Chapter 86: Paisley

A cold sweat broke out as Paisley’s realization hit: this was unprecedented.

“Paisley…” Dominick slurred, “Why the divorce? Did you… did you fall for someone else? Is he… better than me?” He passed out on the couch before finishing.

Paisley stared at him, a bitter laugh escaping. "Typical," she thought. "You still don't get it."

She contacted Julian and Marissa. Hurried footsteps echoed in the hallway. Paisley waited by the cracked door, fearing the doorbell would wake her daughters. But Marissa’s shriek cut through the quiet. “Dom! What happened?”

Paisley’s brow furrowed. “Keep it down! My daughter’s sleeping.”

Marissa, ignoring her, rushed to Dominick. “Dom! Paisley, what did you do?”

“Really? Waking my daughter?” Paisley’s icy glare stopped Marissa dead. One wrong move, and Marissa would regret it.

Marissa’s voice dropped to a harsh whisper. “What’s going on? Why’s he here?”

“Drunk. Wrong room. Get him out,” Paisley snapped, exasperated.

Julian gestured to the hallway. Two hotel staff arrived, helping Marissa hoist Dominick to his feet. “Come on, Dom,” Marissa urged, her eyes fixed on Paisley.

“Go,” Paisley snapped.

They left, Marissa and Dominick heading to their room next door. Julian lingered. “Look, I don’t know why you’re back in Harrowfell, but you and Dom are divorced. He’s with Marissa. Stay out of it.”

Paisley laughed, incredulous. She kicked him hard, sending him sprawling. “Get out!” she spat.

The door slammed shut.

Julian stood stunned. This was unthinkable. The throbbing in his leg was nothing compared to his astonishment. When did she get such a temper? he wondered.

After the staff helped Dominick to bed, Marissa dismissed them. Instead of leaving, she texted Julian—she'd handle Dominick, he should go to bed. She shrugged off her jacket, sat by the bed, watching Dominick sleep. A wild idea bloomed in the quiet room, growing stronger with each passing second.