Another trap?
Celeste wondered what he meant by those words as she searched his history for the third day in a week.
There was nothing wrong with him. No wrong record, and no scandals. Her stomach dropped when she saw her kiss with him.
She hasn't seen him for two weeks now. Its like he vanished after asking her to leave. Or perhaps he had work to do across the country or out of it.
Also, Landon might be right; she wasn't his type. Speaking of Landon, she stood up with a low grunt.
Last week, Landon had invited her to a family dinner. His family still thought they were together. She didn't want to go but she also doesn't want to be dramatic about it.
His Nana already loved her, and believed she would be Landon's endgame. The old woman has cancer, and the last thing Celeste wanted was to give bad news to a dying woman.
After the dinner, she would have to have a discussion with Landon about how to break the news to his grandmother and mother.
.....
Celeste adjusted the strap of her dress in the car's side mirror. Her lips pursed as Landon stood beside her, fiddling with his cufflinks like this wasn't the most awkward event of her year.
"This is unnecessary," she murmured, low enough not to start another conversation. "Your grandmother already adores me."
Landon smirked, adjusting his blazer. "Then tonight will be easy." He smiled smugly, "That's why we're here together. To avoid questions until we can tell her without worsening her health,"
Celeste raised her brow, feeling manipulated. She forced a smile. "Alright."
He held out his arm for her. She hesitated a beat too long before slipping hers through it. As they stepped onto the stone path leading to the family estate, her stomach turned. Something was off and she didn't know what yet, but the air tasted heavy.
Inside, warmth greeted them. Light spilled from the chandeliers. Laughter bubbled from the long dining room beyond the foyer.
"Celeste!" Landon's grandmother beamed, her fragile hands reaching out as Celeste approached. "You look beautiful. I told everyone my favorite girl was coming."
Celeste swallowed hard and bent to kiss the older woman's cheek. "You look beautiful too, Nana."
Celeste noticed more faces gathered than expected. More extended family, a few business associates, and maybe even someone from the board.
She wondered what the event was about.
Landon leaned close to her ear and whispered, "Apparently Dominic's in town. But don't worry, he won't be here."
She stiffened. "I have no business with Dominic_" Her words got trapped in her throat when she looked forward.
Her eyes landed on the man at the far end of the table, seated like he belonged to the shadows but lit like sin beneath the golden chandelier.
Dominic.
He was dressed in black. No tie, and his sleeves rolled to his forearms. When his gaze lifted from the glass in front of him it didn't land on her.
Celeste's body went rigid. She tugged her hand from Landon's arm, pretending to adjust her hair as she scrambled to breathe properly.
He hadn't seen her in weeks. Now here he was, sitting across a dinner table like nothing had happened between them.
She took her seat beside Landon. Directly across from Dominic. It felt like punishment. Landon should have chosen another seat. Why this?
Landon leaned in, chuckling low. "I told you he wouldn't ruin the night. Look at him. Quiet as always."
Celeste smiled weakly, stealing a glance across the table.
Dominic sat like a statue. Unreadable, composed, utterly unbothered. Except... she saw the scar on his knuckle. Dominic has never attended any dinner since she joined this family. She wondered what changed.
Conversation floated around her. Nana told stories from her youth. Landon made jokes. Someone asked Dominic a question about his new project in Dubai.
"Progressing." His one worded reply made half the table murmur. Everyone discussed in lines and then, he decided to be dismissive.
That was it. No elaboration. No tone. Just the sharp, flat delivery of a man who had no interest in speaking to anyone in the room.
Her stomach churned. Celeste tried to eat, but her fork barely made it to her mouth. Landon placed his hand on her thigh under the table.
She almost flinched, but she didn't want to draw attention. Not with Dominic right there.
She forcefully laughed when Landon leaned in with some offhand joke. She nodded when Nana patted her hand and asked if they'd set a wedding date. She lied with a tight smile when she replied.
She even dared to glance at Dominic once more. He was staring into his wine glass now. He didn't stare at anyone. One could tell he hated it here. He acted like she didn't exist. As though she hadn't moaned his name against his mouth two weeks ago, trembling under his hands.
When dessert was cleared and Nana excused herself to rest, Celeste slipped away into the hallway toward the guest bathroom, needing a moment to breathe. She reached for the marble counter, her hands trembling slightly.
The door creaked behind her. She turned fast, hoping it wasn't who she suspected it would be.
She sighed softly when she realized her hope wasn't needed. He stood behind her. His eyes locked on hers with a quiet fury that made her knees weaken.
"Why are you here with him?" His voice was low. Also really sharp.
Her breath caught. "I could ask you the same," she said, trying to keep her voice steady.
He stepped inside and closed the door behind him. "I'm family," he said simply. "You're not."
Her heart stung. "I came because his grandmother is dying," she snapped. "I didn't know you'd be here."
His jaw ticked. They stared at each other deeply.
Celeste's voice cracked first. "Why are you punishing me like this?"
Dominic didn't answer immediately. His gaze drifted over her face, then down to her mouth, just for a second.
"I told you that night," he said, voice tight, "I can't pretend. But you... you came here on his arm like it meant nothing."
"It doesn't," she breathed. "I just—"
Dominic stepped back. Something in his face shut down. "Then maybe I was right to stop."
Celeste turned away, biting her bottom lip to stop it from trembling.
Behind her, she heard his hand grip the doorknob. However, he didn't open it yet.
"You made your choice," he said, voice softer now. "Make sure you can live with it. With him."
Then the door opened, and he left.
Celeste stood alone in the silence, the sound of laughter still echoing faintly down the hallway. But all she could hear was the ache in his voice.
She hated it.