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 to

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

at her own reflection in the mirror with a sinister look. Stephanie’s face was similar to

uneasy.

Sunday came, Dominick really

of the parent–to–be class,

been with her in class by eight o’clock. He didn’t even have time to rest,

if he was tired, Dominick paused and looked at

looking at?” Stephanie felt

turned complex, and he quickly turned to look the

‘Is she showing concern for me? Does

found Dominick’s behavior odd, guessing he was probably attending the class reluctantly due

ཇ་ཨེ་བྷན་ཐ

go back,” she suggested softly, her eyes sneakily noting his tired face.

then hummed in

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

be the 15th, the Winter Festival, so festive lights were

noticed a vendor selling cute festive lights

Festival. Will the Wellington family also hang festive lights at the villa?” she asked with a smile, “And are we going to have

the mention of the Winter Festival, Dominick’s face instantly turned dark

as if the Winter Festival was a taboo

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Chapter 45

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asked, “What’s wrong?” She thought, “Hmm, how odd. His expression seems to

respond

new messages on WhatsApp.

was about to press

his eyes suddenly sharpened, and he asked displeasedly. “Who is

new messages on WhatsApp and was about to tell

thinking she

you are a married woman now!” His tone was cold

up and retorted somewhat angrily, “This is your best friend,

Dominick’s stem face paused for a

sounding strange as he replied, “Oh.” Dominick pondered,

as a forgiving person, decided not to hold a grudge against Dominick, but she could tell that something

“Dominick,

seemed unwilling to respond to Stephanie’s comment and abruptly changed the subject with a cold tone. “Stephanie, what’s

of WhatsApp,

she handed her phone to Dominick, “Vincent is being absolutely ridiculous. Can you believe he said my nickname in the WhatsApp’s

“StephForce” in WhatsApp’s About column, and his eyes paused momentarily before a

smile crossed his face.

then lowered her gaze and began to doubt whether the name she chose was

depth.

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

eyebrow at Stephanie’s anxious demeanor and gently ruffled her hair with his

into Dominick’s eyes, which were as if filled with amusement, her

but think that Dominick looked enchantingly handsome

him like this, Stephanie felt her

your face all red?”