Chapter 140
Marissa’s head drooped, a blush masking the simmering resentment in her eyes. Lauren’s answer wasn’t enough. She wanted Lauren to force Dominick’s hand, even threaten her own life if necessary! Dominick wouldn't stand idly by if his mother were threatened, she was sure of it.
The Vanderbilts—all hypocrites! Kayla professed her affection, wanting Marissa as a sister-in-law, yet over a silly painting, she sided with Paisley. Lauren claimed to adore her, to want her as a daughter-in-law, but her actions spoke otherwise. And Grayson, that little brat, always claimed he wanted her as a mom, but had he ever once pleaded with his father? Of course not!
Dominick… she’d made her feelings abundantly clear. Did he need her to strip naked before he’d see her as anything other than a sister?
Maintaining a calm façade, Marissa watched Lauren and Ronda chat.
“Marissa is such a wonderful child,” Ronda gushed, already picturing Marissa as the Vanderbilts’ future matriarch. She’d previously been indifferent, but now needed to cultivate a strong relationship.
Lauren smiled. “Yes, we all adore her. She’s thoughtful, considerate, and Sonny adores her, don’t you, Sonny?”
Playing nearby, Grayson looked up. “Yeah! I like Marissa the best!”
Praise cascaded over Marissa until Paul’s scoff cut through the saccharine sweetness. He’d heard enough. A deliberate, loud scoff that silenced the room.
“Dad!” Reginald intervened, quickly stepping between Paul and Marissa, preventing further humiliation.
Paul, eyes on him, muttered something inaudible and turned away.
Marissa’s face hardened. Others might not understand Paul’s disdain, but she did. He’d always looked down on her. And today, of all days, he had to do this? The old fool! Jeremy would deal with Paisley and her mother; then, it was Paul's turn.
Just then, Dominick and Julian entered, noticing the assembled family. “What’s all this?” Dominick asked, puzzled by the happy atmosphere.
Kayla smirked, nudging Marissa. “We’re talking about you and Marissa.”
“Us?” Dominick’s brow furrowed. “What’s to talk about?”
Kayla grinned. “When you two are getting married!”
The entire family’s acceptance emboldened Kayla to lay it all bare. Marissa’s face flushed crimson. She hadn’t expected such directness.
All eyes turned to Dominick, anticipation thick in the air, even Marissa’s. She looked at him, hoping he wouldn't humiliate her. Public pressure might work in her favor.
Dominick stared, stunned. Then his brow furrowed. “Kayla, what nonsense? How could Marissa and I…?”
“Why not?” Kayla shot back. “You’re always together! Everyone assumes you’re a couple! And Marissa’s waited years. You owe her an answer!”
“Kayla, stop! I’m fine,” Marissa stammered, her eyes welling. Her vulnerability evoked a wave of sympathy.
“Dom, give us an answer,” Kayla pressed, her neck stiff with determination. “Marissa’s family! Mom, Dad, even Sonny!” She pointed to Grayson. “Sonny wants Marissa as his mom!”
Grayson nodded. “Yes!” His birth mother had abandoned him. He didn’t need her.
“Kayla, stop! I’m okay,” Marissa cried, tears streaming as she looked at Dominick, pitifully. “I didn’t want this! Don’t listen to her!”
“We can’t ignore this!” Kayla exclaimed. “Marissa, you’re too kind! You never fight for yourself, so I will! To this family, you’re the one!”
Dominick, finally seeing the situation from their perspective, looked stunned, speechless. “So, that’s what you all think?”
“What else?” Kayla glared. “When are you marrying her?”
Marissa, eyes red-rimmed, waited expectantly. Paul groaned inwardly. If Marissa became his granddaughter-in-law, he’d disown his grandson.
Suddenly, everyone's phones buzzed. The TV, previously showing cartoons, went black.
“The cartoons!” The children cried.
The screen flickered back on, not with cartoons, but dashcam footage—a remote, unfamiliar location. Before anyone could react, a voice filled the room.