Crossroads

There was a thud, as if a small metal object had dropped to the floor.

It turned out that Stephanie had groggily woke up in the middle of the night. She wanted to go to the bathroom but forgot she was at Wellington Villa. After turning around, she accidentally bumped into the nightstand.

She looked down and bent over to pick up a golden pocket watch, The moment Stephanie saw the watch in her hand, she snapped to full alertness.

"This pocket watch..." It looked familiarl This was the same watch she had taken from Dominick's coat pocket and used to cover her cab fare that night: Why is it here?' she murmured under her breath.

Driven by curiosity, she examined it more closely and flipped open the cover, revealing a small photo tucked inside.....

"What are you doing!" Dominick's cold voice cut through the silence from outside the door.

Feeling a bit guilty, Stephanie quickly hid the pocket watch behind her back and looked up to see Dominick striding towards her.

Stephanie watched him glared at her as he approached.

His gaze was stern as if something had greatly irritated him.

"Give me that!" he demanded.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to keep it last time." She knew that this pocket watch must have meant a lot to him since he had found it.

But before she could finish her apology, Dominick, clearly out of patience, reached out swiftly and grabbed her shoulder.

He tightened his grip, causing her mild pain, and snatched the pocket watch from her hand.

"Stephanie, do you really think that marrying me makes you the lady of this house? Stop dreaming!" Dominick macked.

He stood in front of her, his tall and imposing figure overwhelming her with a sense of oppression.

Stephanie lifted her gaze defiantly, her eyes sparking with anger. "You think I want to marry you? I don't even..."

"Oh, you are acting all high and mighty now? Which woman wouldn't want to marry into the Wellington family? Stephanie, do you really think you're so special?"

Dominick leaned in, glaring at her face. His eyes carried a deep sense of emotion, as if he was...thinking about the past.

He seemed to be lost in memories.

They were so close. Stephanie felt uncomfortable and twisted, trying to push him away.

Dominick couldn't suppress the restlessness building in his heart. When his eyes landed on her lips, an irresistible urge swept over him.

Without a second thought, he kissed her, maybe a bit too hastily.

Caught off guard, Stephanie froze for a moment before regaining her senses. A slight throb in her lips left a faint taste of blood.

'What does he think I am!' Stephanie thought, feeling panic and angry.

"Let go of me!" She snapped, ready to slap hard across the face of the man before her.

The moment her hand struck, Dominick let her go as if her voice had shattered his memories.

face with He quickly caught her wrist, gazing back at her face with a look of coldness.

"Stephanie, don't forget who you are.

You're just here to have my child! This is only a deal, nothing more. a Don't talk to me about love or loyalty to any man This is a game for adults, and your dignity worth nothing heref"

His voice was cold and clear. He took off his coat and flung toward the foot of the Bed, clearly annoyed.

"A game for adults, and your dignity worth nothing... Stephanie replayed his words in her mind.Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

She was furious, but then, Dominick suddenly pinned her down on the bed, leaving her no room to escape.

Her hands pushed against his chest, her voice trembling with anxiety and ve fear "Don't please don't touch me...