Bab 55: Back Home - Dominic's Arrival
The Venian Capital
The funeral of the previous Grand Duke of Verdaselles took place under a somber sky, the weight of the tragedy fresh in everyone's minds. It had been only a few days since the vehicle accident that claimed his life along with his family, just before Vincent's trial. The Grand Duke's passing shook the kingdom.
Evangeline, dressed in a black mid-length dress and heels, her hair tied in a simple pigtail, stood among the mourners as a member of the Royal Sarogath family. Flanked by the Verdaselles guards, she held an umbrella above her head, shielding herself from the rain. King Claude, Prince George, and the entire royal family were present, their solemn faces mirroring the grief of the day.
The rain poured steadily, matching the tears that rolled down Evangeline's face as she watched the coffin lower into the earth. The memories of her own parents and brother's tragic deaths resurfaced, striking her heart like a sharp blade. She stifled a sob, her shoulders trembling as the weight of her sorrow grew unbearable.
Prince George, noticing her distress, placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. He gently pulled her into a warm embrace, stroking her hair softly in an attempt to ease her pain. For a brief moment, the world seemed quieter, as if his gesture of kindness had offered a temporary reprieve from the sadness that enveloped her.
After the ceremony ended, Evangeline returned to the Verdaselles estate. Her footsteps echoed in the dimly lit hallways as she made her way to the family's picture room. Staring at the wedding portrait of her parents, she clenched her fists, her knuckles white with frustration and sorrow.
"Why… why is this happening?" she whispered aloud, her voice barely audible. "Uncle Daniyel, you've left just as Mother did…"
Tears welled up again, blurring her vision as she recalled the heartbreak of her parents' deaths, now compounded by the loss of the Grand Duke and his family. She wiped her tears with a handkerchief, trying to compose herself, but the ache in her chest lingered.
"There's no heir… no surviving children to inherit the title of Grand Duke and Duchess," she thought bitterly. "Grand Uncle, who will you choose next? Almost everyone in the Sarogath family has their own positions now… they're all married, tied to their own obligations."
She sighed deeply, her heels clicking softly on the marble floor as she turned away from the portraits. The doors to the room creaked open, held by the guards standing on either side. Evangeline kept her head bowed, the sorrow weighing heavy on her shoulders as she prepared to leave.
"Dominic is coming today as well," she muttered under her breath. "What a wretched day this has been… and I'm supposed to have breakfast with him when he arrives."
A quiet scoff escaped her lips as she stepped out of the room, her mind still swirling with grief and resentment. Just as she began to make her way down the hall, a familiar voice called out to her from behind. She paused, the sound momentarily pulling her from the depths of her sorrow.
As Evangeline raised her head, Magdalene approached and bowed respectfully. "My Lady, Madame Sarah has arrived."
Evangeline arched an eyebrow with mild interest. "Oh? That's good. I just hope she hasn't brought me Charisse diamonds again to spoil my mood..." She gestured for Magdalene to leave, then turned toward a nearby window. The rain outside continued to pour heavily, and Evangeline folded her arms, gritting her teeth as she watched Sarah and a young girl make their way toward the entrance.
"Why, of all days, does it have to rain this much?" she thought, her fingers tightening around the fabric of her black gown. With a sigh, she left the window and prepared to meet Madame Sarah.
A Few Minutes Later, in the Living Room
Sarah and Anne sat on a plush sofa, waiting for Evangeline's arrival. Anne's heart pounded as memories of her last encounter with Evangeline resurfaced—the humiliation, the way her bodyguard had been stripped of dignity right before her eyes. She clenched the fabric of her skirt tightly, her fingers trembling.
"Please, don't let him come today… I can't face that again," Anne thought, closing her eyes tightly, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill. She lowered her head, her breathing becoming heavier as anxiety crept through her body. Across from her, Sarah sipped the tea that had been served, oblivious to the tension building in Anne.
The sound of familiar footsteps echoed through the hallway, catching Sarah's attention. Anne flinched, her pulse quickening.
"She's here..." Anne thought, her eyes fixed on the cup of tea before her. She didn't dare lift her gaze, hoping to remain unnoticed.
The door opened, and just as the guard was about to announce Evangeline by her title, she waved him off. He nodded, bowing his head as she walked past him with her usual graceful yet commanding presence. The servants followed closely behind her.
Sarah looked up, a bright smile forming on her face as she placed her teacup down and rose to greet Evangeline. She bowed courteously, clearly pleased to see her. "Good morning, My Lady," Sarah said with a warm smile.
Anne, hearing her mother's greeting, raised her head slightly, gasping internally before quickly standing and bowing as well.
Evangeline acknowledged Sarah with a slight wave and a greeting gesture. Her eyes then landed on Anne, and a small smile played on her lips, followed by a chuckle. "Ah, Madame Sarah, she must be your favorite. You've brought her here again. I just hope she doesn't get distracted from her duties this time," Evangeline teased, her voice light but carrying a sharp undertone.
The words cut through Anne, and she gritted her teeth, the memory of her previous humiliation rushing back with brutal clarity. The pain, the shame—Evangeline's mocking voice seemed to echo endlessly in her mind.
"She's like a thorn in my side… so small, yet so cruel," Anne thought, a mix of sadness and anger brewing within her. In her mind, a shadowy image of Evangeline formed—her red, intimidating eyes glowing, and her towering figure looming large enough to crush Anne like an insect. The vision was overwhelming, and Anne shuddered, feeling utterly powerless. Her hands trembled as she bowed her head once more, trying to hide her fear, hoping no one noticed how deeply shaken she was.
Evangeline gestured gracefully for them to sit before settling herself on the elegant velvet sofa, her movements deliberate and regal. Her dress cascaded neatly around her as she crossed her legs, tapping her gloved fingers rhythmically on the arm of the sofa, a subtle display of her authority and composure.
Sarah, sitting across from her, placed her hand delicately over her heart and bowed her head in concern. "Your Grace... how is Master Dominic? We also heard about the criminal who attempted to harm you. It would break my heart to see anything bad happen to you."
Evangeline raised an eyebrow slightly, her expression unreadable. "Dominic is well, Madam Sarah. And as for the incident, Prince George has already handled the matter. It was nothing significant," she replied, her tone cool and dismissive. Sarah's initial giggle at the mention of Dominic was quickly stifled by the iciness in Evangeline's voice, making her feel a sudden weight in her chest.
After a pause, Evangeline's eyes narrowed slightly as she leaned back in her seat, folding her arms elegantly. "Well, Madam Sarah, I sent you some stones recently. I was hoping to see what jewelry was crafted from them. Preferably not something made from Charisse Diamonds," she added, her gaze sharp and piercing as she began slipping on her gloves.
Sarah, feeling the intensity of Evangeline's stare, laughed nervously and quickly stood, bowing her head in apology. "Of course, My Lady. If Charisse Diamonds are not to your liking, I've made sure to avoid them." She opened a polished wooden box and turned it toward Evangeline, revealing an exquisite collection of jewelry made from the stones Evangeline had sent.
Evangeline's eyes scanned the jewelry carefully, her discerning gaze taking in every intricate detail. After a moment, a smile of satisfaction graced her lips. She reached out with gloved fingers to pick up a stunning diamond necklace, adorned with delicate moons and stars in hues of deep blue and amber, the gems shimmering under the light. "Excellent work..." she murmured, admiring the craftsmanship. "What brand crafted this? Is it one of my favorites?" she asked, lifting the necklace to her neck and glancing toward Sarah.
Sarah blushed slightly, flustered by how the necklace complemented Evangeline's beauty. She handed her a mirror, adjusting her glasses as she spoke. "Ah... no, My Lady. It's from Renegade Jewels. They call it the 'Goddess of the Night.' It looks stunning on you, My Lady."
Evangeline glanced at the reflection in the mirror, her eyes sparkling with approval. She turned her head slightly, admiring how the necklace draped perfectly against her skin, the gems catching the light in a mesmerizing way. "Renegade Jewels, you say?" she mused, a trace of intrigue in her voice. "It's my first time trying their work. I may wear this for my marriage anniversary..." Her lips curled into a small smile as she admired the way the necklace framed her neck, the elegance of the design suiting her perfectly.
As Evangeline and Sarah examined the jewelry, Anne discreetly scanned the room, her heart pounding in relief when she noticed Richard's absence. "He didn't come today... Thank goodness, he must be busy with personal matters," she thought, exhaling quietly. Her gaze shifted back to Evangeline, watching her reaction to the jewelry on display. "It seems like she's satisfied with today's selection," Anne thought with a sigh of relief before taking a careful sip from her teacup, her hands steadying slightly.
Suddenly, Evangeline's voice broke through Anne's thoughts, causing her to flinch. "Oh... she made this herself?" Evangeline held a delicate bracelet in her hand, turning it toward Anne with an appraising look. The soft gleam of the bracelet's intricate design caught the light as Evangeline raised an eyebrow.
Sarah nodded with a proud smile. "Yes, My Lady, Anne is one of my best apprentices so far."
Evangeline's lips curved into a teasing smile as she glanced at Anne. "Isn't that lovely? You've done your job well, Anne... As long as there are no distractions, I imagine you'll make a fine jeweler," she said, her tone both complimentary and subtly pointed. Though the words were laced with praise, Anne felt the sting of the underlying reminder of past humiliations, particularly the incident with her bodyguard. Her fingers clenched around the cup, though she kept her expression neutral.
With an elegant gesture, Evangeline signaled to the nearby servants to begin packing up the jewelry. She removed the second necklace she had been wearing, handing it gracefully to one of the servants. Then, turning to Sarah, she offered a brief smile. "I'll settle the payment for these. Wait here while I fetch the cheque book," she said, rising smoothly from the sofa, her gown trailing softly behind her as she strode toward the door with regal poise.
After a few moments, Evangeline returned, cheque book in hand, and penned her signature with a flourish. She stamped it with the family's seal before handing it over to Sarah, who accepted it with a bow.
As Sarah and Anne departed the building, umbrellas in hand to shield them from the steady rain, Anne's mind wandered. She barely noticed the sound of the rain around her until she spotted the gates opening, and a carriage began to approach them. The rhythmic clatter of hooves on the cobblestone jolted her back to reality, and she instinctively gripped her umbrella tighter, her thoughts racing once more.
The carriage rolled past them, drawing Sarah and Anne's attention. Sarah narrowed her eyes, recognizing the familiar figure. "It must be Dominic..." she thought as she saw a brown-haired man step gracefully out of the carriage, holding an umbrella with an air of authority, heading into the building without hesitation.
Anne's heart quickened as she caught sight of bodyguards at the entrance of another carriage, standing poised with umbrellas. Her breath caught when she saw a man step out, his presence commanding attention. His strawberry-blonde hair, perfectly styled, caught the rain's dim light, and his feminine almond-shaped eyes seemed to glisten with intrigue. His handsome face, framed by the high collar of his coat, was a sight that made her cheeks flush. "Could it be... Lady Evangeline's husband?" Anne wondered, her gaze lingering on his attractive lips, and the elegant way he moved. Everything about him seemed effortlessly majestic.
Dominic nodded to the guards, accepting an umbrella with a soft smile. His beauty, accentuated by his grace, was something Anne couldn't look away from. Her admiration for him was quickly interrupted, though, as the guards addressed him, "Welcome, Master Dominic."
Dominic's eyes flicked to the unfamiliar pair watching him. His expression remained poised, though there was a subtle shift, a quiet interest behind his gaze. He raised a hand, motioning for one of the guards to approach. "Who are they?" he asked in his smooth voice, curiosity veiled under his calm demeanor.
The guard, ever attentive, bowed his head. "My Lord, they are Lady Evangeline's jewelers. Their family has served the Sarogaths for decades, especially the late Lady Adrielle."
Dominic's brow arched slightly, though his face betrayed little emotion. "I see... Alright then," he replied, his voice low with a touch of weariness. "Load these inside. I'm tired," he added, sighing softly before turning away with fluid grace, heading toward the entrance of the Serenity House.
Anne gasped, her admiration momentarily slipping out. "He's Lady Evangeline's husband... He's so majestic, even more than her lover..." she thought, her blush deepening as his figure retreated. But then, as if sensing a shift in the air, she felt the weight of a familiar gaze upon her. Turning, she flinched as her eyes met a figure standing by the window, watching her. Evangeline. The memory of her past humiliation came rushing back, and Anne quickly lowered her head, following Sarah towards the gate, her heart pounding.
Inside, Evangeline stood by the window, her gaze locked on Dominic as he approached the entrance. His eyes met hers, and for a brief moment, they were locked in a silent exchange. The air seemed to thicken with tension as the thunder rumbled in the distance. Dominic smiled faintly, a smug amusement flashing in his eyes. His stare was both captivating and intimidating, and it sent a chill through Evangeline's spine.
"Well, hello, Princess... And my lovely wife," Dominic thought to himself, his lips curling slightly in a private chuckle.
Evangeline's fingers clenched tightly as she watched him, her body tensing. "That look again..." she thought, her mind filled with irritation at his ever-intimidating demeanor, the way he always seemed to toy with her silently. She tore her gaze away from him, unable to bear the heavy tension, and swiftly walked away from the window, her heart burning with quiet anger.
Later, Evangeline sat across from Dominic at the grand dining table, her posture elegant yet rigid. She wore a new outfit, carefully selected to match the stunning jewelry and earrings Madam Sarah had provided. The glimmer of the stones barely distracted her from the tense atmosphere hanging between them. Dominic, his expression calm yet calculating, was slowly poking at the pancake on his plate with his left hand, his eyes fixed on Evangeline as she stubbornly avoided his gaze.
Dominic's attention shifted, however, when he noticed a bandage on her arm, a small trace of blood seeping through the fabric. His eyes darkened as he clenched his right fist, the wedding ring pressing into his palm. "That must be the knife injury from Vincent," he thought coldly, his gaze lingering on the bandage, fury bubbling under his controlled exterior.
Evangeline took a delicate bite of her pancake, her movements slow and almost listless. Dominic watched her closely, taking in every detail. "Her health isn't improving... She's gained a little weight, but she barely eats," he mused, his fork still idly poking at his food. "I need to teach her how to handle the hotel properly... and settle the scores from the damage Edward has caused." His thoughts ran through his mind as he took a bite, though his focus never left Evangeline, who was clearly eating little more than a token bite.
He set down his fork and spoke, his voice deceptively soft. "The physician said you should eat well to get better. I believe you should be eating food that will actually improve your health, not just... that." His gaze was sharp, yet a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as he observed her reaction.
Evangeline's face flushed with anger. She slammed her fork onto the table with a loud clatter, her eyes narrowing as she glared at him. "Who are you to lecture me?" Her voice was sharp, filled with indignation. For once, she didn't shrink from his gaze, her defiance burning in her eyes.
Dominic leaned back slightly in his chair, amused by her fury. "Oh, good... She's getting angry. Isn't that adorable?" he thought, his smirk deepening. There was something about her rage that pleased him, made the moment more interesting. He could see her chest rise and fall with her heavy breathing, and he allowed his eyes to flick down briefly to her neckline and breasts before looking back into her eyes, a sly grin forming on his face, designed to get under her skin.
Evangeline noticed the grin, and it only infuriated her further. Her teeth clenched, her body tensing. She picked up her fork again and stabbed her pancake aggressively, her glare never leaving his. The tension in the room was palpable, their silent battle continuing across the table. The air between them felt like a taut wire, ready to snap at any moment. Dominic, ever the composed instigator, enjoyed every second of her frustration, while Evangeline simmered, struggling to keep her composure in the face of his maddening arrogance.
Caleb stood by the glass window of the dining room, watching yet another quarrel unfold between Evangeline and Dominic. He sighed, feeling the familiar weariness settle over him. "Not again..." he muttered, facepalming in exasperation just as Magdalene approached him.
"Ah, Caleb... Good morning! You're looking good—no glasses today?" she remarked, standing beside him and folding her arms, her eyes fixed on the tumultuous couple.
"Ah, I had a makeover at Eardoznia. Master Dominic recommended I should," Caleb replied with a nervous laugh, brushing a hand through his hair. Magdalene shrugged, her expression turning serious as she continued to watch Evangeline and Dominic.
"Another drama, I guess. The business trip went well?" she asked, glancing up at him.
"I'm already tired from the trip," he admitted, frustration evident in his voice. "It went smoothly for the most part, but there were some hiccups, and now this." He gestured toward the escalating situation between Evangeline and Dominic, turning to face Magdalene fully. "Everything seemed fine while we were away, except for the attempt on Lady Evangeline."
"Yes, Caleb... The criminal has been dealt with. The Bruswards and Khardes families are paying fines for importing those... things. And Lady Evangeline placed the Bruswards under house arrest." Magdalene's words shocked Caleb, and he blinked in surprise as he turned to her.
"House arrest? Did they do anything... serious?" he asked, curiosity piqued.
"Well... they ambushed Richard, beating him up, and Edward was involved," she replied, taking a deep breath as if bracing for more bad news.
"Ah, that explains it..." Caleb said, his gaze drifting back to Evangeline, who was now nagging at Dominic, her voice rising in indignation. He sighed again, seeing Dominic remain stoically silent, his expression inscrutable.
"I'm going to face another session of sleepless nights because of our masters' marriage. I wonder when peace will reign in this house," he lamented heavily.
"Well, they're protecting the country in their own way," Magdalene said, her voice steady. "No matter how uncomfortable or unpleasant the situation might be, they are working toward their goals as the Verdaselles rulers. Minimum communication and shared dinners are the unspoken rules of their relationship, and they tolerate these little moments together for the sake of Verdaselles and King Claude and Azielle."
As she finished speaking, Evangeline suddenly picked up a glass of water, her eyes narrowed with frustration, and began to pour it over Dominic. Caleb's eyes widened in alarm, and he gasped, instinctively stepping forward as if to intervene.
"My Lady, no..." he started headed towards the dinning room to stop her, but before he could finish, Magdalene quickly grasped his hand and shook her head, urging him to stay back as they both turned their heads to the unfolding drama.
Evangeline's expression caught between anger and surprise, while Dominic, maintaining his poised demeanor, merely raised an eyebrow, his cool standing up walking to her and held her hand to prevent water touching him
Dominic grasped the cup from Evangeline's hand, locking eyes with her before hurling it away, where it shattered against the wall. He stood beside her, holding her wrist tightly, causing Evangeline to struggle in an attempt to break free. Amused by her defiance, he chuckled softly and turned her around, pressing her back against his groin area. She gasped, instinctively placing his hand on her neck as he leaned in to kiss her cheek from behind.
Evangeline clenched her fists, desperate to escape his grasp, her back brushing against him. "Stay still," he commanded, his voice low and firm as he caressed her neck like he was about to choke her, Slowly, he released his grip, his fingers trailing through her hair while preventing her from moving away.
The guards, witnessing the scene unfold, exchanged knowing glances before silently stepping out, assuming the couple was about to become intimate. The servants, equally taken aback by Dominic's boldness, began to whisper among themselves, speculating if this marked a turning point for the couple—perhaps a sign they were finally ready to settle down and start a family. They quickly exited the dining room, leaving Magdalene to pull Caleb away, plunging the room into an eerie silence, with only Dominic and Evangeline remaining.
Magdalene then instructed the maids to close the curtains around the dining room due to the windows, ensuring they need privacy
Caleb watched as the maids drew the curtains, letting out a deep sigh. "So they are finally doing it?... I thought he said they didn't like each other. I just don't get these two," he muttered, facepalming in disbelief at the unexpected turn of events.
As Evangeline attempted to stand up, Dominic tightened his grip on her, trapping her against him she could feel something bigger at her butt, His hands moved possessively to her chest, cupping one of her breasts through the fabric as he pressed his lips to her neck, his breath hot against her skin. He kissed her cheek, shoulder, and arm with a growing hunger, each touch more possessive than the last. Evangeline bit her lip, fighting to suppress a moan as the sensation overwhelmed her as he was behind her.
Dominic's hand wandered lower, lifting her dress slowly, his fingers tracing the soft skin of her inner thighs. She gasped when he finally reached her sensitive spot, his fingers slipping inside her. The wave of pleasure that coursed through her was undeniable, her body betraying her as she felt herself begin to melt into his touch. But Evangeline, determined not to surrender to him so easily, narrowed her eyes in defiance.
With a sharp motion, she knocked the back of her head against his forehead, making him groan in pain as he clutched his head. She seized the opportunity to break free, grabbing his glass of water with an angry flush on her cheeks. She hesitated for a brief moment, considering pouring it on him, but instead, she threw it forcefully in front of him, the water splashing across the table as she stormed out of the dining room.
"Hmph!" she scoffed, her face burning with embarrassment, slamming the door behind her as she left.
Dominic, still holding his head, let out a low chuckle, watching her storm off. His expression darkened into something more sinister as he brought his fingers—still slick with the touch of her sensitive spot—to his lips. Slowly, he licked them, savoring the taste with a wicked grin on his face his thoughts consumed by the desire and the thrill of her resistance.
The servants watched as Evangeline stormed out of the dining room, her face flushed and her movements brisk. They exchanged curious whispers.
"Did they do it? Did they finally...?" one servant murmured with a hint of excitement.
Another shook her head, her expression doubtful. "I don't think so. Lady Evangeline looks angry. That doesn't happen if they did it , you would know... And being intimate doesn't just take a second." Her dismissive tone left the others sighing in disappointment.
As Evangeline continued down the hallway, her thoughts raced back to what had just transpired in the dining room. She gripped the fabric of her skirt tightly, her hand pressing against the place where Dominic's touch had lingered. The unfamiliar sensation still coursed through her, making her knees feel weak, but the confusion and anger overwhelmed any other feeling.
"What was that?!" Her cheeks flared red with embarrassment again as her mind replayed Dominic's actions. She could still feel the pressure of what slipped into her, the heat of his breath on her skin. "How dare he?" she thought, both furious and bewildered.
Evangeline had never been exposed to this kind of intimacy before, and the emotions swirling inside her—confusion, discomfort, and something she couldn't quite name—left her feeling off balance. She had no understanding of what true lovemaking entailed, only that Dominic had pushed boundaries she hadn't known existed and Richard hasn't done this before.
Still rattled, she walked hurriedly toward her bedroom when a familiar voice reached her ears from afar, She stopped in her tracks her eyes widening
"Grandmother?"She whispered in her thoughts, suddenly distracted from the storms of emotions swirling through her.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone