The Daring Billionaire’s Wife by Lypstical

Vanessa

My entire life, I've never checked on my phone as much as I have today and it's only because I keep hoping that Dominic has texted me or something, even though I would hear it from the ringtone.

Ever since he checked up on me this morning, there hasn't been any other moment that he's gotten in touch with me. It makes it difficult for me to call or text him first just to find out how it went with Carmella because I can't tell what he's up to right now.

The more I think about it, the more it makes me anxious.

While getting ready to meet up with Sophie and Jake for a late afternoon meal, my phone is on speaker as I talk to Mia about what happened with Patrick since I couldn't talk to her about it before as she was busy.

"I can't believe after everything you've done for him, he decided to be a jerk! You know what? Dominic did the right thing when he punched him. In fact, he should've done it a few more times. I know I would. Have you been in touch with him since it happened?"

"No. I want to keep my distance for now."

"For now? Are you serious? Just completely stay away from him. What could you possibly still want from someone like him? From what you've told me, he wasn't sorry about it. He's an asshole!"

I sigh. "You're right about that."

"Then cut him off completely no matter how much he apologizes."

I shake my head. "I don't see that happening. He made it clear."

"That's even more of a reason to cut him off. I'm actually surprised he didn't fight back when Dominic punched him."

I chuckle. "He wouldn't dare. He's skinny compared to my husband."

As I go on to describe Dominic's strength, not only do I find myself thinking about the sight of him last evening when he had a towel wrapped around his lower half and towered over me, but also the moment his dominant gaze instantly made me submissive.

My only focus is my father right now, but I can't deny that moment gave rise to something inside of me.

Meeting up with Sophie and Jake at his restaurant helps me forget about Dominic for a while and what could be going on with him right now.

With a large platter in the middle of the table as our preferred meal, Jake hands me a kebab as he says, "Impressive, right?"

"You don't have to ask her that," Sophie chimes in. "She's seen this place before."

"I'm asking her about the food." He scoffs at her.

As they banter, I giggle, finding amusement in it and for a while, it works but soon, I find myself wondering why I haven't yet heard from Dominic. Yesterday was justified but today is different. It's only when Sophie taps me on my wrist that I pay attention again.

"Did you say something?" I ask, blinking a few times.

"I was talking about Carmella," she says.

My eyes widen and my first assumption is that they know the truth and all I can think about is my father.

"Uhm...what about her?" I ask, composing myself.

"What happened to her?" She tilts her head.

"We don't see her anymore and to be honest, I'm glad we don't," Jake chimes in, his tone already filled with disapproval just like his body language. "You two really aren't friends anymore, right?" "No we're not." I shake my head.

"Good." He nods firmly. "I still don't know what happened between you two but keep it that way. You're not alike in any way. That's why you're my brother's wife."

As he goes on to compare me to Carmella, I glance to the side with a sigh as I force a smile. If only they knew that she's back in the picture after a while.

Sophie suggests we take some pictures while still having our meal and she immediately sends them to Dominic.

Then, she constantly checks her phone and it grabs my attention. "You keep looking down at your phone. Are you expecting something important?"

"No. I just want Dominic to see the pictures. They haven't even been delivered yet. Is he busy or something?" She looks up at me for answers.

"He has an important meeting today." I try my best to sound as convincing as possible.

It doesn't take much for her to nod in understanding and my heart sinks. If only they knew what the truth was.

The ride back home starts around 9 p.m. and despite how much time has gone by, I haven't heard a single word from Dominic.

It doesn't even matter the number of

times I've checked my phone as I keep doing it, hoping that eventually, I'll hear from him. I even make myself believe that he must already be home, just like what happened yesterday when I returned. Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

When I arrive, I ask the butler before I even go upstairs but I'm informed that he's not yet back and it makes me sigh in disappointment.

I come up to the bedroom and put my handbag on the bed so I can remove my earrings.

Just as I begin, my phone rings and my first thought is that it's him

I rush to my handbag with wide eyes as I take out my phone but instantly pout a little because it's not him, but my father.

I still smile, glad that he's the one who called me.

"Hey, dad," I say to him enthusiastically.

"Sophie just sent me the pictures" he says from the other end of the line. "Looks like you had a great time."

"Yes, I did." I force a chuckle.

"I'm certain Dominic would've had fun, too."

"Yeah." I sigh heavily.

"Is everything alright with you?"

"Everything's fine." I assure him. "How do you feel?"

"For now, I feel great. You know what happens by now - it comes and goes. The live-in nurse comes tomorrow."

"I'm glad to hear that. Please take care of yourself."

He bursts into laughter. "You know I always do!"

After the phone call, I step in the bathroom for a quick shower. The entire time, all I can think about is when Dominic will actually come

back and when I'll hear from him.

Though I can still call him first, I don't want to do that. I'd rather wait for him but the longer I wait, the more I get impatient and wonder what's going on.

I step out of the shower, dress up in

my evening gown and get on the bed with my book from the bedside table so can read but I don't even get very far with it as my phone vibrates from the bedside table. quickly reach for it and what i see on the screen not only infuriates me, but breaks my heart.