Chapter 99 Ninety Nine
It had been a month since Dominic and Izzy officially started dating, leaving behind their casual, just-for-fun arrangement.
In that time, Dominic had been nothing but a sweetheart. They had shared countless moments… wild, passionate nights in his apartment, at her place, even sneaking kisses and touches in quiet corners at work, in his car, and once on a rooftop under the stars. They’d gone on multiple dates… dinner at fancy restaurants, picnics in the park, late-night walks along the city streets. Izzy couldn’t remember the last time she had been this happy; she loved it all. She’d stayed over at his place, he’d stayed over at hers, and each time, it felt intimate and exciting, like their own little world.
Amid all this, she hadn’t had a chance to see Maya. She’d called and texted, but Maya hadn’t responded to her since their fight. Between work and Dominic, there simply hadn’t been time to visit. Still, Izzy thought about her friend often, hoping she wasn’t too upset with her.
Friday night, after another intense, unforgettable night together, Dominic pulled back slightly, his chest rising and falling as he caught his breath. “Oh… that was wild,” he said, his voice husky, eyes glinting with mischief. He drew her in for a slow, heated kiss, lingering, tasting, savoring.
Izzy smiled against his lips, teasing softly, “You know how to ride me so well, Zaddy.”
He laughed, a low, delighted sound that made her shiver. They held the quiet for a moment, just breathing each other in, the room still warm from their passion.
Then Dominic’s expression softened, and he looked at her with a slightly nervous but hopeful gaze. “Would you… like to come with me tomorrow? My mom’s hosting a wine party,” he said, his voice careful, almost hesitant.
Izzy froze, her mind racing. This was the first time he had invited her to a family event. Her heart thudded, a mix of excitement and nerves.
Dominic’s words tumbled out quickly, as if he were trying to cover his own anxiety. “You don’t have to… if you don’t want to… I just thought… maybe you could—”
Before he could finish, Izzy cut him off, leaning up to kiss him deeply, confidently. “I would love to,” she whispered against his lips, her hands curling into his shirt.
Dominic’s eyes lit up, a wide grin spreading across his face. “Really?”
“I really would,” she said, smiling as her heart soared. The thought of meeting his family made her nervous, yes, but also thrilled. She felt wanted, included, and cared for in a way she had never expected.
He kissed her again, softer this time, lingering, like he was memorizing her lips and sealing the promise of tomorrow.
By morning, Izzy woke up with a mix of excitement and nerves. Today was the wine party at Dominic’s mother’s house. She had never met his family before, and even though Dominic reassured her, butterflies churned in her stomach she was excited to meet his family.
She took her time getting ready, carefully choosing a dress that was elegant but not too flashy.. soft cream silk number that hugged her curves but left her feeling confident. She did her hair in loose waves and kept her makeup natural, just enough to highlight her features. Her hands trembled slightly as she applied her lipstick.
Dominic noticed her nerves as he entered the room, holding two cups of coffee. “You’re going to be fine, pumpkin, it's just a simple brunch” he said, handing her a cup. His hand brushed hers for a brief second, sending a shiver through her.
“I hope so…” she whispered, taking a deep breath. “I don’t want to mess this up.”
Dominic smiled softly, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Relax. It’s just my mom. And she’s intimidating, yes, but she’s just any other person. Besides… she likes me. So she’ll like you too… eventually.”
Izzy forced a small smile, though her stomach twisted at the thought of being scrutinized by Dominic’s mother.
When they arrived at the house, it was quiet, elegant, and intimidating… mirroring Dominic’s own polished presence. The door opened to reveal Miranda Steele. She was tall, poised, her silver-streaked hair pulled back in a perfect bun. Her eyes, sharp and calculating, immediately landed on Izzy.
Suddenly her eyes turned and landed on him.
“Nico…” Her voice trembled with joy, a smile breaking through the years of distance. “It’s so good to see you, my boy.”
“Hi, Mom…” he said softly, a hint of awkwardness in his tone but relief shining through.
She closed the space between them in an instant, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead before pulling him into a tight, lingering hug. Her arms held him like she never wanted to let go, and for a moment, the years melted away.
“I’ve missed you so much,” she whispered, resting her cheek against his.
“I… missed you too,” he replied, his voice low, thick with emotion.
Then he spoke, his voice steady but careful.
“Mom, meet my…”
“Is this the new secretary Sienna told me about?” she interrupted, her eyes sweeping over Izzy from head to toe, a faint curl of disgust tugging at her lips.
“She’s not just my secretary,” Dominic said firmly, stepping slightly forward, “she’s my girlfriend.”
The room fell into a tense silence. Izzy stiffened, unsure whether to retreat or stand her ground, while Dominic’s mother’s gaze lingered on her like she was assessing some unwelcome intruder.
“My… girlfriend?” she echoed, her voice measured but sharp.
Izzy extended her hand, trying to smile warmly. “It’s so nice to meet you, Mrs. Steele.”
Miranda barely glanced at her hand. She lifted a single brow, her gaze cold and assessing. Without touching Izzy’s hand, she turned to Dominic. “Mmm. Is this just a distraction,” she asked, her voice smooth but cutting.
Izzy’s hand hung in the air for a second before she slowly dropped it, feeling the sting of dismissal. She tried to mask her hurt with a polite smile.
“She’s… very lovely, Mom,” Dominic said softly, his hand brushing hers lightly before stepping back.
Miranda’s gaze flicked back to Izzy, a slight sneer forming at the corner of her lips. “Lovely…” she repeated, voice dripping with thinly veiled disapproval. She turned back to Dominic as if Izzy weren’t even there. “Do you really think this is suitable?”
Izzy felt her cheeks heat up. She wanted to defend herself, to argue, but the sharpness in Miranda’s presence was enough to make her freeze. She stepped back slightly, trying to find her composure.
Dominic noticed her discomfort and stepped closer, his arm brushing her back protectively. “Mom, she’s wonderful. I like her. That’s what matters.”
Miranda gave him a sharp look but said nothing, letting the words hang in the air. Izzy clenched her fists subtly, trying not to let herself show how hurt she felt, but inside, hurt by every word.
Then, unexpectedly, a familiar figure appeared near the kitchen doorway. Izzy froze. It was Sienna…..the last time I heard about her she was transferred to manage trans thah doesn't do anything.”
Dominic noticed the slight pause in Izzy’s expression. “Izzy?” he asked quietly.
Izzy shook her head slightly, not wanting to draw attention. Her chest tightened. Seeing Sienna here, in Dominic’s world, brought mixed feelings
Miranda’s eyes followed Izzy’s gaze. She caught the glance at Sienna and frowned. “Hmm. Interesting,” she muttered, her voice still icy. She didn’t like Izzy, that much was clear, and now the appearance of Sienna only seemed to make her more skeptical.
Dominic squeezed Izzy’s hand gently, giving her a small reassuring nod. “Don’t worry about her,” he whispered, just for Izzy.
Izzy took a deep breath, trying to calm her.