Chapter 4
Chapter 4
None of us made a sound during the entire ride. There I was at the back, cradling my twins close to my chest and being conscious not to make any movements that might wake them.
I sighed in relief as they both remained peacefully asleep.
“What’s your name?”
Just when I was about to drift off and succumb to the slumber that had been creeping on, he broke the quiet air that had settled within the confines of this car.
I looked up and noticed him looking at me through the rear view mirror, his blue eyes squinting as though peering deep into my soul. He’d saved me and my children from danger, so in the end, I decided to tell him my name.
“Serena…, my name is Serena Montgomery.”
“Serena…” he whispered my name softly, his voice filled with admiration. “What an absolute stunning name for such a stunning lady.”
I could feel the warmth of a blush rising up my n*eck and cheeks as he said this, despite myself. His words were so sincere that I couldn’t help being taken aback by them, feeling certain butterflies in my stomach rise up in response.
“You’re joking.” I said in disbelief.
He chuckled before introducing himself, “The name’s Dominic Ryder. I was just on my way to work when I saw you. Then you said that someone was chasing after you. Seemed like the right thing to do, so here I am, ready to help you escape.” His tone was light and friendly, but his eyes held a seriousness that let me know he meant what he had said.
I had a sudden pang of guilt because I was using him for my own advantage, even though he had his own problems and life to be dealing with. It felt wrong to take advantage of him like that and I knew it was something that I shouldn’t do.
“But don’t worry, it’s all right. I can just take some time off for now and explain to my secretary why I won’t be able to attend.”
He was likely able to tell by my facial expression that I was uncomfortable, so he quickly tried to clarify the situation. But even with his reassurance, I couldn’t shake the feeling that things weren’t quite right.
I stayed quiet for the entire duration of the drive, stealing glances at my beloved children and giving each of them a k*ss on their foreheads. The thought of the possibility of these little angels being taken away from me is more than enough to make me go insane. I can’t fathom what life would be like without them – they are my entire world.
The car grinds to a halt, momentarily bringing me out of my reverie. As I stare ahead, I see a towering gate before me, which slowly starts to open. We make our way down the long winding path and stop in front of a grand mansion.
I was in complete shock as Dominic emerged from the car and opened the door beside me.
“Here, let me help you with your things.” he offered, trying to ease the burden of carrying my belongings.
I wanted to speak up and ask him so many questions, but the words died on my l*ps. He turned to me and offered assistance as I tried to exit the car with both of my twins in tow. His hands were there to catch them in case I stumbled, gentle yet firm enough that it made me feel safe and secure. With his help, we all made it out unscathed. It was a small gesture, but one which inspired deep gratitude within me.
“Come on, let’s go inside.”
Dominic was about to take his leave, when I stopped him with a question, “You live here?” His expression changed as he slowly turned back towards me.
“Isn’t it obvious since I brought you here-”
“Wait, hold on a second,” I interjected. “You’re telling me you’re a billionaire too, just like Damon?” I continued to fire questions at him in rapid succession. I was having trouble wrapping my mind around the fact that he had been so down-to-earth and unassuming the whole time, yet was actually part of one of the world’s most exclusive clubs.
“Damon?” His eyebrows creased together into a single straight line. He repeated himself, internally verifying what he had heard. “You mean, Damon Blackwood?”
I was taken aback when he uttered his full name, “You know him?”
I was taken aback when he dropped my bags on the ground and gripped hold of my shoulders, something I wasn’t expecting. Then, he leaned his face in closer to mine and I could feel his hot breath against my cheek.
“You’re telling me he’s your husband?”
Unsure as to why he was responding this way, I slowly nodded my head. He let out a deep breath before shaking his head with disappointment.
“I cannot believe that f*cker would go to such extreme measures to harm an innocent woman?”
“Can you please enlighten me what’s going on?” I asked because he’s creeping me out.
Dominic stopped and then gazed at me directly. I noticed a momentary doubt in his eyes before he let out a defeated breath, and he proceeded to tell me the reasons behind his reasons with Damon.
“He’s my competitor when it comes to the business world. We have been attempting to reach the highest position for years, but we have always been evenly matched.”
He tightened his teeth together as if he recalled something related to Damon. Nevertheless, he gradually looked at me and then at my two children that I am carrying. The look in his eyes suddenly changed as if a idea came to his mind.
“And he is attempting to locate you… together with your children.”
I quickly swallowed with surprise, feeling a little unsettled by what he said. But before I could react in a way, Dominic shook his head and then gently held both of my cheeks in his hands, which left me shocked.
“Don’t worry, Serena. I will help you because we have the same enemy. I need your help to defeat Damon. Come and stay with me, and together, we can work our way up and become more powerful and influential…”
He gently touched my cheeks, causing a quivering sensation deep within me.
“By doing so, you won’t have to conceal yourself indefinitely if you reach Damon’s level.”