Chapter 247

“Dominick!” Paisley burst through the door, breathless. Emery’s message—Dominick was already there—had found her just as she parked. She’d raced to the hospital. Reaching the room, she heard Dominick's voice, hushed and emotional.

Serena tilted her head, puzzled. Dominick caught his daughter’s innocent gaze and fell silent. Emery and Maria exhaled, relief flooding their faces.

Paisley rushed to Serena. “Rena!” The girl forgot everything, burying herself in her mother’s embrace. “Mom, I didn’t cry! I’m a good girl!” She looked up, seeking praise.

Paisley kissed her cheek. “You’re the best.” Emery followed suit, then subtly gestured towards Dominick.

Paisley nodded, understanding. She pulled Dominick from the room, dragging him down the hallway. “Dominick, what’s going on? Did you forget our promise?”

He didn’t answer, his gaze fixed on their intertwined hands. Paisley noticed, her cheeks flushing. She tried to pull away, but his grip tightened. His large hand enveloped hers completely.

“Let go!” she hissed. His grip only intensified.

“Paisley, you grabbed my hand,” he murmured, a faint smile playing on his lips. He leaned closer, forcing her to meet his eyes.

“Still not letting go? I really don’t want to make a scene,” she whispered, glancing at the bustling hallway.

His smile widened. “How could you not know? I’ve always been like this, and you liked it, didn’t you?”

His words stunned her. She remembered her younger self, naive and yearning for love. Now, a divorced mother of two, she was different.

Leaning in, she lowered her voice even further. “There are people around. But that doesn’t mean I won’t slap you.”

He stared, speechless. When had she become so…violent?

“Let go!” she repeated, her voice sharper. This time, he obeyed. The warmth lingering on his palm felt like unbearable loneliness.

“Dominick, what were you going to say to Rena?” Paisley pulled away.

He sighed, his voice calm. “I haven’t forgotten my promise. I just wanted to tell Rena…that I’m not anyone else.”