Ash's POV
"So, I have a special announcement for tonight," Dominic's dad said, raising his voice to demand the whole room's attention.
The crowd quieted. Glasses clinked faintly. Someone coughed.
Next to him, Dominic shifted….his hand went to his tie, fingers tugging at the collar like it was suddenly choking him. His jaw flexed. I could tell he already hated whatever was coming.
"In honor of my son," his dad began, smiling too wide for it to be genuine, "and in honor of the Vale family legacy… I am officially announcing my candidacy for Mayor of Estrella."
Gasps. Murmurs.
—Mayor?
—Wait, what did he say?
—He's running for Mayor?
People were already pulling out their phones, whispering into each other's ears. Some clapped, others just stared, unsure whether to cheer or not.
Dominic's shoulders tensed. His expression stayed unreadable, but I saw the tiny flicker in his eyes. He rolled them, and hissed his teeth.
He hated this.
And honestly? I didn't blame him.
