Chapter 3The Good Girl's Rebellion

Deciding to leave the city.

I took the villa key back to Dominic's headquarters.

No makeup, jeans, and Converse.

When I walked in, many didn't recognize me.

When I took off my cap, the group that used to love calling me "Sister-in-law" fell silent.

Everyone probably knew about Dominic's new love. A guy I was close with tried to lighten the mood.

"Sis, us guys still think you and Dom are the best match."

"A schoolgirl? It looks bad taking her out."

"Why don't you go talk to the boss? He listens to you..."

I smiled self-deprecatingly.

Ten years with Dominic.

I looked innocent naturally, but with thin brows and red lips, I looked fierce.

Plenty of people watched me from the shadows, but Dominic protected me.

Anyone who dared touch a hair on my head was sent by him to haul sandbags in the desert.

If I shed a single tear, Dominic would drop everything to comfort me.

That was a privilege that used to belong only to me.

But this time, they didn't get to finish their sentences.

A porcelain cup smashed against a brow bone, shattering into pieces.

Dominic's face was dark as thunder.

"People might think this is Chloe's turf."

"Is this how you watch the business when I'm gone?!"

The huge hall fell instantly silent.

This was Dominic's influence.

Only now, that influence...

Was being used against me.

I wanted to help explain.

But the girl behind him peeked out cautiously, speaking as if unintentionally.

"Dominic, is this the Chloe you told me about?"

"She dresses just like me!"

Dominic frowned slightly, assessing my outfit.

Jeans and Converse. Exactly like Bella's style.

He looked at me suspiciously.

"Chloe, did you investigate Bella?"

Looking closely, Bella looked fifty percent like eighteen-year-old me.

Especially in jeans and Converse.

I understood the girl's little game.

But I didn't want to speak.

Compared to me investigating Bella, wasn't it someone investigating Dominic's taste?

Ten years together, and Dominic didn't even trust me on this...

I pursed my lips stubbornly.

Dominic scoffed, mocking me.

"Dressing like that doesn't make you eighteen again."

"Chloe, why are you being stubborn with me?"

I blinked, unable to believe what Dominic just said.

"How about this," Dominic licked his lips, ruthless.

"Ten years. Name your price."

I froze.

I had been with Dominic for ten years.

Blocked bullets for him, took knives for him.

But no moment hurt more than this one.

Digging my nails into my palms, my vocal cords trembled.

"Dominic, what did you say?!"

"I said, I wasted ten years of your youth."

"Name your price."

Dominic kept his hands in his pockets.

Even though emotions churned in his eyes, he gritted his teeth and finished the sentence.

I could barely stand.

Bella pulled at Dominic's sleeve, whispering persuasion.

"Dominic, don't be so mean."

"Chloe didn't do anything wrong."

Dominic lowered his head, gently nuzzling her nose.

"Good girl, listen to me."

He pulled her behind him. "I can't let anyone bully you."

Dominic used to protect me like that.

I couldn't watch. Acid churned in my stomach.

I looked down and saw the silver bangle on my wrist.

It was tight when I first got it.

But the deeper I loved Dominic...

The looser it became.