Chapter 81: Chapter 81 Mixed Signals
Elara
I purposely hadn’t told Dominic about the hotel situation.
I didn’t want to make a habit of running to him every time I faced difficulties.
That wasn’t the kind of wife I wanted to be.
I thought for a moment before finally saying, "Thank you both for letting me know."
I felt confused about everything. I pulled my car over and called Hannah.
"Elara, are you okay?" Her voice was full of worry.
"I was traveling and hadn’t checked social media. I just got back and saw what happened! What a mess!"
"It’s always Selina! What’s wrong with that girl?" Hannah said angrily. "Did Zack help her again?"
I laughed at how protective she was. "Relax, Hannah. It’s complicated, but everything’s fine now."
"It’s over?" Hannah sounded surprised.
"Yeah, it’s over," I said with a small smile. "I think Dominic helped me."
I thought about the mysterious woman with the video, and how fast the police acted. It all pointed to Dominic.
What really surprised me was Vincent telling me about it. As Dominic’s secret boyfriend, why would he tell me about everything Dominic did for me? I’m his fake wife and technically his rival.
"Hannah, can I ask you something weird? If two guys obviously like each other, why don’t they just date?"
Hannah was totally caught off guard. "Maybe they’re both too dominant? Like, nobody wants to be the bottom?"
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"Oh my God, Elara! If your husband is super controlling, but the guy he likes is also really dominant, that’s a problem, right?" She giggled. "Someone would have to let the other guy take charge."
I was speechless. Now I got why Dominic and Vincent might not work.
But then why would Vincent tell me about Dominic helping me?
I decided to stop thinking about their messy relationship. My head was starting to hurt.
"Hannah, Dominic really helped me with this situation. What do you think I should get him as a thank-you gift?"
I’d already given him ties and yacht tickets in the past.
"Well, he doesn’t need anything expensive. He’s loaded," Hannah said. "Maybe something he really likes?"
"Do you know what he likes?" she asked.
"I..." I hesitated. I realized how little I actually knew about my own husband. "I don’t know."
Dominic was so private. He seemed relaxed on the surface but was impossible to truly read.
Maybe he was only that way with me, keeping his walls up for protection.
"Okay, I’ll try to figure out his interests," I sighed.
"Wait, I’ve got it!" Hannah suddenly said excitedly. "There’s an NFL charity game happening this weekend with some Super Bowl stars! Why not get him tickets?"
My eyes lit up. "That’s perfect!"
I decided to get two tickets. One for Dominic and one for Vincent. If Dominic felt awkward asking Vincent out himself, this would give them both the perfect chance to spend time together without any pressure.
"Thanks, Hannah! Love you!"
"No problem," she laughed.
I was so busy arranging the tickets that it was nearly ten when I finally got home.
As I changed my shoes in the entryway, I heard movement from the kitchen island.
"Dominic?" I called out tentatively.
He was leaning against the counter, holding a fresh bottle of mineral water.
He appeared to have just showered, wearing only a bathrobe that hung slightly open at the collar, revealing his sculpted abs.
As he twisted the cap off and took a drink, his Adam’s apple bobbed, and a drop of water trailed down his defined jawline, sliding over his stomach before disappearing into the V-line of his hips.
His tone was characteristically casual, but his eyes held a teasing glint. "The busy woman finally returns?"
I approached him, clearing my throat awkwardly. "Um, thank you. Vincent told me how you helped with the situation."
Dominic’s eyebrow twitched slightly, but before he could speak, I handed him an envelope.
"Tomorrow’s Saturday, and there’s an NFL charity game with some former Super Bowl players. Are you interested?"
"Another thank-you gift?" he asked.
"Yes. I thought you might like rugby."
The proud Alpha’s lips curled into a smile. "Fine. I’m free tomorrow, so I’ll accompany you."
I opened my mouth to clarify that it wasn’t about accompanying me, but decided against it.
When he saw Vincent there, it would be a nice surprise.
When I didn’t object, his smile deepened. "Go rest now. Don’t worry about anything else."
I thanked him again and retreated to my room.
Author
Early the next morning, Alpha Dominic emerged from his room dressed casually, only to have Linda inform him that Elara had already left.
He raised an eyebrow. "Do you know where she went?"
"Not sure, but she looked really nice. Probably meeting friends for shopping or brunch," Linda replied.
Dominic’s smile widened. She was clearly taking their date seriously.
He could understand her being nervous. Dating someone as handsome as him would make anyone a little shy.
"Alright, I’m heading out. We won’t be back for dinner tonight," he told Linda.
Alpha Dominic left before Linda could respond, stepping into the elevator.
Linda stood there confused, muttering to herself, "But Luna Elara specifically said she’d be home for dinner tonight."
Alpha Dominic stopped by a flower shop and bought a dozen red roses to keep in his car, planning to give them to her after the game.
He arrived at the stadium with his ticket, hands in his pockets, watching people stream in.
As game time approached, he frowned and was about to call Elara when he heard an unwelcome voice.
"Hey, Dominic! You’re here too? Where’s Elara?"
Alpha Dominic looked at the ticket in Vincent’s hand, immediately sensing something was wrong. "Why are you here?"
Vincent smiled innocently. "Oh, Elara said she had an extra ticket yesterday, so she gave it to me. I thought you two were coming together."
Dominic’s eyes narrowed as he snatched the ticket from Vincent’s hand.
Sure enough, it was the seat right next to his.
Perfect. Just perfect.
He’d underestimated just how "generous" Elara could be.
"Hey, where are you going?" Vincent called after him in confusion.
Alpha Dominic threw both tickets back at Vincent. "Call your little boy toy to watch the game with you!"
Vincent stood there stunned.
Wait. Did Elara completely misunderstand the situation?
Had she planned this whole thing on purpose?
