Chapter 32: Between Pain and Desire
Marceline’s POV
I stood there staring at them with an unreadable expression. Philip’s hands covered his face, probably in shame, while Anastasia’s eyes widened in shock as she hurriedly buttoned her shirt with trembling fingers.
“Marc…” Anastasia called, her voice laced with fear.
Honestly, I hadn’t expected the scene in front of me.
I had only come to meet Philip about the business with Halvourne Enterprise since I would be going there today. But who knew I would witness this instead?
A bitter smile rose in my heart, and I turned to leave, not wanting to say a word to either of them.
“Marc, wait! It’s not what you think,” Anastasia rushed after me, trying to stop me from leaving.
I turned sharply, and before I realized it, my palm struck her cheek with force.
"Ahh!"
She screamed in pain and fell to the ground.
My blood boiled with anger. I had had enough of her always calling my name with that mouth of hers. And now she dared to say “it’s not what you think”? Like seriously, what else could it be?
I pushed the door open and stormed out, my heels striking the floor with every step. Reaching my office, I grabbed my bag and car key without hesitation.
“I’m going to Halvourne Enterprise, Grace,” I told my assistant.
She stood quickly, ready to follow.
“I will go alone,” I added firmly.
Just as I stepped into the elevator and waited for the doors to close, I saw Philip rushing toward me, but he was too late. The doors shut before he could reach me.
I leaned against the wall and closed my eyes, holding back the hurt that burned inside me. I had thought it would never hurt again, but it still did. Maybe because it was Anastasia. If it had been someone else with Philip, maybe the pain wouldn’t have been this deep.
A lump rose in my throat, but I forced it back. I would never cry because of them again.
The elevator opened on the ground floor. I walked out, went straight to my car, and drove away slowly.
In no time, I arrived at Halvourne Enterprise. Parking my car, I took a deep breath to calm my aching heart before stepping out.
Inside, I walked straight to the receptionist’s desk.
“My name is Marceline Stanmore, representative from Stanmore Global. I have a meeting with your president,” I introduced myself politely.
It was my first time here; I couldn’t just walk straight to the top floor without being announced.
“Hold on, ma,” the young woman replied with a polite smile.
I nodded, turning my eyes to the wide lobby. It was grand—spacious, brighter, even larger than Stanmore.
“Ma,” the receptionist called softly to regain my attention. “Mr. Gabriel will be here to escort you upstairs.”
“Alright. Thank you,” I said faintly, managing a small smile.
A moment later, a familiar man approached.
“Mrs. Stanmore, sorry for keeping you waiting,” Gabriel said warmly. I remembered seeing him with Dominic the day he came to sign the contract.
“It’s okay,” I replied, and he motioned for me to follow him.
Soon, we reached the presidential floor.
“The president is waiting inside,” he said, opening the door.
“Marceline,” Dominic’s voice called the moment I stepped in.
He was seated at his desk, eyes fixed on me with a burning intensity that almost stole my breath.
“Hello, Dominic,” I greeted, forcing a smile, pushing the earlier scene with Philip and Anastasia far back in my mind. I had to focus.
“Sorry for keeping you waiting downstairs,” he said as he put on his glasses.
“It’s okay. I came earlier than expected,” I answered gently, handing him the document.
His eyes narrowed slightly on me before he took it.
“Our company believes establishing the project at the center of the city will be most effective,” I explained as he read through.
We spent about forty minutes discussing details, numbers, and projections.
“How long do you think the construction of the mall will take?” he asked finally, his eyes lifting to mine, unblinking.
“Five to six months, I suppose,” I answered.
“The project is good,” he said with a nod. I nodded in agreement too.
Silence stretched between us.
“Are you okay, Marceline?” he asked suddenly, removing his glasses. His sharp eyes studied me intently.
“Yes,” I replied quickly, a little startled by his question.
He stood and came around his desk, his footsteps slow but firm. Stopping just a step away from me, he looked into my face.
“You’re not. You look sad,” he said softly, his palm brushing against my cheek.
My heart trembled at his touch. Did my face truly show that much sadness? I thought I had hidden it well. How did he notice?
I stared into his eyes and, to my surprise, saw worry. Was he… worried about me?
My lips parted to insist that I was fine, but his thumb gently brushed over them.
“It healed,” he said in a low tone, his thumb prying my lips slightly, just as he had done days ago when he had noticed the wound.
A small smile appeared on my face. He remembered. But it faded quickly as a thought struck me—Philip, the one who had caused the injury, never even asked.
His thumb continued caressing my lips, pulling me out of my thoughts. We stood there, eyes locked, the air between us shifting. He looked at me as though he could see every hidden pain I carried.
I knew I should pull away from his touch, but something rooted me to the spot. I couldn’t move.
Before I could think further, Dominic’s lips pressed against mine.
My eyes widened instantly, my body stiffened as his lips moved gently over mine—warm, steady, and deliberate.
My heart raced, pounding so loudly I thought he might hear it.
I should push him away, that’s what my mind screamed, but my body betrayed me.
Instead my hands lifted slowly, trembling, and rested around his neck.
Before I knew it, I was kissing him back.
I felt his body shiver slightly at my response, as though he hadn’t expected it. Then, as if something inside him broke free, his arms wrapped around me and pulled me closer, deepening the kiss.
My heart skipped and raced all at once. My breaths quickened as the air between us grew heavy, filled with unspoken emotions and tension.
And there, in Dominic’s arms, I let myself fall into the moment.