Chapter 305
He thought for a moment before he said, “I appreciate how smart you are. You’re studying to be a healer, and you’re good at it. I’ve seen the way you talk about your classes, the way you light up when you’re learning something new. It’s one of the things
I’ve always admired about you.”
I blinked. I hadn’t expected that.
“Your turn,” he said.
I looked down at our joined hands. His thumb was brushing absently across my knuckles. I wasn’t sure if he even realized he was doing it.
“I appreciate that you’re trying,” I said quietly. “Even if this marriage felt doomed from the start, you’ve been… trying, and, um …” I glanced up at him through my lashes. “It’s unexpected, but I do appreciate it, even if I’m not doing a very good show of it.”
Dominic’s expression softened. “I want us to work, Ellie. I really do.”
I swallowed hard and looked away.
We sat there for a while longer, hands still linked, neither of us saying anything. The bond was humming now with a pleasant, content energy. I went to slam up my mental defenses, but then a thrum went through it from Dominic’s end, as if to say, ” Don’t go,” and it made my breath catch.
I looked up at him again, only to find that his eyes were on my mouth.
My heart started pounding. I knew I should pull away. I knew this was a bad idea. But I didn’t move.
Dominic’s free hand came up to cup my cheek, his thumb brushing along my jaw. The touch sent a shiver through me. The bond flared so bright it almost hurt. He tilted my head so I looked up at him, and he gave me the smallest tug.
I relented and leaned forward without even noticing. Our faces were so close now that I could feel his breath on my skin.
His lips were almost touching mine when a voice cut through the room.
“Dominic!”
We both pulled back abruptly.
Vivian’s voice echoed down the stairs. “Dominic, please! I need you!”
Dominic’s hand dropped away from my face. He stood without hesitating, “I should check on her,” he said.
My jaw tightened. I didn’t stop him, just watched as he turned and walked out of the room. My fingers curled into fists around my sweatpants, and it was then that I slammed my mental walls back up. Not that I needed to; the bond had gone quiet.
Of course he would choose her. Even now, even after everything, the moment Vivian called, he went running. Just like he always did. Just like he did in my past life.
I’d been stupid to think anything had changed.
I sighed, leaning back against the cushions, and pulled out my phone, needing something to distract myself.
There was a new email notification sitting at the top of my screen. I tapped it.
It was from Hanna, the coordinator from the healer organization. The subject line read: “Fundraiser Event: We Need You!”
I opened it and skimmed the message. The organization was hosting a fundraiser next weekend at a venue in the neutral territory. They needed volunteers to help run the event, and Hanna was personally asking if I’d be willing to help out.
I hit reply and typed out a quick response.
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+30 Bonus
“I’ll be there. Let me know what you need me to do.”
I sent it before I could second-guess myself.
Upstairs, I could still hear Vivian’s muffled sobs and Dominic’s low voice trying to calm her down. I stared at the ceiling for a moment, then stood and walked out of the room.
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