The Daring Billionaire’s Wife novel (Vanessa and Dominic) novel Chapter 119

Dominic

"It really doesn't look good for me, my children. The cancer's spread to my lungs."

I would've never guessed that this was what my father-in-law had to say and it's for this reason that it leaves me feeling crushed in a way that scares me, especially for Vanessa. I look over at her and she just freezes in her spot, not even blinking as she struggles to find her words.

Hearing this devastating news makes the air thick with tension as no one wants to speak and I can only imagine what's going through her mind right now.

Hoping to break the painful silence, I compose myself to hide my shock as I prepare to say something, but he sighs heavily, his voice breaking as he speaks.

"Remember the time I was away for two weeks? I told everyone that I was leaving to go on business but the truth is I actually went for chemo. I've actually been frequently doing this in secret, but it didn't work because the tumor's grown."

"But...but when did you find out about this?" I ask, glancing at Vanessa's trembling shoulders and hands.

"I found out a few months ago but I didn't want to say anything. I wanted to wait until my daughter got married and I'd hear the good news that I would become a grandfather and it finally happened. I didn't want anything to come in the way of that joy."

"You shouldn't say it like it's the end of the world." I smile through the sadness in my heart.

"For me, the end is closer than you think. I have less than a year."

As soon as he says that, Vanessa rises to her feet and runs off, placing her hand over her mouth. Concerned, I get up so I can go after her.

"Give her some time," my father-in-law says to me.

I stop in my tracks and my heart actually breaks for her as I can only imagine what she's going through right now. I take a few steps back, sitting back down with him and I can tell he's trying to hold back his tears.

I sorrowfully bury my face in my hands, thinking about how much Vanessa and her father treasure each other.

The two of us sit in silence as I can't even think of any words of comfort but by the looks of it, he doesn't need them. He keeps a smile on his face like he's thinking about a lot, but that doesn't make me feel any better.

The more I sit here, the more I feel the need to see Vanessa and speak to her.

Unable to take it anymore, I get up without saying a word and he doesn't even stop me this time.

The mansion is so huge that I use my phone and call her but she doesn't pick up.

I take it upon myself to search every room and it takes me a while, but finally, I find her standing in the corner of one of the bedrooms with her hands resting on her arms for self comfort.

I gently close the door behind me, keeping my eyes on her trembling shoulders. Though I don't hear her cry, I can tell she's holding it in.

I stand right behind her, slowly reaching out with my hand in the hopes that she doesn't push it away since I can't tell what state she's in.

As soon as it comes in contact with her shoulder, I gently say, "Come here."

She instantly turns around, burying her face in my chest and breaking down into tears.

I gently rub her back with my arm wrapped around her waist as she tightly holds onto me.

"It's okay," I whisper to her.

"No. It's not," her voice trembles with emotion.

"I'll do everything I can to prevent the worst from happening," I assure her as I close my eyes as I mean every word.

I continue holding her for a few minutes so she can let it out, until I feel the need to make a suggestion to her as I look down at her.