Chapter 5 - Dominic Finally Told Claire Why He Stayed—And Grant Realized He Was Fighting a Man Who Had Never Asked Her for AnythingOne night, Dominic told me his truth.
“I knew about you before I met you.”
“What?”
“I knew your name.”
“Why?”
“Your father once helped mine.”
He explained.
Years earlier, my father had saved Dominic's family from financial collapse.
Dominic's father promised to protect mine.
He failed.
My father died.
The promise transferred to Dominic.
He believed protecting me was his responsibility.
“But you never treated me like a responsibility.”
“I didn't know how.”
He smiled.
“I only knew how to stay.”
I cried.
He took my hand.
“You don't owe me love.”
“I know.”
“You don't owe me anything.”
“I know.”
“Then why are you still here?”
I looked at him.
“Because I want to be.”
His eyes filled.
He kissed me.
It wasn't dramatic.
It was quiet.
Real.
Grant arrived the next morning.
He saw us.
He understood.
He looked down.
“I see.”
I expected anger.
Instead, he smiled sadly.
“She loves you.”
I said nothing.
He nodded.
“Good.”
Then he looked at Dominic.
“Take care of them.”
Dominic answered,
“I will.”
Grant left.
May you like
For the first time, there was no jealousy.
Only acceptance.
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