“It’s not Dominic,” an
My stomach dropped, my grip on the phone tightening. “Who is this?” I asked, though I already had a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach.
“Vanessa,” she said, her tone dripping with smugness.
Her name was like venom, her voice a reminder of every betrayal and scheme she’d orchestrated. My free hand curled into a list at my side.
“What do you want?” I spat, my voice cold and biting
*I have the SD card from your phone,” she said casually, as though she were discussing the weather. “If you want it back, meet me in an hour. I’ll text you the address”
The ground seemed to shift beneath me. My breath hitched as panic took root. How did she know about the video?
“What–I began, but she cut me off.
“Don’t keep me waiting,” she added with a wicked chuckle, and then the line went dead.
Atext notification buzzed almost immediately. I stared at the screen, my mind racing. The message was short and to the point, containing nothing but an address
My hands trembled as I lowered the phone. Vanessa’s involvement changed everything. That video had been my one weapon, my ace in the hole, and now it was in herlands 1 had no idea how she had gotten it, but there was no time to dwell on the details
Faith’s groan of pain brought me back to the present. 1 squeezed her hand, my determination hasdening. For now, she was my priority. I couldn’t let Vanessa derail me, not when Faith needed me the most
Still, the text bumed in the back of my mind, a hunting reminder that my light wasn’t over- it was only just beginning.
As I stared at the message, Dominic cane rushing in, bis eyes scanning the room. “Where’s Faith?” he asked, his voice laced with worry-
“She’s in labor,” I said, tucking my phone into my pocket and he hurled inside.
Dominic’s presence calmed Faith, and 1 took a moment to collect myself.
Vanessa’s text bamed in my mind. This wasn’t just about the card. It was about power, control, and the web of lies she and Eliza had spun.
As much as I hated it, I needed that card. It was the key to everything – the truth, Liam’s future, and exposing Eliza for the fraud she was.
But one thing was clear I wasn’t going to let Vanessa win.
DOMINIC
Raina had to have lost her mind to ask this of me–mere hours after my son was bom, no less.
I stared at her, my emotions swinging violently between anger and confusion. Her words echoed in my mind, each syllable more absued than the last. Did she think I’d willingly subject myself to Vanessa’s schemes? That vile woman?
“Are you serious right now?” asked, my voice low but laced with disbellet
Itaina’s eyes pleaded with me, shimmering with desperation hadn’t seen in years. “I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important, Dom. Please
1 shook my head, scoffing as the weight of her request settled in. “And how do you think Faith is going to feel about this? Hours after giving birth, Raina. Our son is barely a day old”
“I know it’s a stupid thing to ask,” she admitted, her voice trembling. “But it’s the only way to get the SD card back”
Itumed away from her, dragging my hands through my hair as if the motion could somehow alleviate the frustration building inside me. “Unbelievable,“i muttered under my breath
“I’ll ask Faith if I have to,” Rains pressed, her tone growing more resolute. “I’ll explain everything. I’ll make her understand the importance of this, but.. if she agrees, would you do it for me? past meet Vanessa, Dom.”
Her words made my skin crawl. The thought of sitting across from Vanessa–entertaining her delusions, even for a second–made me shudder. That w toxic in every conceivable way.
But the desperation in Raina’s voice cooted me to the spot. I looked at her, really looked at her. She wasn’t just asking. She was pleading. Begging And as much as t hated the idea, I couldn’t ignore the fact that she’d been through hell. It this was what she needed to finally feel some semblance of peace, could i really say no?
I sighed heavily, shaking my head in reluctant surrender “Fine. But you talk to Faith first. If she doesn’t agree, this conversation never happened.” Raina’s face lit up with a mixture of relief and gratitude. “I will. Thank you, Dom. Thank you.”
I pointed a finger at her, cutting off her enthusiasm before it could grow. “I mean it, Haina. Faith has to be okay with this. Otherwise, it’s a no–ge
She
e nodded quickly, her excitement barely contained. “I’ll handle it.”
Together, we walked back into Faith’s hospital room. The sight of her nursing our son made my earlier frustration dissipate, the sight stopped me in my tracks, my hean swelling with love and contentment.
This–Falth, our son, this quiet moment- was everything I had ever wanted. It was the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifices, and planning. As I stood there, watching her care for our child, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief.
All the struggles, the long hours, and the compromises thad made now felt worth it. And soon, Raina would take over the Graham Corporation, just as we had agreed. She was meant for it–her sharp mind, her determination, and her ability to lead were exactly what the company needed.
That had been the plan all along, the agreement I’d worked out with my grandparents during those difficult years of searching for her Once she took the reins, I could finally step back, focus on my family, and watch my son grow.
Faith looked up at us, her expression curious. “What have you two been up to?”
I gestured toward Raina, sidestepping the question. “She’s got something to tell you!
I moved to Faith’s side, gently taking our son from her arms to give her a moment to get comfortable. Her smile warned me as I placed the baby in his bassinet, but the knot in my stomach tightened as I turned back to Raina
She shafted awkwardly, clearly nervous. “I, um. I have a stupid request to make,” she began, glancing between Faith and me. “I need Dominic’s help, but only it you’re clay with it.”
Faith arched an eyebrow, her interest piqued. “What kind of request?”
Kaina inhaled deeply, then let the words tumble out in a rush. “The SD card with the recording: —it’s missing. Vanessa has it. She said she’d only give it back i Dominic if Dominic went on a date with her.”
room fell silent, the weight of her statement hanging heavy in th
I felt my stomachichum, my hands balling into tists at my sides. Faith looked from me to Raina, her expression unreadable.
Then, to my utter shock, she broke the silence. “Okay.”
1 bladed, “What?”
Faith shrugged, though her eyes held a steely determination. “If it means getting the truth out, then tine. But,” she added, her voice tim, “you make sure that clown keeps her paws off you. Understand?”
I stated at lier, tom between gratitude for her trust and disbelief that she was actually agreeing to this insanity “Faith”
She tracked out, squeezing my hand. “I trust you, Domine. Do what needs to be done.”
1/2
I nodded slowly, still processing her response. Raina, meanwhile, looked like she might cry from relief.
“Thank you,” Raina said eamestly, her voice trembling. “Thank you both.”
Faith leaned back against the pillows, her exhaustion evident. “just make
Raina nodded, already pulling out her phone. “I’ll text Vanessa. Set it up
ke it quick”
-25 Bonus
Faith was discharged early the next morning, and we headed home as a family. The drive was quiet but comforting, with the baby sleeping souilly in his carrier. Faith rested her head against the window, the exhaustion of childbirth still evident on her face, but there was a soft glow about her–a prace I hadn’t seen in
months.
When we pulled into the driveway, the sight of our grandparents waiting on the porch brought a rare simile to my face. They were practically bouncing with excitement, eager to meet their new great–grandson.
“Finally!” Grandpa boomed, coming down the steps to greet us. “Let me see my boy
Faith chuckded weakly as I lifted the camber out of the car. “He’s all yours, Grandpa, but he’s asleep. Try not to wake him up.”
son made my chest tighten with pride
“Ah, I’ve got the magic touch,” Grandpa and confidently, gently lifting the baby into his arms. The sight of him cradling my son m and a touch of longing. This was the life I wanted–the simplicity of family, the joy of watching my son grow
Grandma hugged Faith tightly, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. “You’re amazing, sweetheart. He’s beautiful.”
Faith laughed softly, leaning into her embrace. “Thank you. We’re just glad he’s here and healthy.”
The house was soon filled with warmth and congratulations, but as much as I wanted to revel in the moment, my mind was elsewhere. Baina’s request lingered like astoncload, casting a shadow over my happiness.
The next day, I found myself parked outside the address Raina had texted me, waiting for Vanessa, she’d demanded 1 pick her up like this was some kind of date. had flatly refused, making it clear that if she wanted to meet, she could find her own way.
The cafe was tucked away on a quiet street, its outdoor seating shielded by tall, leafy trees. It would’ve been pleasant under different circumstances, but I was far imam relaxed
When Vanessa finally arrived, my jaw clenched Involuntarily. She was dressed in something that could barely be called a dress–tight, short, and entirely inappropriate for a casual meeting. Her confidence was palpable as she sauntered toward me, heels clicking against the pavement.
She reached out as though to hug me, her arms wide and a coy smile plastered on her face.
I stepped back sharply, holding op a hand to stop her. “Don’t,” I said, my voice cold and flem.
Vanessa’s smile faltered for a split second before she replaced it with an exaggerated pout. “No need to be so formal, Dominic.”
I ignored her attempt at charm, my expression hardening. “Let’s get one thing straight, Vanessa. If you try to play me—if that SD card is take or missing—1 will make sure your family is bankrupt before the week is over. Do you understand me?”
Her eyes widened, the smog mask slipping to reveal a flicker of fear. For a moment, I saw the cracks in her confidence, but she quickly.composed herself.
“Of course,” she said sweetly, though her voice wavered ever so slightly. “I wouldn’t dare.”
my words hangin
I leaned back in my seat, crossing my arms. “Good. Since we have an understanding, let’s set some ground roles.“I paused, letting the weight of my the air. “There are things you need to know about me and what I will–and will not–tolerate tonight.”
nessa’s smile faltered again, her confidence visibly slaken. She nodded, her voice softer now. “I’m listening.
I sat back, arms crossed, ready to endure whatever madness lay ahead.
