99 Bloody Lashes And A Bullet To His Hear novel Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Dominic’s wounds were far from healed, but despite the doctor’s repeated warnings that he needed rest, he insisted on leaving the hospital early.

He spared no expense, arranging his proposal at North Shore’s most luxurious rose garden.

The garden was filled with Juliet roses flown in from France, each one personally selected by him. The orchestra performed pieces he’d stayed up for three consecutive nights to finalize. The fireworks were custom–designed to match Mia’s preferences, programmed to form a starry pattern that would spell out her name at the most romantic

moment.

He even personally tasted every dish on the menu, scrutinizing the champagne vintage with meticulous attention.

His friend Alexander, watching this display, couldn’t help but quip: “Dom, anyone would think you’re preparing for a coronation rather than a proposal.”

Dominic ignored him, checking his watch–thirty minutes until their appointment.

However, thirty minutes passed, then an hour…

Mia never appeared.

Dominic stood on the rose–covered terrace, fingers unconsciously tracing the diamond ring in his pocket.

He called Mia countless times, but every call went unanswered.

“Could something have happened to her?” His brow furrowed with concern as he contacted his staff. “Check Miss Mia’s schedule for today.”

Ten minutes later, the report came in…

[Miss Mia Reeves is at Chateau Spa and Resort. Today she received a full–body spa treatment, manicure, and has an appointment with a stylist. She has been there for six hours.]

Dominic stared in disbelief.

She was… at a spa?

Had she forgotten? But he’d reminded her just yesterday.

He gripped his phone tightly and drove directly to the spa.

When Dominic tried to enter Chateau Spa, the security guard attempted to stop him: “Sir, please present your membership-”

“Get out of my way!” The manager rushed over, slapping the guard aside. “Have you lost your mind? This is Mr.

Reed!”

Chapter 12

Dominic strode toward the VIP suite, but paused at the door when he heard laughter from inside….

“You’re seriously not going to meet that bodyguard?” A friend’s voice carried a teasing note.

Mia responded lazily: “Why would I? I can tell from the way he looks at me that he wants to propose. As if I’d marry a bodyguard?”

“But he’s been so good to you,” her friend countered. “Taking a bullet, climbing a cliff, even tattooing your name on his chest…”

“So what?” Mia scoffed. “No matter how handsome or devoted he is, he’s still just a doorman. I’ve been noticed by the North Shore heir now–of course I’m focusing on securing a place in high society.”

Dominic’s hand froze on the doorknob.

The friend persisted: “But why not just reject him outright? Leading him on seems cruel.”

“You don’t understand,” Mia’s voice carried a note of triumph. “He’s gorgeous, strong, and willing to die for me. Why wouldn’t I want an extra admirer? But most importantly…”

Her voice dropped to a malicious whisper:

“Ariana was in love with him, but he’s in love with me. Just imagining her face when she realized I stole something she cherished–it’s absolutely delicious. It’s like when she used to love wearing white dresses, but I mentioned once that I liked them, and Dad gave me all her white dresses. I wore them around her constantly until she stopped wearing white altogether!”

Dominic felt as though he’d been struck by lightning.

The friend seemed intrigued: “Speaking of which, you’ve sabotaged Ariana quite a bit over the years, haven’t you? I heard about her mother’s difficult delivery…”

“That woman deserved it!” Mia’s tone suddenly sharpened. “How dare she occupy the position that belonged to my mother? I just slipped some abortion pills into her water before her due date… who knew she’d be so weak that both she and the baby would die?”

“And Ariana’s study abroad opportunity was canceled because you reported her for academic dishonesty?”

“Just a forged complaint,” Mia said dismissively. “That idiot threw a massive tantrum at home but couldn’t do anything about it. Daddy always takes my side.”

Each word felt like a poisoned dagger, dismantling the image of the pure–hearted girl rescuing a bird’s nest that had lived in Dominic’s memory.