Chapter 205
Ellie's POV
Even if my actions weren't accomplishing what I actually wanted—divorce—at least someone was benefiting from them.
Apparently, my attempts to make myself unbearable had somehow turned into a symbol of empowerment.
Great.
Wonderful.
Exactly what I needed.
Unfortunately, it also made me more determined than ever to continue.
Because the last thing I wanted was Dominic looking at all of this and deciding that maybe I wasn't so difficult after all.
Worse...
If Vivian found out that people were starting to respect me, she would only become more desperate.
More dangerous.
I knew what she was capable of.
I knew exactly what she had done in my past life.
And I wasn't going to give her the chance to do it again.
So, by the end of the afternoon, I had completely exhausted myself trying to be the worst Luna imaginable.
Aside from my visit to the clinic, where I genuinely couldn't bring myself to neglect people who needed help, everything else had been carefully planned chaos.
I accidentally broke a few expensive swords while inspecting them in the armory.
At least, that's what I called it.
I "forgot" several people's names.
I skipped over parts of my assigned duties.
I gave vague answers.
I acted uninterested.
I did everything possible to make myself as irritating and incompetent as I could.
By the time the day was over, I was convinced Dominic would come home furious.
Surely someone would have told him.
Surely he would finally reach his limit.
But apparently, fate had other plans.
Because when Dominic walked through the door...
He wasn't alone.
His parents were with him.
"Ellie."
Dominic's voice immediately caught my attention.
"There you are."
I turned toward him.
"We're having dinner with my parents tonight."
I opened my mouth to object.
But before I could say anything, his mother rushed toward me.
And hugged me.
My entire body stiffened.
I couldn't stop myself.
Because no matter how warm her smile looked now...
I remembered.
I remembered how she treated me before.
Before, I was useful.
Before, she thought I deserved respect.
Before she decided I was worthy of being called family.
"It's wonderful to see you, daughter."
She pulled back, holding my shoulders as she looked me over.
Then her expression changed.
"Oh, but you look exhausted."
Her eyes moved over my face.
"You must have worked incredibly hard today. Those dark circles under your eyes are unbelievable."
I stared at her.
Was that supposed to be an insult?
Or concern?
I couldn't tell anymore.
"Something like that."
I gave her a sweet smile.
"I just need to change."
"Take your time," Dominic said.
Upstairs, I opened my closet.
For a moment, instinct took over.
My hand moved toward one of my nicer dresses.
A beautiful dinner gown.
Something appropriate.
Something expected.
Then I stopped.
No.
That wasn't me anymore.
Instead, I grabbed the biggest sweatshirt I owned and a pair of sweatpants.
No shoes.
Just socks.
I pulled my hair into a messy bun and headed downstairs.
When I entered the dining room, everyone immediately looked up.
The reaction was exactly what I expected.
Surprise.
Dominic's father cleared his throat.
"You look..."
He paused.
"Comfortable."
I smiled.
"Comfort is important."
Then I glanced at Dominic.
"Besides, now that I already have him trapped, what's the point in dressing up?"
I smiled sweetly.
"Right, sweetheart?"
Dominic looked at me.
His expression was impossible to read.
Then he just muttered something under his breath.
I took my seat.
And began.
Loud chewing.
Scraping my utensils against the plate.
Spilling my drink.
Every annoying habit I could think of.
If I was going to ruin this dinner, I was going to do it properly.
Halfway through the meal, Dominic's mother suddenly reached over and placed a hand on mine.
I looked at her.
"Are you alright?"
I blinked.
"Yes. Why?"
She studied my face.
"Something is wrong."
My brows furrowed.
Then she leaned closer.
"Have you missed your bleeding?"
I froze.
For a second, I didn't understand.
Then the realization hit.
She thought I was pregnant.
Pregnant with Dominic's child.
She thought my strange behavior was because of pregnancy hormones.
The absurdity of it hit me so suddenly that I laughed.
I actually laughed.
Her expression changed in surprise.
"I'm not pregnant," I said immediately.
Then, before I could stop myself, I added:
"Dominic and I haven't even done that yet."
Silence.
Complete silence.
His parents went still.
Across the table, Dominic froze.
He had been cutting into his dinner, but his knife stopped halfway through the motion.
His mother's eyes slowly moved from me...
To him.
"You mean to tell me..."
Her voice rose slightly.
"That you haven't even consummated your marriage?"
"Mother—"
"Nope."
I cut Dominic off.
I grabbed a cherry tomato and popped it into my mouth.
A little bit of juice escaped as I spoke.
"Actually, we haven't."
I smiled.
"We don't even share a bedroom."
The silence that followed was almost impressive.
And judging by Dominic's expression...
I knew I had just created a completely different kind of disaster.