The Daring Billionaire’s Wife novel (Vanessa and Dominic) novel Chapter 137

Dominic

When I came back home to Vanessa last night, I didn't know that I would feel so different, which is why when she seemed like she didn't want to know the details, it just didn't feel right to me and now, I can't stop thinking about the confrontation we had right before she left to be with Mia.

The last thing I wanted was for her to find out about Carmella and I before I told her, but she beat me to it. How would I have even pulled it off when I felt so awful about it?

No matter what happens, I need to explain everything to Vanessa. She even gave me the opportunity to do so but I just couldn't bring myself to do it and ended up changing the subject. What an asshole I am.

On my way to the airport, I'm on the phone with Frank, talking to him about what happened with Vanessa less than an hour ago.

"Whoa! She actually knew before you even told her?" he asks from the other end of the line.

"Yeah."

"That's fucked."

"I know." I close my eyes with a sigh. "I've never seen her so distant and upset with me."

"What did you expect?"

"I don't know, but everything just feels wrong."

"Are you really not happy with the way things are?"

"How could I be happy when you know how I feel about Carmella now?"

"Then just give it time. Maybe by the end of the day, you'll be able to finally explain yourself to Vanessa and not walk away like a coward."

As he goes on to hype me up while also making fun of me, I have incoming messages from Carmella but with each one that I read, I only grunt a few times.

"Hey, that better not be directed at me," he warns me from the other end of the line.

"No. Carmella's texting me."

He cackles. "And you sound so irritated."

"That's because I am."

"Dude, you don't want to upset her."

"I know, but fuck this. You were saying?"

By the time my call with Frank comes to an end, I arrive at the airport to meet up with my father and other company executives so we can all travel together for an important meeting.

We gather around a certain section after the flight takes off, discussing a few strategies along with other members of the team, but I mostly just find myself not even paying attention because all I can think about is Vanessa. Why do I feel like I wronged her so deeply?

After the short meeting, I sit alone by the window, looking outside at the clouds. I've never been so confrontational with Vanessa and I don't like it. It's not only because she's pregnant. I know I'm to blame for it but it just doesn't feel so easy to make things right.

Just as I lean back in my seat and close my eyes while wondering where to start, my father's voice gets louder as he approaches me.

"Is there something on your mind?"

I open my eyes and lean forward as I shake my head. "Not at all."

"Women issues?"

I raise my eyebrows a little. "How did you know that?"

He chuckles. "I've been married for thirty years now. I know that look when I see it." He sits on the other side of the small table in front of me and places his elbows on top of it. "What's going on? Talk to me."

"Vanessa's upset with me. It started last night and continued this morning. I don't want to get into the details, but she wants me to address a certain problem, yet I don't want to do it because I'm ashamed."

He nods in understanding. "I see. You don't like the way things are and you want to fix them, but you're hesitant because of your own feelings."

"Yes and that frustrates me because I don't want things to keep being this way. This only started last night and I already can't take it anymore especially because I'm the one at fault between the two of us."

He chuckles, making me wonder what's funny.

"My son, you're still newlyweds. Believe me when I say this is just the beginning. There's so much more ahead of the two of you and you need to learn to grow together. Don't you remember how many times your mother and I argued but that only made us stronger?"

"Of course I remember."

"That's why we're still together all this time. I've had moments where I really missed up and I was certain I couldn't come back from it, but I owned up to it and everything was alright after that."

"What? Just like that?" I narrow my eyes, finding it hard to believe.

"Well, not really. There's a bit more to it."

"Tell me about it." I lean forward, ready to do whatever he suggests.

"Sometimes, do the unexpected. That's the first step towards you two talking again. It always works!"

And with that he rises to his feet to sit at another table and join the others.

I'm left alone, processing what he's just said to me. Do the unexpected? What could I possibly do? I look outside my window again, tapping my foot as I think about where I should even start. Finally, an idea crosses my mind and I nod with determination. This has to work.

~

As everyone makes their way inside the building so they can get to the boardroom on the top floor, I slow down so I can talk on the phone right outside and the first person I call is my father-in-law.

"Good morning, my son," he says from the other side, coughing a little.

"Are you all right?" I ask, concerned.

"I'm used to this and you should be, too."

He chuckles but I don't find it funny as I'm actually worried about him.

Realizing I'm wasting time and should quickly head inside, I say, "Can you please share Mia's phone number with me."

"What? Why?"

"I'm doing something for my wife and I don't want her to find out. Since she's with Mia, I thought it's the perfect way to do it."

"I see. Just give me a moment."

He ends the call, sends me Mia's number and I dial it right away.

My secretary comes back to me so we can head inside together, but I gesture to him to give me some more time and wait.

I pace around a few times, hoping that Mia picks up since it all depends on her. This is the only unexpected thing I could think of and it'll only be ruined if I don't speak to her.

"Hello?" she says, her tone filled with uncertainty.

"Hey, it's Dominic and please don't tell Vanessa. Is she with you right now?"

"Oh, hi! Well...yeah."

"I need to talk to you in private."