Chapter 73

Dominick, simmering, leaned against the balcony railing. The wind did little to cool his frustration. Julian’s call snapped him to attention. "What?" he barked.

Julian’s voice, cautious, followed. "Marissa’s been checked. Nothing serious. She’ll be fine."

"Fine," Dominick repeated, his voice tight.

Laughter spilled from the next balcony—Paisley, Serena, and Nathaniel's voices a jarring chorus. Dominick's jaw clenched. Nathaniel's in her room, he thought, a bitter taste in his mouth. Laughing… as if nothing's wrong.

Julian, oblivious, pressed on, "Dom, earlier today Marissa—"

"Anything else?" Dominick cut him off.

"No," Julian hesitated. "Just… the gala tonight."

"Got it," Dominick said, ending the call. The laughter continued, a relentless assault. He wanted to storm in, drag Nathaniel out, silence Paisley's mirth.

He stopped, a question hanging in the air. What right do I have? He wasn't her husband, not even Serena's father anymore. Just… her ex.

In the adjoining suite, Serena, in a princess dress, beamed at Nathaniel. "Come on over, Prince Charming!"

Nathaniel, a wry smile playing on his lips, awkwardly settled beside her in her pink castle.

Paisley looked apologetic. "Rena, don't—"

Serena's eyes gleamed. "I've defeated you, evil witch! You can't talk!"

"Yeah, you can't talk!" Nathaniel chimed in.

Paisley, silenced, wondered how long this game would last. Then her phone rang—Emery. "Princess Rena," she pleaded, "may the evil witch take a call?"

Serena nodded.

Paisley snatched her phone, relief flooding her. Emery's voice boomed, "Woman, tell me who I am."

"My dearest sweetheart," Paisley replied, a sigh escaping her.

"Good girl," Emery chuckled. "Teddy and I arrived. Gala later?"

"Gala later," Paisley confirmed.

"See you then. Love you, babe."

"Love you, 100," Paisley replied, still smiling when she hung up.

Dominick stood on the adjacent balcony, his gaze dark and unwavering. Paisley's smile vanished. She gave him a curt nod and retreated inside, quietly closing the balcony doors and windows.

Dominick let out a harsh chuckle, leaning back against the railing. His gaze drifted, unfocused. Do you really love him that much, Paisley? he wondered bitterly. What were those four years?