The Daring Billionaire’s Wife (Vanessa and Dominic) novel Chapter 121

Vanessa

My question makes Dominic chuckle, leaving me to wonder what's funny about it.

"I was waiting for that question," he says. "No. That's not the reason I stayed. I just really wanted to be here. Had you not been pregnant, I would've still been here."

Maybe it's the tone of his voice, or the look in his eyes, but with everything he's just said, I believe him.

"Thank you." I give a half smile.

"For what?"

"For being here when I needed you."

"I'm glad I stayed. Now, how about you get out of bed, freshen up and come down for breakfast?"

"What time is it?" I tilt my head in curiosity.

"It's 10 minutes past 9."

"Did you already have your breakfast?"

"No. We were actually waiting for you to wake up so we could have it together."

I sigh, nodding in understanding. Though I want to smile, I just can't bring myself to do it.

Even with that, thinking about his comfort, which calmed me down until I fell asleep, makes me appreciate him even more.

I get out of bed and only get undressed in the bathroom, where I look at myself in the mirror before I begin to shower.

My puffy eyes are so obvious, yet Dominic didn't point them out. He must've decided not to do it because of the situation. Had it been anything else, he might've said something. I would have never thought he would be this considerate.

While in a robe, I come out of the shower and there's no sign of him, which makes me think he must've left a while ago to give me privacy.

I dress up quickly, hoping that I don't break down again as soon as I see my father.

While making my way down the stairs, I get closer to the dining room and I hear my father's voice echo. It's filled with positivity as he talks to Dominic. Though it makes me smile, hearing him talk like that also breaks my heart because I know he's trying to be strong for me and all I can do is be strong for him.

With everything Dominic told me earlier about what they talked about, he's really trying to live the rest of his life the best way he can.

Holding my head high, I approach the dining room and at the sight of my father, my heart starts racing like I'm going to break down, but he gets up from his seat and smiles at me with his arms wide open.

"Good morning, my child."

He even comes to me before I can get to the table and I can't help but smile.

"Good morning, dad."

"I've been waiting for you."

He smiles brightly but looking in his eyes, I realize this hurts him more than anyone but he's trying to hide it.

"Please sit down and let's eat," he says.

"The thing is I'm not really hungry," I say to him.

"Do you have any specific date of when you want to go?" I ask.

My question instantly makes my father more enthusiastic as he leans back in his seat and raises his eyebrows in excitement.

"I was thinking I could go next week. I'm certain it should be fun!"

I glance at Dominic again and he once again gives me a nod. This is exactly what my father needs, so I continue asking him similar questions and it doesn't even feel like there's something deeper going on.

After the meal, Dominic has to leave for the office and I accompany him outside.

"On my way back from the office, I'll come and pick you up," he says, standing by the open car door.

"That's actually something I wanted to talk to you about."

"What is it?"

"I want to stay here for a few days. I don't want to leave my dad just yet."

"Of course. Take all the time you need, but I'm still coming over in the evening."

I nod with a half smile. "Thanks for everything. Had you not been here, things would be very different right now."

Suddenly, he pulls me closer for a hug and it's unexpected that I'm unable to hug him back.

Just as I think we're about to break the hug since he slightly moves away, he places his lips on mine. Even without our tongues involved, it still shocks me since no one's watching us but he's doing it anyway. Just as I find joy in it for a second, it fades when I begin to wonder... is he doing this out of pity?