Chapter 10
“Mommy. Mommy. Let me
Let me go. I’m going to be late.” Sesena squirmed in Paisley’s arms, her small frame wriggling like a fish trying to slip out of a
ΤΗΝ
‘s heart ached with guilt. She was still beating herself up over missing pick–up yesterday, leaving her little girl waiting at school. But no Paisley’s sering Serena’s eagerness to escape her embrace, a pang of sadness replaced the guilt.
“Rena, are you not gonna miss Mommy at all! Paisley asked, her voice tinged with both frustration and sorrow.
Tam” Serena nodded earnestly, her big eyes shining with sincerity. “But I have to go to kindergarten, Mommy. All the other parents are already gone. You should go too. I need to face the world on my own, you know?
Her words, spoken with an air of wisdom far beyond her years, left Paisley torn between laughing and crying
“Alright, alright. Paisley sighed, smoothing her daughter’s hair. “But if anything happens at school, promise me you’ll tell the teachers right away. okay? Don’t let anyone bully you” Her thoughts wandered to what Maria had said about that little boy. A flicker of worry crossed her face.
Serena nodded, her little head bobbing decisively. But inside, her thoughts were racing. Should I tell Mommy I met my brother! No… he doesn’t seem to like me yet. I’ll wait until he does before I’ll tell her.
Paisley held her close, planting kisses on Serena’s chubby checks for what felt like forever. Finally, with great reluctance, she handed her over to the
teacher
The moment Serena’s feet touched the ground, she bolted off like an excited puppy let off its leash, grabbing the teacher’s hand and tugging her toward the school building.
She had no time to waste. Early this morning, before leaving for school, she had sneaked into Paisley’s art studio and swiped the portrait of Grayson. Tucked safely in her backpack, it was her secret weapon.
She couldn’t wait to find Grayson later and show him the drawing. I’ll prove to him I wasn’t lying yesterday. I have seen him before!
Meanwhile, Paisley watched her daughter’s retreating figure with a puzzled smile. She couldn’t help but wonder what on earth was so about kindergarten that had Serenado eager to leave her side after just one day
as so captivating
A boy, no older than seven, dashed past Paisley, his small legs carrying him toward the school building in eager strides. Behind him, his mom called out anxiously, her voice laced with care and caution.
Paisley’s gaze lingered on the boy’s retreating figure, and an unexpected thought surfaced. Grayson must be about his height now, right? I wonder. if he has started school yet
A bittersweet smile tugged at her lips as her imagination wandered further. But knowing Dominick, there’s no way he’d send Sonny to a place like
this
The office was hushed, save for the faint ticking of a clock on the wall. Dominick had just wrapped up an international call and now reclined on the sleek leather sofa, his eyes closed briefly as if trying to steal a moment’s rest.
The quiet was interrupted by his secretary, who entered with a soft knock, asking what he’d like to drink.
“Coffee, Dominick said without hesitation
Julian, standing nearby, frowned slightly. “You si
should cut back on coffee. It’s bad for your stomach”
The comment earned no response as the secretary returned moments later with a steaming cup of coffee. Dominick accepted it, cradling the mug and sipping his coffee as he finally turned his attention to his phone,
Unread messages filled his inbox, but before he could sift through them, the screen lit up with Kayla’s name. It was her twelfth call.
Dominick’s brow furrowed in annoyance, but after a moment’s pause, he chose to answer.
On the other end, Kayla’s voice was anything but patient. “Dominick, I’ve been calling you since la
last night. Why haven’t you answered!”
He held the phone slightly away from his ear, her sharp tone grating on his nerves. “Stop yelling. If you have something to say, say it,” he said.
“Dominick, Kayla spot, her voice dripping with venom, “that wretch Paisley is back, isn’t she?”
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Chapter 10:
Dominick’s jaw tightened as he frowned, his voice dropping to a dangerous calm, “Kayla, how many times do I have to tell you? Don’t call her that She’s your sister–in–law.”
“Sister–in–law? You’re divorced. Or did you forget?” Kayla’s laugh was scornful. “Has she come crawling back to you already?”
“She hasn’t. Stop imagining things, Dominick replied coldly, his lips curving into a bitter smirk. If anything, Paisley would rather stay as far away from me as possible. She’d probably erase me from her life if she could,
“Good” Kayla sounded satisfied.
Is there anything else!”
“That’s cold. What, I can’t call my own brother just to chat?”
“If that’s all, I’m hanging up
“Wait, wait, I do have something. Did you find that pigment artist I asked for? You promised me last time you’d help”
In her expansive studio, Kayla sat by the window, her impatience evident as she gazed at an unfinished canvas. “My idol, Nion Vaire, just completed an amazing mineral pigment painting. I want to replicate it.”
Dominick’s mind briefly drew a blank. The sheer volume of responsibilities on his plate every day had pushed such trivial requests to the back of his mind. “Got it. I’ll handle it soon,” he said dismissively.
The mention of painting stirred an old memory. He recalled how much Paisley used to love drawing. Whenever she had free time at home, she would draw a couple of simple sketches.
In those early days of their marriage, she would sit with him in the study at night, her carbon pencil in hand. While he worked, she would sketch whatever caught her eyes–the view from the window, trinkets around the house, and most often, him.
But as time passed, those sketches had stopped.
A dull ache settled in his chest. Turning to Julian, he ordered, “Look imo what Paisley’s been up to since she returned to Harrowfell”
Dominick’s thoughts wandered agad to last night. She had mentioned a work dinner
Julian nodded, his response crisp. “Understood. Il get on it immediately
