Crossroads

Chapter 45

Dominick had been busy these past few days, having gone on a business trip to Nivalls.

Since he wasn’t home, Stephanle enjoyed having the whole big bed to herself. However, George gave her a look that seemed to express disappointment. He even reminded her that no matter how busy Dominick was, he must make it back for “classes” on Sunday.

Stephanie thought Dominick would ignore George’s remarks, but to her surprise, he actually agreed to return to the country before Sunday.

With a blank expression, Stephanie flipped through an entertainment magazine and said with a slightly jealous tone, “Maybe he’s missing his Jessica back home.”

Jessica was now a sensation, wildly popular everywhere. Her advertisements could be seen everywhere, and it was all thanks to Stephanie’s

husband.

“Jessica, ever since that scandal with the kiss mark, you’ve been constantly on the hot search list. Today, your fans have surpassed ten million, and advertisers are lining up for appointments…” Annie Folbre, her manager, excitedly walked into the makeup room. She paused mid–sentence and asked, “Jessica, what’s wrong? Are you in a bad mood?”

At that moment, Jessica’s demeanor at the vanity was nothing like her usual gentle on–screen presence. She turned angrily at the makeup artist behind her and snapped, “Get out all of you!”

Afterward, only Annie and Jessica were left in the makeup room. Annie thought for a moment before asking, “Is it because Mr. Wellington hasn’t come to see you since you jumped into the lake last time?”

Upon hearing that, Jessica’s expression grew even darker.

Annie speculated suspiciously. “Could it be that Mr. Wellington didn’t stay with you that day? But Mr. Hayes and I clearly saw the two of you in bed…

Jessica interrupted angrily, “Stop talking!”

Annie’s voice softened as she tried to console her. “Don’t be so upset. Even if Mr. Wellington didn’t stay the night, at least he rushed over when he heard you had jumped into the lake. That shows he still cares…”

Jessica gritted her teeth and said, “Annie, do you realize how worried I am about Stephanie from the Wellington family…”

“Stephanie? The divorcee who married Mr. Wellington to become a part of the Wellington family when she was pregnant?” Annie paused for a moment and scoffed disdainfully, “Jessica, you really don’t need to worry about her. She’s just your replacement. Think about it, you were gone for three years, and Mr. Wellington had no other women beside him. He must have been thinking of you that night when he mistook her for you. Honestly, I think Stephanie is quite pitiful”

“That’s not it!” Jessica’s eyes filled with unsettled emotions as she quickly countered, “Annie, you

don’t understand…”

With that, her expression turned complex, and she hesitantly said, “… I indeed was with Dominick before, but we…we never slept together.”

Annie exclaimed, “What?! You guys never…”

With a shocked expression, she thought, “How is that possible?‘

Jessica continued, “I’m really worried now, Stephanie is pregnant, and with all that time she spent with Dominick at Wellington Villa, he might forget about me. Without Dominick, how will I manage in the industry…

She wore a look of resentment as she brought up Stephanie’s pregnancy, her jealousy unmistakable in her eyes.

10:34 Sat, 22 Jun

Chapter 45

Jessica grumbled inwardly, “Why did Stephanie have to be the one who got pregnant? If it had been me back then, I would have been Mrs. Wellington by now!!

Annie patted Jessica’s shoulder, comforting her. “Mr. Wellington thought you were dead, so that’s why Stephanie lucked out and found her chance. I heard they only got a marriage license, and Mr. Wellington even canceled the wedding himself. I bet once she gives birth, she won’t be of any use anymore…”

Annie paused and chuckled, “But it’s different with you. You two were once lovers, and now, everyone in the circle respects you, all thanks to Mr. Wellington pulling some strings. A man who can make you this successful obviously adores you….”

Jessica lifted her eyebrows in pride upon hearing this

Indeed. her career wa

flourishing, and no one dared

said, “Although that’s true, I still can’t stand that Stephanie. Annie,

the mirror with a sinister look. Stephanie’s face was similar to hers, which always

uneasy.

came, Dominick really did

they stepped out of the parent–to–be class,

by eight o’clock. He didn’t even have time to rest, and now

if he was tired, Dominick paused and looked at

at?” Stephanie felt a bit

turned complex, and he quickly turned to look the other away

concern for me? Does this count as

odd, guessing he was probably attending the class reluctantly due to pressure

ཇ་ཨེ་བྷན་ཐ

street for a while before we go back,” she suggested softly, her eyes sneakily noting his tired face. She thought it would be good for him

hummed

the two walked side by side toward the square, where Stephanie chose a stone bench under a

would be the 15th, the Winter Festival, so festive lights were hung all around, creating a

lights across the street and shook Dominick’s

Winter Festival. Will the Wellington family also hang festive lights at the

of the Winter Festival, Dominick’s face instantly

Winter Festival was

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Chapter 45

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change in Dominick’s mood and asked, “What’s wrong?” She thought, “Hmm, how odd. His

respond to

new messages on WhatsApp.

concerned, but just as she was about to press further, her

at her phone screen, but his eyes suddenly sharpened, and he asked

just clicked open the new messages on WhatsApp

she was being evasive, stared at her

a married woman now!” His tone was cold and with a hint of

looked up and retorted somewhat angrily,

name, Dominick’s stem face

away, his voice sounding strange as he replied, “Oh.” Dominick pondered, ‘I misunderstood

a grudge against Dominick,

spoke again. “Dominick,

respond to Stephanie’s comment and abruptly changed the

the mention of WhatsApp, Stephanie had her

Dominick, “Vincent is being absolutely ridiculous. Can you believe he said my

the nickname “StephForce” in WhatsApp’s About column, and his eyes

smile crossed his face.

and began to doubt whether the name she chose was really

depth.

closer to Dominick and asked timidly, “Hey, Dominick, what do you think of

Stephanie’s anxious demeanor and gently ruffled her hair with his large hand. “It’s good,” Dominick said

eyes, which were as if filled with amusement, her

that Dominick looked enchantingly handsome

him like this, Stephanie felt her cheeks grow even

your face all red?”