CHAPTER 46

MIA POV.
As the door closed behind my father and the escorting guard, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. I didn’t realize how tense I was when talking to my father and I felt guilty for lying to him. I startled when Dominic suddenly stepped back into the office, his eyes narrowing as he approached me. I stepped back instinctively and swallowed nervously.
"Tell me exactly what you discussed with your father." he demanded, his voice low and commanding. How could he ask me this? I wondered. That was a private conversation between me and my father. I turned to fully Dominic, a spark of defiance igniting within me. "Is that really necessary? I asked, trying to keep my tone neutral.
Dominic's expression turned cold, his eyes glinting with a hint of steel. "Not here, they're not. In my territory, I have the right to know everything." he stated, his voice firm. "Especially when we’ve had a recent attack and I would like to know if there were any discussions involving potential enemies to us… me." I felt a shiver run down my spine at his words. "My father is not the enemy, Dominic." I protested. Dominic's gaze narrowed. "In our world, nothing is what it seems, Mia. You will come to learn that. Now tell me what you two spoke about?” He said in that demanding tone again.
I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. But Dominic's intense gaze left no room for evasion. I took a deep breath and began to recount our conversation, trying to recall everything that we spoke about..
"He asked if I was okay, and if I wanted to leave with him," I started. "I told him I wanted to stay here, with you." Dominic's eyes flickered with shock and interest. "And that I would uphold my part in the deal of marrying Tony.” I said. Repeating those bitter words to Dominic.
“And what did he say to that?" Dominic asked so I continued. "He seemed skeptical, and asked if Tony and I were really in love. He offered to introduce me to other suitable men if I changed my mind." Dominic's expression darkened when I told him this.His gaze holding mine, as if searching for any sign of deception. "And what else did your father say?"
I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal about the note. But Dominic's probing gaze made me realize he might already know more than I thought. "He asked if I had anything to give him." I admitted, watching Dominic's reaction closely. His eyes flashed with interest, but his expression remained controlled. "And did you have anything to give him?" He asked and I felt an undertone of warning in his voice.
I shook my head in the negative. "No." I replied, Holding his gaze. Dominic's eyes narrowed at me for a moment as he tried to assert if I was lying. “What else?” He asked. “That was it. He said our goodbyes and he left.” I said while Dominic looked at me doubtfully. “You're sure that's all?" I nodded, feeling a sense of unease, but it was the truth. "Yes, that was all."
Dominic's gaze lingered on me, as if searching for any crack in my story. Then, he nodded curtly, his expression unreadable. "You may leave." he said, his voice low and dismissive. I felt a surge of relief wash over me as I turned to leave, but I reached the door, Dominic's voice stopped me.
"Mia?" I turned back, meeting his gaze. "Yes?" His eyes seemed to bore into mine, a silent warning lingering in their depths. "Remember, If I find out that you have been lying to me, then there will be harsh consequences waiting for you. And I can promise you that I will find out if you are keeping anything from me. I swallowed hard, feeling a shiver run down my spine. With a nod, I quickly exited the office, the weight of Dominic's distrust, clinging to me like a shadow.
As I stepped into the corridor, I was surprised to see Elizabeth was waiting for me. The elderly omega greeted me with a warm smile and I suddenly felt better upon seeing the friendly face.
"Would you like to take your tea in your room, young luna? Elizabeth asked. I shook my head. "That would be lovely, but I think I'll have it in the garden today, please." I replied with a smile. After being confined in a tense filled office, I needed some fresh air in an open space. Elizabeth nodded and she left to get me my tea while I proceeded to go outside. I took a deep breath as the sun basked me in the comforting warm glow and continued to walk towards one of the picnic sets that was situated in the garden.
The garden, with its serene beauty, was a temporary escape from the tenseness and deception that followed me. I closed my eyes, breathing in and out, letting the peacefulness envelop me.
For a fleeting moment, I forgot about Dominic's piercing gaze, my father's worried expression, and the weight of Vivienne's secret. I breathed in and released it through my nose again as I concentrated on the gentle rustle of leaves, the chirping of birds, and the warmth of the sun on my skin and I felt myself being lulled into a state of tranquility.
A clinking of cups alerted me to Elizabeth’s presence and I opened my eyes to the smiling omega who had just set a tray down before me. On the tray was a teapot, cup and a plate with various pastries and I suddenly realized how hungry I was since I had barely eaten anything at breakfast. Elizabeth looked at me knowingly as she picked up the tea pot.
"Shall I pour, Mia?" she asked. Using my name again now that we were alone. I nodded, watching as she expertly poured my tea and handed it to me. "Thank you," I said, before taking a sip and I sighed satisfied. The tea was sweet and the hot liquid flowed down my throat and into my stomach, warming me from the inside. Calming my frazzled nerves.
“Something to eat?” Elizabeth asked and I eagerly took the small plate that she offered. The elderly omega chuckled. “If that is all, then I will leave you to it.” She said but as soon as she turned to leave, I stopped her. “Join me?” I asked and for a moment Elizabeth looked shocked at my invitation. Uncertain, she briefly glanced towards the house before she accepted and sat down next to me. “So, Elizabeth. Tell me a bit more about yourself?” I said. Striking up a conversation with my only friend I had left now.