Chapter 157: Chapter 157 I’m Sorry
Elara
The next morning at the breakfast table, I immediately sensed the shift in Dominic’s behavior.
"Morning, sweetheart," he said, his voice carrying an unmistakable warmth as he dropped a casual kiss on top of my head.
Elizabeth watched us with that knowing smile, like a seasoned matchmaker observing her latest project.
"Morning," I managed, the endearment sticking in my throat. "...honey."
It felt weird saying it, like trying on clothes that didn’t quite fit.
But Dominic’s face lit up like I’d just made his entire day.
Elizabeth leaned forward slightly. "Elara, eat more. You worked late yesterday, didn’t you?"
Guilt twisted in my stomach as I smiled. "Grandma, this is plenty. I really can’t eat anymore."
"Nonsense, look how thin you are. Next time you work late, remember to call home. Otherwise Dominic worries." She paused, her eyes twinkling. "He waited up for you in the living room all evening yesterday."
My head snapped up, confusion flickering in my eyes.
[ He’d specifically waited for me?]
"It was nothing, Grandma," Dominic said smoothly, his smile casual. "I had some paperwork to catch up on anyway. Just multitasking."
I took a sip of my coffee and immediately choked.
My face flushed as I coughed, and suddenly there was a warm palm gently patting my back.
His low, rich voice drifted into my ear. "Easy now. We’ve got plenty of time before work. No need to rush."
Elizabeth looked thoroughly pleased with our interaction, her appetite seemingly improving from the sight. She finished her entire breakfast this morning – more than I’d seen her eat in weeks.
"Grandma, we’re heading out," I said as we stood.
"All right, you two. Drive safely."
The moment the door clicked shut behind us, our interlocked fingers sprang apart.
I was the one who pulled away first. "I’ll drive myself. No need to escort me."
Dominic’s eyebrow lifted slightly, but he didn’t insist. "Fine. Working late again today?"
"Probably not."
He leaned in, his warm breath ghosting across my skin as his lips suddenly brushed against my earlobe.
My entire body went rigid. Heat flooded my face instantly, like an electric current shooting up my spine straight to my scalp, leaving tingling numbness in its wake.
I stared up at him in shock, my shoulder jerking back instinctively as I took a step away. My voice came out sharper than intended. "What the hell was that for?"
"Just seeing how you’d react," Dominic’s eyes held an intensity that made my breath catch, his fingers trailing along my earlobe. "Don’t get all worked up. Grandma’s still watching from upstairs."
I started to turn around, but Dominic stopped me.
"Easy there, spitfire," his hand caught my wrist gently. "You spin around now and she’ll know something’s up. Just smile and wave like the loving wife you’re supposed to be."
I plastered on the fakest smile I could muster and gave a little wave toward the second-floor window.
Through gritted teeth, I hissed, "Next time you pull something like that without warning me, I’m kneeing you where it counts, contract or no contract."
Dominic’s laugh was rich and genuine. "There’s my fierce little Luna. Much better than that deer-in-headlights look."
The bastard was enjoying this way too much.
"Don’t look back. If you do, Grandma will know we’re just putting on a show."
I ducked my head, avoiding his continuing touch. "I’m leaving."
But when I got into my car and looked toward the second-floor window, Elizabeth was nowhere to be seen.
[That lying jerk had tricked me again!]
I watched him get into his own car, looking way too pleased with himself.
My jaw clenched in frustration.
--
During the morning meeting, I couldn’t focus.
Nancy sat across from me giving her report.
She could tell I wasn’t paying attention."Elara, are you feeling all right?"
"I’m fine. Please continue."
Nancy nodded. "This quarter’s performance went up 20% compared to the last two months. But most of that growth came from conference revenue and orders you got yourself in the sales department. Without those two things, we’re actually losing money."
She paused, meeting my eyes. "I heard your uncle used to work in management here before he left. Some old employees said he took over a small hotel and renamed it ’StarMoon.’ Our legal team thinks that’s too close to our ’MoonStar’ trademark. They’re worried about brand confusion and want to explore our options."
I nodded. "Good catch, Director Miller. Legal is already handling the trademark case. For the sales problems, I’m thinking about changing our commission system. Finance and HR should work together on a plan. We’ll talk about it next week."
My morning disappeared into meeting after meeting.
When I got back to my office, there was a bouquet on my desk that wasn’t there before.
I raised an eyebrow and called my secretary. She said they came at ten. No name from the sender.
A small card in the flowers said: "I’m sorry."
I was about to grab my phone to text Dominic a thank you. But then I remembered how he lied to me this morning. My good mood vanished.
Still, I was surprised. He’d somehow picked one of my favorite types of flowers, which was actually pretty thoughtful.
Maybe the cocky Alpha was more observant than I thought.
