Chapter 2
"Seraphina, you're already thirty. What man doesn't want a younger woman? Why don't you just back off? Dominic's been sick of you for ages," Charlotte sneered.
Seraphina scrolled through the barrage of messages and the provocative photos Charlotte had shamelessly sent her.
Seraphina felt a coldness seep into her bones, chilling her to the core.
The sharp pain in her lower abdomen snapped her back to reality.
Seraphina gathered up the photos of her and Dominic, her mind flooded with memories of everything they'd been through together.
They'd met when they were just kids.
When Dominic's parents divorced, Seraphina never left his side, even when his whole world was falling apart.
After the Reed family fell on hard times, Seraphina's parents, Isaac and Marissa, were relentlessly chased by debt collectors until, in utter despair, they threw themselves into the river.
Dominic was the one who took Seraphina in and gave her a home with the Knight family.
By claiming her as his future wife, Dominic made sure no one dared lay a finger on her.
Because of Seraphina, the Knight family got dragged into a mess. Debt collectors crowded around their door, shouting threats to hand her over to pay off the Reed family's debts, or else the Knight family would pay the price for what the Reeds owed.
Dominic stepped in front of Seraphina, shielding her and facing them all down for her.
Back then, Dominic's eyes were clear and resolute.
But now, it's like Dominic doesn't even remember the promises we made when we were young, or the bond we once shared.
Seraphina looked at every photo of her and Dominic, and with trembling hands, fed them to the fire one by one.
Seraphina couldn't help but laugh at herself, bitterly. 'See? All it takes to burn away every good memory is just a spark.'
After burning all the photos, Seraphina slipped the ring off her finger and tossed it carelessly into the dancing flames.
She watched as the massive pink diamond ring lost its sparkle, fading into a lifeless gray.
It wasn't until the sky was bright that Dominic finally came home.
He still reeked of something foul, the stench clinging to him.
He pulled Seraphina into his arms, holding her so tightly it felt like he wanted to crush her into himself.
Seraphina tried to push him away, but she couldn't move an inch.
Dominic's voice was hoarse as he whispered in her ear, "Seraphina, I missed you so much. I'm exhausted. Let me hold you and sleep for a bit."
'No wonder he's wiped out. He spent the whole night with Charlotte, seven rounds straight,' Seraphina thought with bitter sarcasm.
Just picturing what Dominic and Charlotte did last night, and the stench still on him, made Seraphina want to retch.
Dominic leaned in, concern written all over his face. "Are you alright? Does something hurt?"
As he spoke, he gently patted her back.
Seraphina couldn't take it anymore and finally broke free from Dominic's arms.
Dominic looked taken aback.
Seraphina said, "I'm fine. I've already taken some medicine."
Only then did Dominic finally let out a breath of relief.
Just then, Dominic's phone started ringing again.
"Why don't you get some rest, Seraphina? I'll go take this call," Dominic said.
Seraphina saw right through him.
"Is there something you need to hide from me?" she asked.
Dominic hesitated for a second. "I just didn't want to disturb you. If you want, I'll put it on speaker, okay?"
He hit speaker, his tone instantly turning all business. "Charlotte, what's so urgent?"
"Mr. Knight, sorry to bother you. I just wanted to let you know the tickets are booked. We're leaving tonight," Charlotte replied.
"Got it. If it's not urgent, just text me next time," Dominic said.
After hanging up, Dominic reached out and gently brushed Seraphina's cheek. "It's December now, the perfect time to visit Frostfall Island and watch the snow. Why don't you come with me?"
Seraphina shook her head. "Did you forget? I'm allergic to cold air."
Dominic's face filled with regret.
"I'm sorry. I've just been so swamped lately. I can't believe I let that slip my mind," he said.
'Forget? In all our ten years together, Dominic has never forgotten this. Not once,' Seraphina thought bitterly.
Seraphina tried to push Dominic away, but he felt her bare ring finger.
"Seraphina, where's your ring?" Dominic asked.
Seraphina remembered the ring she'd thrown into the fire.
"It just felt too flashy, so I put it away," she said.
"Flashy? I just want you to have the best. When I get back, I'll get you an even bigger one, okay?" Dominic said.
Seraphina managed a faint, weary smile. "Thank you, Dominic."
Getting the answer he'd been hoping for, Dominic finally relaxed a bit.
While Dominic was packing, Charlotte messaged Seraphina again.
Charlotte texted: [Ever wonder why we picked Frostfall Island? Dominic said you're allergic to cold air, so he figured you'd never show up here.]
[Oh, and Dominic went all out and got all these crazy kinds of condoms I've never even heard of. He says sex in the snow is supposed to be super romantic. I seriously can't wait.]
Then she sent over a screenshot of their chat.
Charlotte said: [Dominic, you're too much. You're driving me wild. I don't know how much more I can take.]
Dominic said: [Little vixen, are you sure it's you who can't handle me? Looks like I'll need some herbal boosters just to keep up with a fox like you.]