Chapter 195
Dominic's POV
When I reached Ellie's room, I slowed my steps.
For some reason, I felt strangely nervous.
It was ridiculous. This was my own home. She was my wife. I shouldn't have felt like I was approaching a wild creature that might run at the slightest movement.
But after yesterday, I wasn't sure what version of Ellie I would find.
I balanced the tray in one hand and knocked softly.
No answer.
I waited a few seconds before knocking again.
Still nothing.
Frowning, I reached for the handle. The door wasn't fully closed, only resting against the frame, and it creaked open when I pushed gently.
"Ellie?" I called quietly.
No response.
"I made breakfast..."
My words faded as I stepped inside.
The room was filled with golden morning light pouring through the curtains. The bed was untouched except for the sheets, which had been thrown back as if she had left in a hurry.
But she wasn't there.
"Ellie?"
I looked toward the bathroom, expecting to hear water running.
The door was open.
The room beyond was empty.
My shoulders dropped.
She was gone.
Of course she was.
She must have woken up early and left before anyone could stop her.
A strange mixture of disappointment and frustration settled in my chest as I looked down at what I was carrying.
The breakfast I had made.
The carefully arranged strawberries and bacon.
The little vase holding a single pink tulip.
I almost laughed at myself.
I had actually believed a plate of food and a flower would be enough to make her stay.
Of course, Ellie would find a way to avoid me.
She was probably already at the healer academy, hiding herself away until late evening.
Again.
But I refused to let myself give up.
She couldn't avoid me forever.
We were connected by the mate bond.
We were married.
And whether she wanted to admit it or not, there was still something between us.
She still cared about me.
I knew it.
Even if I had to chase her until she finally stopped running, I would prove it.
I turned and left the room, taking a piece of bacon from the plate as I walked down the hallway.
There was no reason to waste perfectly good food.
I had just reached the middle of the staircase when the front door opened.
I froze.
For a brief moment, I thought it might be Ellie.
It wasn't.
Vivian stepped inside.
"Dominic!"
She noticed me immediately, and almost instantly her expression changed when she saw my face.
"How are you doing?"
I pressed my lips together and continued down the stairs.
"I'm fine."
I walked past her toward the kitchen, but she followed.
Her eyes dropped to the tray in my hands.
Then to the untouched flower.
"Is that for Ellie?"
I glanced down.
"It was."
My voice lowered.
"She left before I could give it to her."
Vivian sighed softly.
"I heard she's being a little... difficult."
I didn't respond.
She looked at me carefully.
"You know, she said something really hurtful to our mother yesterday."
That caught my attention.
"She did?"
Vivian nodded sadly.
It didn't fit.
Not with the Ellie I knew.
Ellie loved her mother. She had sacrificed so much for her. She wouldn't intentionally hurt her without a reason.
Unless...
Unless she was still struggling with whatever had happened to her.
"She must be lashing out," I murmured.
"Must be."
Vivian's voice was gentle, but there was something beneath it I couldn't quite place.
"I also heard she hasn't been handling her Luna responsibilities."
I placed the tray on the kitchen table and sat down.
"Something like that."
I picked up a fork and cut into the French toast.
Vivian sat across from me, reaching over and taking one of the strawberries.
She ate it slowly before speaking again.
"I could help, you know."
I looked up.
"Help?"
"I could stand in for her."
I hesitated.
My thoughts immediately returned to last night.
Ellie stood there with that cold expression, casually telling a maid to take over her duties.
She had no intention of cooperating.
And Vivian...
Vivian and Ellie had never gotten along.
The idea of Vivian being around more would undoubtedly irritate Ellie.
A small, petty part of me hated that I considered it, but maybe that was exactly what I needed.
Maybe seeing Vivian fulfilling the role Ellie had abandoned would make her realize she couldn't keep running away.
Maybe it would force her to stop avoiding me.
Maybe it would remind her that she belonged here.
I knew it wasn't the kindest thought.
I knew I shouldn't be trying to provoke a reaction from someone who was already hurting.
But I was tired.
I missed her.
I missed the way she used to look at me.
The way she smiled.
The way she trusted me.
Vivian was offering help.
She was capable.
And right now, I need someone to keep things running.
Before I could overthink it, I nodded.
"That would be great, Vivian."
Her lips curved into a small smile.
"Of course, Dominic."