Chapter 289
Chapter 289
The next morning, Roxanne was up early, just after six. In fact, she hadn't slept much through the night,
her mind preoccupied by a myriad of thoughts, all of them except one: Harrison. She had decided to let
go of Harrison and start afresh, and it was high time she did it completely. Every memory associated
with Harrison was locked away in a metaphorical black box, never to be revisited.
Perhaps it was due to the lack of proper sleep that her complexion looked a bit off. So, she decided to
mask it with some light makeup. At thirty-two, she noticed faint lines appearing on her face. However,
they were hardly noticeable. Underneath the touch of makeup and red lipstick, she still looked like the
spirited and gutsy woman she always was.
When she appeared at Dominic's doorstep, she was smiling. Dressed in a long, lake-blue dress, she
seemed to encapsulate the vibrancy of spring itself.
Indeed, she was brimming with life. Her smile reflected the same.
She was ready for a new lease on life. It was just that the imprint left by Harrison was too profound. No,
today was not the day to let Harrison's name stir any waves within her heart.
"Dominic, I'm ready for this," she said with a smile, "Let's head to the city hall."
Dominic looked at her, a gentle warmth in his gaze, mixed with a tinge of sourness and concern. He
gently ruffled her hair, saying, "I was just about to come down and find you. How about we grab
breakfast first and then walk there?"
"Walk there?" Roxanne asked.
"Yeah, I want to walk there with you."
"But we might not be the first couple in line then," Roxanne pointed out.
"That’s okay," he replied, a smile in his eyes. He paused, taking in the sight of her in her stunning
dress. There was a certain melancholy in his eyes, but he masked it quickly with a smile, "I just want to
enjoy a peaceful walk with you."
Roxanne frowned slightly. There was something off about Dominic today, but she didn't say anything.
"Okay, let’s go. Fiona is taking care of Angela. Let's go grab breakfast first."
"Alright." Text © 2024 NôvelDrama.Org.
Outside the East Adjacent Estates was a row of Urban Sun Village food stalls. They were known for
their array of delicious breakfast offerings. Roxanne and Dominic went to their usual place, a shop
known for its traditional local food.
They ordered sandwiches and two cups of coffee. The combination of the warm, savory coffee and the
sandwich was a perfect way to start the day.
Roxanne looked up from her cup to find Dominic watching her. She raised an eyebrow, and he asked,
"What's up?"
"Nothing," she said, breaking into a smile.
In the cool autumn morning, the steam from the coffee waved up from Dominic's cup, creating a cozy
atmosphere. Dominic fit into this picture perfectly, unlike Harrison who would have stuck out like a sore
thumb.
She realized that maybe she, an ordinary woman, was meant for an ordinary life with someone like
Dominic. And Dominic was far from ordinary. If he were to go to a matchmaking event, he would
definitely be popular, being handsome, wealthy, and well-mannered.
It was time for her to completely sever ties with her past and live her life with Dominic.
Dominic set his sandwich down, asking, "Is there something on my face?"
“No,” Roxanne replied, sipping her coffee, "I just realized you look very handsome today."
Dominic laughed. His eyes held a deeper sentiment, but he hid it well. His laughter slowly subsided,
replaced by a hint of melancholy under the warm autumn sun.
After finishing breakfast and paying the bill, they started walking.
As they walked through the bustling city streets in the early morning sun, Roxanne felt more real than
ever. She wasn't living in a dream, as she had been with Harrison, the wealthy tycoon from Seraphim
Haven.
Roxanne moved closer to Dominic and extended her hand. Her fingertips brushed against his, and she
gripped his hand tightly. After they got their marriage certificate, they would officially be husband and
wife. She was ready to take this step forward.
Dominic felt a jolt of electricity run through him at her touch. Roxanne tightened her grip on his hand
and said, "Dominic, I'll strive to be a good wife."
Dominic's throat tightened, and he felt a lump forming. He didn't want to let go of this happiness that
Roxanne offered him. But he knew he had to stick to his decision.
Walking through the bustling streets during rush hour, Dominic treasured every moment. But he was
aware of Roxanne's unease; her hand held his tightly, betraying her nervousness.
To ease the tension, Roxanne initiated a conversation. "Dominic, I was looking at property prices in
Wye City on NestNinja yesterday. Good houses cost upwards of ten thousand per square meter,
considering its proximity to the capital. I've saved some money from my business over the years. How
about we use it towards the down payment for the house, half and half?"
Dominic responded, "The man should pay for the house. Don't forget, I'm a top-level hacker, and I've
earned quite a bit."
"No, that won't do. We should go halves on this. It's the only way I'll be comfortable.
No matter who I'm with, I always hope to share the expenses.
Don't underestimate me. Women are equally capable nowadays."
Dominic laughed and said, "Alright, whatever you say. I'll hand over all my cards to you anyway."
He wished all of this could be real. He wished he could accept the response Roxanne finally gave him
with a peaceful heart.
As they continued their walk towards the city hall, they saw many ordinary yet warm scenes around
them. Dominic cherished every moment, even though he knew he had to stick to his decision.
Hand in hand, a couple grocery shopping at the local market.
Dashing into the subway station, a businessman rushes back to plant a kiss on his wife's lips.
A delivery guy, on his electric scooter, simultaneously making a call to his wife, letting her know he's
picked up breakfast bagels for her.
Dominic yearned that he and Roxanne were just like those couples.
But the Roxanne beside him, when silent, seemed a tad distant.
As they reached the steps of the City Hall, Dominic paused.
He gently brushed a stray lock from Roxanne's face, "Are you really sure about this?"
Without hesitation, Roxanne nodded.
With a soft chuckle, Dominic took her hand again and together they ascended the steps of City Hall.
Some yards away, Jack, the bodyguard, sat in a Mercedes, making a call. "Mr. Harrison, Mrs. Harrison
and Dominic just walked into the City Hall. They're carrying all sorts of documents. It looks like they're
there to get a marriage certificate."
On the other end, silence prevailed.
The eerie quiet on the phone felt like a deadly calm, making Jack tread carefully. "Mr. Harrison, do you
want me to go in and stop them?"