radicalducati Chapter 167
Chapter 167
As soon as Grandma Carter left, Alessia and Dominic were the only ones left in the spacious living room.
Alessia swallowed hard, feeling uncomfortable and aware that her heart was beating faster than normal. As a doctor, she knew this wasn't right. However, she also knew she couldn't show any shyness in front of Dominic.
The more she showed any sign of embarrassment, the more Dominic would misunderstand, thinking she cared about him.
With a cold expression, Alessia tried to pull her hand away from his, but just as she managed to free it a little, Dominic firmly pressed it back down.
"Mr. Carter, wouldn't this be considered harassment?" Alessia kept her tone as calm as possible, raising an eyebrow and looking pointedly at Dominic's hand.
Dominic laughed, a rare, pleasant sound like a bubbling spring. It was clear he was very happy.
Alessia frowned in confusion, becoming even more annoyed. "What's so funny, Mr. Carter? Do you think I'm wrong?"
"Of course you're wrong," Dominic stopped laughing, his deep gaze capturing every detail of Alessia's face. "Holding the mother of my children's hand isn't harassment. Sia, I never realized how adorable you are!"
His eyes grew more daring, as if drawing her in.
Alessia felt her mouth go dry. She was certain Dominic was flirting with her. She was trying to have a serious conversation, but he was all smiles and playful. This was so unlike his usual cold and distant self.
Suppressing her emotions, Alessia reminded him coldly, "Mr. Carter, have you forgotten that we are divorced?"
"We can remarry anytime, Sia. You pick a time, and I'll be there," Dominic said smoothly, moving closer until his face was almost touching hers.
Unbelievable! Alessia's face turned red despite herself, and she knew she had lost this round.
Embarrassed, she looked away.
"Hah!" Dominic's laugh echoed again, a sound that now felt mocking to Alessia.
She turned back, her patience snapping, and forcefully pulled her hand free, shoving him hard. "Dominic Carter, have you had enough? Do you think this is some kind of game? I'm busy, I just want to cure Elle's illness. I don't have time for your games."
Despite her outburst, Dominic's smile remained, even brighter than before.
As Alessia turned to leave, he grabbed her hand tightly from behind.
No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't shake him off. Frustrated, she turned back. "What do you want now?"
Seeing the anger in her eyes, Dominic realized he had pushed too far. He sighed, then pulled Alessia into his arms, gently cradling her head like soothing a wild cat.
Alessia tried to resist, but he held her firmly.
"Just let me hold you for a moment. Alessia, you don't know how worried I was when you didn't come home last night. When I found out you were at Enzo's place, do you know how angry I was?"
"Why should it matter to you whether I come home or not?" Alessia retorted, listening to his quickening heartbeat and growing more annoyed, though she couldn't overpower him.
"It matters," Dominic said earnestly. "Because I worry about you. Because I get jealous!"
Alessia's eyes widened. Dominic had always been the epitome of a domineering man. Before their divorce, she had wondered if he'd ever admit to feeling jealous, but he never had.
This was completely unexpected.
Years later, hearing Dominic talk about his feelings felt bittersweet.
Alessia's mind started to wander, almost ready to give in, but she snapped back to reality. Remembering the couple in the rain, she struggled again. "Dominic, I told you, I don't want to play this three-person game."
"There's no three-person game, there never was," Dominic said, kissing the top of her head. "Last night, I discovered some things. I won't have any more contact with Tiffany Olsen."
No matter how troublesome Tiffany was, he wouldn't badmouth her. That was part of being a gentleman.
Upon hearing Dominic's explanation, Alessia stopped struggling, her body reacting faster than her mind, though she still felt uneasy.
"Then why did you hug her?"
This question showed that Alessia truly cared.
Dominic was overjoyed, happier than if he had closed a multi-billion dollar deal. He kissed the top of her head again, not denying his actions.
"You're right, Tiffany did hug me. It was one-sided, but I should have avoided it. I promise it won't happen again."
His earnest admission and promise left Alessia with nothing to argue.
"So, Alessia, can we make up?" Dominic seized the moment, his voice softening, each word hitting Alessia's heart perfectly.
Men being affectionate could be overwhelming, especially from someone usually so cold and reserved. Dominic's gentle tone made Alessia almost nod. As his lips neared hers, his warm breath on her face, she finally realized things were going too far.
She shoved him hard. Unprepared, Dominic fell back onto the sofa, and when he looked up, Alessia's angry glare met him.
Her fair face flushed with anger, more beautiful than ever. "Dominic, we were never together. How can we make up?"
"Weren't we married?" Dominic, slightly disappointed at the lost kiss, felt an itch in his heart.
"That doesn't count. You were forced into it, so it doesn't matter," Alessia retorted without thinking.
"Can't I change my mind? Alessia, I truly realize my mistakes now. It's my fault that we've wasted so many years." Dominic sighed and sat up. His patience seemed endless today, determined to soften Alessia's heart.
As he moved closer, Alessia backed away, struggling to adapt to his sudden change in behavior.
Watching her retreat, Dominic touched his lips and smiled.
No rush. Last night proved that she cared. Winning her back was just a matter of time. He was confident.
"What are you smiling about? Go after her. I'm anxious just watching you miss that kiss."
"Grandma!" Dominic, startled by the sudden voice, turned to see Grandma Carter leaning on her cane, looking exasperated.
"Don't just stand there. Go! The longer you take, the longer it'll be before I can hold another great-granddaughter." Grandma Carter urged him on, more impatiently than he was.
Dominic almost rolled his eyes but felt a wave of gratitude. Without Grandma's intervention, he would never have married Alessia and might have lost her forever.
He took a few steps after Alessia but stopped at the door to turn back and earnestly promised Grandma Carter, "Don't worry, Grandma. I'll do my best to give you a great-granddaughter soon."
"Good!" Grandma Carter watched him, her eyes misty. In the sunset, he looked like the little boy who used to rely on her so much.
Her eyes filled with tears. As he walked away, she murmured, "I hope my Dom can always walk through life with such light steps and happiness."
After leaving the main house, Dominic headed straight to Brenda's residence. He arrived to see Christian and Eleanor surrounding Alessia.
"Mommy, please agree to treat Grandma Evelyn. She's a good person. I like her!"
"Mommy, I like her too. She feels as kind as our grandma."
***