Chapter 9 - Dominic
First Victor’s trash-talking campaign, now this! It had been one damn thing after another these past few weeks. Just when we had that mess with Victor sorted out, got him to delete every last one of his spiteful posts from social media, and things with my brothers seemed to have cleared up, though Seb still wasn’t as open with me as he used to be. He’d show up for business, sure, but he no longer made those casual visits to the office like before. I knew we’d sort it out eventually, but for now, it felt like a lingering cold front between us.
So, I figured I could finally take a breath. I could focus on my marriage, on Emily. I could focus on us. But of course, life had other plans.
Now, instead of enjoying my new life, my wife, and the quiet I thought I deserved, I’m bombarded by this, another damn threatening email.
I glanced at the phone, the call from Donovan, my head of security still echoing in my ears. That was the fifth one in two weeks, since Emily and I had tied the knot. Each email, the same cryptic message: Does your wife know about your dirty little secret? What would happen if the world found out?
I knew exactly what the threats were about. It wasn’t a mystery. It was a reminder of my past, a shadow I’d worked tirelessly to keep buried. For years, everything had been quiet, far enough removed that I could almost convince myself it was behind me. But now? Now, it was all surfacing again. Why now? Why after marrying Emily?
What the hell changed?
Maybe, I shouldn’t have told Vincent to leak our wedding photo to the blogs.
There was a knock on the door, and Emily walked in, looking as stunning as ever. Her hair was pulled back in a tight bun, a few curls deliberately falling loose to frame her face. She wore a navy-blue pantsuit that clung to her curves perfectly, and a colorful scarf was tied neatly around her neck, adding a touch of elegance to the ensemble.
After we got married, Emily came back to work as my PA, refusing to give up the career she loved, determined to set out to make a mark of her own in the world of tech, and I admired her drive and ambition.
She took one look at me, her eyes narrowing with concern. “Mr. Quantum, is everything okay?”
I couldn’t help but chuckle. My ring adorned her finger, yet she still insisted on calling me Mr. Quantum at work because, apparently, it was more professional.
“Everything is fine, Mrs. Quantum .”
And there it was—the blush. Every time I called her Mrs. Quantum , she tried to hide it, but I could see the warmth spreading across her cheeks. It was the cutest thing, and I couldn’t help but think how lucky I was to be the one to make her feel that way.
“Your 2 p.m. appointment is here. Should I let him in?”
“Yes, please, send him in.”
She smiled before leaving the office, and I couldn’t help but watch her go. Her shift from my outgoing PA to my introverted wife still amazed me. At work, she was confident and professional, but at home, she became withdrawn and secluded, giving all her attention to Lucy while avoiding me.
We were probably the only newly married couple who slept in separate bedrooms. And it shouldn’t bother me. After all, marrying her had been a strategic play, a business arrangement, not a romance. It shouldn’t bother me, but it did.
And it certainly shouldn’t bother me when Mrs. Kensington shot me those knowing looks, even though she hadn’t openly said anything yet.
There was another knock on the door, and Emily walked in, accompanied by Mr. Fraser, a new client. We exchanged pleasantries before she left, and the two of us got down to business. The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur of meetings, one after another, each more exhausting than the last.
Just as I was ready to call it a day, another knock echoed through the office. I assumed it was Emily, likely coming to check on me or wrap things up for the day. But to my surprise, when the door opened, it wasn’t her standing there. It was Sebastien.
He looked me squarely in the eyes. “Hey, Dom... can we talk?”
“My door's always open to family. What’s up, Seb?”
He walked into the office, closed the door, and sat opposite me.
“I know things have been tense between us,” Seb began, his voice firm but without malice. “And I want to make it right. What happened that day... I was pissed off, and I took it too far.” He paused, his expression softening for just a moment. “Bro, seeing how messed up she was at the bar, I couldn’t shake the fear that she’d start using alcohol as a way to escape real life. I’ve seen it before, hell, I’ve done it myself. And the thought of her going down that road, while Victor’s out there living his best life and his daughter’s suffering because of his betrayal... I just couldn’t stand it.”
My jaw tightened. My mind flashed back to memories of Seb, how alcohol had almost ruined him after their parents died, at the young age of fifteen. He got in with the wrong crowd and things escalated quickly. We rallied around him and pulled him out of it.
I exhaled slowly. “I get where you’re coming from, Seb. But Emily is my wife now, which means she’s also Lucy’s stepmother.And I’ll be damned if I let her fall into that kind of hole. I’m not some sadistic bastard.”
Seb met my gaze, unwavering. “You were so hell-bent on marrying her, and none of us knew what your endgame was. We didn’t know how you’d treat her once she was under your roof.
“Seb. I needed to make a statement, and I made it. I am not going to hurt Emily. That’s my promise.”
His shoulders loosened just slightly. “I know that now. And for what it’s worth, I’m sorry for the way I handled it. I just needed to know she was safe. You’re a man of your word.”
I leaned back, my tone softer now. “She is. I’d burn the world down before letting anything happen to her. Emily is mine to protect, always.”
I saw a strange look wash over Seb’s face before it faded as if something unspoken flickered in his mind and just as quickly disappeared. He glanced at his watch. “I’ve got a meeting to get to. Send my love to Lucy and Mrs. Kensington.”
When Seb stood, I stood as well, and we shook hands, an understanding passing between us.
As Seb walked out, I felt a strange relief, like a weight had been lifted, even if just a little. But relief didn’t last long, there was still work to do. I picked up the phone and dialed Craig.
Being a PI had its perks, he had a network of spies, loyal to the bone, and I needed to keep their ears on the ground. Information was power, and right now, I couldn’t afford to be caught off guard. I needed to know why my past was being resurrected now. I needed eyes and ears everywhere, even if I wasn’t ready to make my move just yet.
After the call ended, I immediately called Donovan. “Tighten security,” I said, my voice firm. “Not just for me, but for every member of my family. Including Mrs. Kensington.”
“Will do, Mr. Quantum.”
I hung up the call and called Mrs. Kensington, she picked up almost immediately.
“Mr. Quantum, what can I do for you?”
“I need a favor,” I replied, glancing at my watch. “Think you can watch Lucy for a few hours tonight? I want to take Emily out to dinner.”
There was a pause, and then she chuckled. “Oh, I see. A romantic evening? You know this will cost you, right? Lucy’s expecting you to tuck her in tonight.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “I’ll make it up to her. How about she gets extra dessert after dinner? That should buy me some goodwill.”
Mrs. Kensington laughed, too. “Indeed. Have fun, Mr. Newly-Wed.”
Next, I called the restaurant to make our reservation. Everything was set. Now, I just had to convince Emily to join me.
I stepped out of my office and walked to the front desk. There she was, typing away with her usual focus, the monitor’s glow reflecting off her face. It was well past working hours, but you’d think it was midday with the way she was still working.
“Still here working?” I leaned casually against the desk, masking my amusement.
Her fingers froze mid-type as she glanced up, startled. “I’m just finishing up a few things.”
“It’s after hours,” I teased, raising an eyebrow. “Are you working extra hard to impress the boss?”
Her cheeks turned pink, and she stammered, “I…no, I just wanted to…”
I grinned, unable to resist. “Relax, wifey. I’m joking.”
She rolled her eyes, but the corners of her lips twitched into a faint smile.
“Well,” I said, straightening, “since you’re so dedicated, I figured you should be appreciated. I made a reservation for dinner.”
Her hands hovered over the keyboard. “Dinner?”
“Yeah. It’s a nice place. Thought we could go together.”
For a moment, I thought she’d refuse. She hesitated, her lips pressing into a tight line.
Then she surprised me. “Okay. I’d like that.”
I couldn’t help but smile. “Perfect. Let’s go.”
The drive to the restaurant was quiet, save for the soft hum of the engine. While Alec maneuvered through the evening traffic, I stole a glance at Emily sitting beside me, her hands fidgeting with the strap of her bag. Her face was a mix of curiosity and unease, the kind of nervous anticipation I couldn’t help but find endearing.
As the car slowed to a stop, I stepped out first, rounding the vehicle to open the door for her. She looked up at me, a flicker of surprise in her eyes, and accepted my hand as I helped her out. Looping her arm through mine, I led her into the restaurant, the soft glow of chandeliers spilling through the glass doors.
The ambience was perfect, warm lighting, the soft murmur of conversations, and a faint string quartet playing in the background. Emily’s eyes widened as she took it all in.
“This is beautiful,” she murmured, her voice laced with awe.
“I thought you’d like it,” I replied, guiding her to our table. I pulled out her chair, my fingers brushing hers briefly as she sat. “Only the best for you.”
Dinner started off effortlessly as we placed our order together with a bottle of wine. The server brought it over, and I poured each of us a glass. Emily trailed the stem of the glass between her fingers, swirling the wine but not actually drinking it.
“You know, you don’t have to drink it if you don’t want to,” I said, eyeing her glass.
She smiled faintly, looking slightly embarrassed. “I really don’t do alcohol. I didn’t want to ruin the mood.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Next time, just tell me what you want. Your needs matter too, you know.”
She met my gaze, her eyes softening. “I’ll remember that. Thank you.”
“What would you like to have?”
“A sparkling water with a touch of lime, thanks.”
I called the waiter over and placed Emily’s order. We sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the clinking of silverware against plates filling the space until the waiter brought her order. She took a sip and she spoke, her voice reflective.
“You know, I always wanted a daughter. Watching you with Lucy—I see how much you care. It’s different from what I expected when I first met you.”
I raised an eyebrow, curious. “What do you mean?”
She hesitated before speaking, looking a little embarrassed but honest. “I thought you’d be more... distant, you know? The absent father type. But seeing you with her, it’s clear that you’re there for her.”
For a moment, I just stared at her, captivated by the sincerity in her eyes. “I’m her father it’s my responsibility to be there for my daughter. Lucy means the world to me. I’ll never let her feel like she’s on her own.”
Emily nodded, sadness flashed across her face, her voice gentle. “I wish all fathers had that mindset. She’s lucky to have you.”
I reached across the table and held her hand in mine. “And we are happy to have you.”
“Thank you.” She smiled warmly before a mischievous glint sparkled in her eye. “She’s such a sweet child and such a delight to be around, she must have taken that from her Uncle Seb.”
I laughed but before I could respond, the sparkle in her eyes dimmed and she pulled her hand back slowly.
“Emily?” I asked, concern threading through my voice.
Her gaze was fixed beyond me, her body stiffening. Slowly, I turned to see what had stolen her attention.
Victor. Striding toward us with Amber clinging to his arm.
They stopped at our table, Victor’s voice commanding. “Emily. Dominic.”
“Dad,” Emily replied, her voice tight.
Amber’s smile was all venom and no warmth. “What a surprise,” she drawled. “Isn’t this lovely?”
“Emily, we need to talk.”
Emily tensed visibly. “Not here, Dad. Not now.”
“You’ve been ignoring me,” he snapped, stepping closer.
“She said not here.” My tone was sharp as I glared at Victor.
Victor’s eyes met mine, cold and unyielding. “This is a family matter. Stay out of it.”
“Maybe you’ve forgotten, but Emily is my wife therefore she is my family so I can’t stay out of it.”
Victor’s laugh was sharp and icy. “But is she, though? She’s not really your wife, she’s a purchase. One that cost fifty million dollars.”
My eyes narrowed, tension simmering. Victor was baiting me, and I wasn’t about to cause a scene. I took a slow breath, refusing to give him the satisfaction.
Amber chirped, “Maybe we should all take a moment—”
“Emily—” Victor’s voice sliced through her words, sharper now, more commanding.
“Dad, just leave!” Emily’s voice cracked.
Victor’s expression darkened. “I’m not leaving until we talk.”
“Fine,” Emily shot back, standing abruptly and snatching her bag from the table. “Then I’ll leave!”
As she turned to go, Victor grabbed her arm, his grip firm.
“Let me go!” she shrieked, her voice echoing through the restaurant, drawing startled glances from the nearby diners.
The sound ignited something primal in me. Before I could even think, I was on my feet, the chair screeching against the polished floor. I closed the distance in a heartbeat, grabbing Victor by the collar and yanking him away from her.
“If you touch her again,” I growled, my voice ice-cold, each word dripping with menace, “it’ll be the last time you use those filthy hands of yours.”
I towered over Victor, my frame heavier with muscle, the kind of build that made him seem small in comparison. His eyes burned with fury as he glared at me, but he didn’t dare move.
I caught glimpses of flashes from the corner of my eye. I loosened my grip, shoving him back a step. He stumbled slightly before straightening, his hand brushing down his jacket.
“This isn’t over,” he hissed, before he turned on his heel and stormed out, Amber scurrying after him.
By the time I turned back to Emily, she was already gone.
I rushed outside and spotted her climbing into the car, her movements frantic and unsteady. I slid in just as Alec started the engine.
“Take us home,” I ordered, my voice quieter but still taut with anger.
Emily didn’t say a word the entire drive. She sat pressed against the door, her face turned away, her arms crossed tightly, her knees drawn up slightly as if she were trying to make herself smaller.
I wanted to reach out, to say something, anything to ease her pain, but the words refused to come.
As soon as the car stopped, Emily was out, moving swiftly toward the house.
“Emily, please wait.”
She didn’t respond, she just kept going. By the time I caught hold of her arm, she was already halfway down the hallway. I spun her around and the moment her eyes met mine the dam broke.
Tears flooded her face as her voice cracked. “What do you both want from me? First, you act like you care, and then you don’t! Then you care! I’m only human! There’s only so much I can take!”
I felt my chest tighten, guilt clawing at my insides. This was the first time I was truly regretting my actions, seeing her break down like this. I had been so blind, so caught up in revenge that I didn’t see what I was doing to her.
Your brothers warned you, Dominic. But you refused to listen.
I pulled her into my chest, my arms locking around her even as she tried to pull away. She fought me for a moment, but I held her tighter, not giving her the space to escape.
God, I was such an idiot.
Her body shook as she cried against me, her breath coming in ragged gasps, her tears soaking through my shirt. I pressed my cheek against her hair. It killed me to see her torn like this, and worse, knowing I was the cause of it.
I needed to fix this.
Whatever it took.