Dominic said, “That’s a promise, then.” A deep, smooth breath drifted down like soft feathers, landing gently on her face, melting into Vespera’s skin. Her heart pounded. It was racing uncontrollably. Fixing his gaze on her, Dominic watched as she tried to pull away in a panic. He reached out, gently cupping her face and pulling her closer. His tall, imposing figure bent down to her level, his voice dropping lower and closer, with a mesmerizing tone. “Don’t think you can escape. I’ll be keeping an eye on you.”

Vespera couldn’t hear a single word he said. All she could hear was the rapid beating of her heart. Her gaze was locked on his; before she knew it, her mind screamed that this wasn’t normal, but her cheeks burned bright red, like a ripe peach, sweet and full of temptation.

His gaze darkened, his hand gently caressing her cheek as he leaned in slowly, his fresh, warm breath lingering just above her lips, like a tempting haze. Vespera suddenly called out to him, yanking his hand away. She stared at him with wide, panicked eyes, her mind completely blank. Under the intense gaze that seemed to demand an answer, she struggled to respond. “The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization thanks you! Saving food is everyone’s responsibility!” She mumbled something incoherent, then grabbed his hand again before quickly sitting down at the table.

Dominic was left speechless. Vespera lowered her head and started eating, trying to focus on her food. Her legs were trembling under the table. She was still trying to breathe properly. He had just thought about it again. He was addicted to kissing. She couldn’t believe he was doing this. He had promised not to make things difficult for her and not to act like a bastard. It turned out, men’s words were nothing but lies.

Dominic sat down beside her. Vespera kept her head down, eating quickly. The silence in the room was strange, thick with unspoken tension. Then, a sigh broke the silence. Vespera paused, her spoon hovering in mid-air as she met his gaze, his eyes readable. She rose, her grip tightening around the spoon. “W-What’s wrong? Did I not clean my plate?”

“No, I’m sighing about myself,” Dominic replied. “You’ve ever finished your plate before?” Duminic remained still, almost like a perfectly sculpted statue.

A moment later, he smiled and said, “I’ve been telling myself not to make things difficult for you, but I just can’t control it. I end up pushing you until you’re exhausted and scared of me. I find myself acting so unpredictably, with no self-control, and I can’t stand it.”

Vespera was stunned for a moment. She thought, “He’s really this self-aware?” Dominic continued, “You must think I’m incredibly annoying, don’t you?” Vespera quickly replied, “No, no, no at all.” It wasn’t that he was annoying. He was too much to handle. Dominic gave her a doubtful look.

Vespera sighed, setting down her spoon. “Mr. Reid, you’re already one of the best men out there.” “Ms. Gildon, you don’t need to comfort me.” “I’m not comforting you. Honestly, you’re so much better than those arrogant, self-absorbed men; in terms of everything, you’ve already beaten 99% of men around the world.”

Still, Dominic’s expression was clouded with melancholy. His elbows were propped on the table, hands folded as he stared at her, his eyes filled with quiet regret. “But after some words of comfort on this?” Person I like still doesn’t like me, can you maybe…

Vespera froze for a moment, her mind blank as she stared at him. After a few seconds, she quietly picked up her spoon again. She thought, “Comfort you? Not a chance!” He shouldn’t be called Dominic Reid. He should be called Domine Trapsetter. Every time she thought she was safe, he found a new way to catch her off guard. Dominic chuckled softly, deciding not to press her further. He poured her some juice, his voice gentle. “Take your time eating. If you can’t finish, you can always take it to go.”

Vergera ignored him, intent on finishing her food. Once done, she was ready to make her escape.

Chapter 48

She said, “Thank you for dinner, Mr. Held. Vil head is a chore to my son now. Becca will be bored on her…” “Well, in that case, I’ll be happy to keep you company.” Dominic couldn’t help but laugh at her words. He stood up. “Let’s go. I’ll walk…” “No need,” Vespera said, standing up as well. “It’s just a few steps, and he’s not a child. You should get some rest, Gooding…” Before she could finish, she was already going…

She thought, “Who could it be at this hour?” As her hand reached for the doorknob, the doorbell rang. Before she could answer and jail in hack... She paused for a moment, then continued to reach for the door. Suddenly, a cold…