His Ruthless Redemption (Isabella and Dominic) novel Chapter 104

Chapter 104

Isabella’s POV

After dinner, movie night had been Mateo’s idea. Since it was Sunday the next day, I didn’t mind him staying up late so f agreed. Besides, I wanted to spend some time with Dominic, too. It felt like it had been ages since I’d talked to him.

I’d missed him and wanted to spend time with him. It was as simple as that.

“It has to be a long one,” Mateo said seriously, dragging a blanket across the floor of the home theatre. “Because long mov feel more important.”

Dominic, who had just come in from a call, raised an eyebrow. “Is that so?”

Mateo nodded. “Yes. Short movies end too fast.”

I smiled as I helped him arrange his blanket, deliberately focusing on the simple rhythm of it, cushions, blankets, popcorn bowls. Normal things. Easy things.

Dominic had changed into something comfortable, dark T–shirt, soft sweats, and joined us on the recliners along with Caterina. The sight of him like that, relaxed and domestic, still did something strange to my chest.

Caterina hovered for a bit, insisting on bringing more snacks than we could possibly eat, before settling in next to Dominic with a fond sigh.

Alessia had excused herself early, claiming a headache. Eduardo has disappeared for some work, too.

I didn’t question it.

The movie started, some animated adventure Mateo had already seen twice but pretended was brand new. He wedged himself between Dominic and me, legs tangled in the blanket, fingers sticky with sugar.

“This part is funny,” he announced five seconds before it happened.

Dominic laughed quietly. “You’re terrible at spoilers.”

Mateo grinned. “I like knowing what happens.”

I glanced at Dominic. “He gets that from you.”

He shot me a look. “I do not spoil things.”

“You absolutely do,” I said. “You plan everything six steps ahead.”

He shrugged. “It’s called foresight.”

Mateo yawned midway through the movie, head tipping against Dominic’s arm. Dominic shifted instinctively, pulling him closer, careful not to wake him.

I watched the motion without meaning to.

The way Dominic’s hand rested protectively on Mateo’s back. The way his thumb moved in slow, absent circles, grounding. Familiar.

For a while, I let myself forget everything else.

The parking lot. The gunshot. Eduardo’s phone call. Alessia and her child.

19:14 Tue, Jun 2 M

Chapter 104

The world shrank to soft lighting and the low hum of the screen.

Mateo fell asleep before the credits rolled.

“I’ll take him,” Dominic murmured.

I nodded, watching them disappear out the door together.

Caterina smiled at me. “You look lighter tonight.”

I hesitated, then returned the smile. “I feel steadier. Better.”

“That’s good,” she said gently. “Healing isn’t loud.”

She went to bed soon after. Moments later, Dominic came back alone, quieter now, thoughtful. He sank into the recliner beside me, the cushion dipping with his weight.

“Want to finish something?” he asked, gesturing vaguely at the paused screen.

“Sure.”

We put on something mindless this time. A comedy. He sat close enough that our shoulders brushed.

Neither of us commented on it.

For a few minutes, we watched in silence. Then, before I could overthink it, I spoke.

“You’ve been really busy lately.”

He glanced at me, expression careful. “Yeah.”

“I know why,” I continued quietly. “It’s because of that night.”

His jaw tightened. “Isa-”

“Let me finish,” I said, keeping my voice gentle. “You must have thought I was fragile. And for a while there, I was.” I swallowed. “But I’ve mostly picked myself up now. And I hate seeing you carry everything alone, especially when part of the reason you’re drowning in work is because of me.”

He turned fully toward me then, intensity flashing in his eyes. “No.”

“No?” I echoed.

“No,” he repeated fiercely. “You are not to blame. I’m alive because of you. That’s the only thing that matters.”

I opened my mouth, but he continued, voice roughening.

“I didn’t expect things to escalate like that. And I never meant for you to use that gun. I gave it to you so you’d feel safe, not so you’d have to make that choice.” He exhaled sharply. “I owe you my life. Handling the aftermath is nothing.”

The words settled heavy between us.

“I still want to help,” I said softly. “I don’t want to be kept on the sidelines. Where have you been going? What’s happening?”

He hesitated.

Just for a second.

But I saw it.

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