Chapter 173

Vespera forced a smile, one that looked even worse than crying. Just who would want to compete in something so ridiculous? She raised her head and murmured, “Can’t I take part in something positive?”

“Of course you can,” Dominic replied, nodding firmly. When he smiled, his eyes sparkled like there were stars in them. He continued, in a low and gentle voice, “You can take part in anything you want.”

At first, Vespera could hold herself together. She wasn’t used to breaking down and letting people see her weak side. But at that moment, she felt like she could allow herself to be a little selfish and vulnerable. She realized she could be cared for. At that, a wave of warmth surged from deep within her. It washed away the last bit of resistance she had.

Her vision blurred as her eyes welled up with tears. She let go of everything. Not only did she not have to worry about falling and getting bruised all over, but she didn’t have to fear stepping into emptiness and plunging down a cliff either.

Vespera leaned against Dominic and let herself crumble. He knew that she cared about her pride. Without a word, he took off his jacket and draped it over her head as he led her out of the restaurant.

Even when they reached the car, her shoulders still trembled. Once emotions were suppressed, they didn’t dissipate easily. Like the tide, they surged fiercely and had to run their course before they could finally recede into calm.

Some time later, Vespera finally composed herself. After that wave of emotions passed, the weight on her chest lifted, and the world around her became quiet. It was only then she realized she was still sitting in the car holding onto something.

Holding onto something? In an instant, she snapped back into reality. She noticed her arms wrapped around Dominic’s waist, and her face rested against his chest. It was as though he were a pillow she hugged every night in bed. Her actions were natural and unrestrained… the end, she was caught in a tough situation.

Vespera’s eyes darted around in a panic. She wondered if she should just casually let go and sit up. Or should she pretend to have fallen asleep and wait for Dominic to wake her up? Then, she could act as if she knew nothing. The latter seemed feasible. After all, just a few days ago, she had dozed off and ended up lying against him during a business trip. He hadn’t said anything then.

Chapter 179

As Vespera debated her options, a voice sounded above her head. “Stop thinking about it. If you keep thinking, it’ll be dark soon.”

Dominic patted Vespera on her head lightly. “Eat first. After that, you can hug me all you want.”

Vespera froze. Then, she felt as if her mind had shattered into a million pieces.

Five minutes later, Vespera sat on the chair of a restaurant. They were in a private dining space with an elegant courtyard design. The environment was so quiet that she could hear the gentle trickle of a man-made stream outside.

Dominic was ordering food across from Vespera. On the surface, she looked composed. She seemed to be as calm as the peaceful surroundings. But in actuality, she was screaming internally for help. She had no idea how to fix the situation. She regretted leaning on him and hugging him.

“Do you eat crawfish?” Dominic asked.

“Yeah,” answered Vespera quickly as her heart skipped a beat.

“For dessert, do you want honey-glazed apples or avocado coconut pudding?”

“Both…”

“You want both?”

Vespera wanted to say both were fine, but at this point, she decided to go along with it. “Yeah.”

Dominic ordered six dishes in total. Once he was done, he looked up at Vespera. At this time, she picked up the glass of water and pretended to admire the view outside while taking small sips. But because she was nervous, her teeth kept clinking against the rim of the glass.

“That glass…” Dominic had suddenly spoken up, making Vespera look at him, puzzled. “What about the glass? What’s wrong with it?” she asked.

“It isn’t edible,” Dominic said with utmost seriousness. His tone and expression were the same as if he were gently advising a fool trying to eat pebbles on the ground.

Vespera was speechless. She looked down at the glass in her hand and felt so embarrassed that her soul nearly left her body.

Fortunately, the dishes were served quickly. She immediately shifted her focus to eating. If she finished quickly, she could leave early and wouldn’t have to talk to Dominic.