+25 BONUS
Chapter 59
The silence in the car shifted, growing heavier with every unanswered buzz. She didn’t explain, and I didn’t press, but the tension was there, humming like an electric current between us.
By the time we pulled up to the restaurant, I was wound tight, my grip on the steering wheel a little too firm. Raina didn’t even wait for me to get her door. She stepped out of the car quickly, almost like she couldn’t stand being in the same space as me for another second.
I got out and caught up to her, my stride matching hers easily. But she kept her distance, walking just far enough behind me to make it clear that this wasn’t a date in her mind.
The manager greeted us warmly as we entered, his demeanor professional yet effusive. “Mr. Dominic, welcome. Everything is ready for you.”
I nodded, pleased that the arrangements were seamless. I’d chosen this place for a reason: privacy. The upstairs dining area was secluded, the perfect spot for a conversation that needed no prying eyes.
The waiter led us to the table, the soft lighting casting a warm glow over the room. Floor–to–ceiling windows offered a view of the city skyline, glittering with lights against the night sky. It was everything I had imagined when I reserved the spot.
But Raina didn’t comment. She took her seat with a quiet reluctance, her gaze fixed on the table as though she were counting down the minutes until this evening was over.
Order whatever you’d like,” I said, gesturing toward the menu.
She flipped through it quickly, her movements brisk. “The steak,” she said simply, closing the menu and setting it down.
I nodded and handed my menu to the waiter. “Same for me.”
Once we were alone, I decided to break the tension. I leaned forward slightly, my tone warm and sincere. “I’m glad to see you’re wearing the dress I sent. You look stunning, as always.”
Her eyes flicked up to meet mine briefly, and I thought I saw the faintest hint of color on her cheeks before she looked away again. “Thank you,” she murmured, her voice polite but distant.
She wouldn’t even look at me. It hurt more than I cared to admit.
The silence that followed was tense, filled with unspoken words and years of unresolved pain. I wanted to reach across the table, to tell her everything I had been holding back, but the weight of her quiet disapproval kept me rooted in place.
And then, I couldn’t help myself. The words came tumbling out before I could stop them.
“I’m sorry,” I said abruptly, the words heavy and raw.
She froze, her fork halfway to her mouth. Slowly, she set it down, her eyes narrowing as she fixed me with a hard stare.” Don’t,” she said flatly, her tone laced with warning.
But I couldn’t stop. “I’m sorry for taking Liam away from you,” I continued, my voice thick with emotion. “I was angry, and I let that anger blind me. I didn’t give you a chance to explain yourself, and that was wrong. I see that now.”
Her features hardened, her jaw tightening as she pushed her chair back and stood abruptly. “This was a mistake,” she said, her voice sharp and final. She turned, clearly ready to leave.
Panic flared in my chest. I couldn’t let her walk away–not again.
I was on my feet in an instant, moving on instinct. I reached for her arm, my touch firm but gentle, and before I could think better of it, I pulled her into a hug from behind.
“Don’t go,” I said quietly, my voice a plea. “Please. Just… let me say this.”
She stiffened in my arms, her body rigid, but she didn’t pull away.
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Chapter 59
+25 BONUS
“All you had to do,” she said finally, her voice trembling with frustration, “was shut up and get through the meal. But no. You just had to bring it up.”
“I can’t help it,” I admitted, my arms still around her. “I have so much to say, so much I need to make right.”
She let out a shaky breath, and for a moment, I thought she might push me away. But instead, she stood there, silent and tense, as if weighing her next move.
- –
