again? 

“What.” I retorted, feeling a mixture of frustration. I believed I had misheard.

“Let’s have a new start, sweetheart.” He said again. Before I could respond, the restroom door opened, and a girl entered. Dominic quickly left, leaving me trembling with a strange mix of anger. Despite my reluctance, I couldn't deny the pull of his charm.

His sudden intimacy left me feeling a mix of anger and trembling excitement.

If we weren't getting a divorce, maybe things would be different between us. But not now. I can’t forgive him so easily. He wants a second chance, and then he has to prove it.

“Not so easy this time, Mr. Dominic,” I muttered, taking a deep breath.

As I watched his retreating figure, a sense of determination surged through me. He might think he can just walk back into my life, but he’s in for a surprise. I’ve rebuilt my walls, and this time, I’m not letting him tear them down so easily. He will have to face the consequences of breaking my trust, and if he truly wants me back, he’ll need to fight for it.

With my hands still shaking, I wiped away the stubborn tears from my cheeks, knowing that this was just the beginning of a battle—one I was determined not to lose.