Rebel 38

 

Chapter 38 Out for Dinner 

“Dom, I’m leaving now.” Jane’s voice was stiff, the words tight with frustration. 

Dom didn’t try to stop her. With a firm grip on his cane, he made his way toward the dining room. His mind was set-he needed to make a connection with his grandson. 

The dining room stretched before him, a long table brimming with food. Dishes of every color and variety filled the table, arranged like a feast fit for royalty. 

Arthur’s eyes widened. “Wow, so much food!” He’d never seen a table so grand, let alone one packed with so many options. It was almost overwhelming. 

“Pick whatever you want,” Charles said with a grin, his tone relaxed. 

Jessica blinked, momentarily taken aback. There were only four of them. Did they really need all this food? It felt like a banquet-an extravagant spread that could feed an army. 

Dom settled into his seat and turned his attention to Arthur. Sit down and eat. If you want more, tell the chef.” 

“No thanks. If I eat all this, I’ll be too full to move,” Arthur said, surprising everyone with his self- 

awareness. 

Dom chuckled softly, the sound warm. He scooped some food onto his plate. “Come on, eat. Eat a little more.” 

Charles leaned toward Jessica, encouraging her to sit. His voice dropped low, close to her ear. “What would you like to eat?” 

His proximity made Jessica’s ear warm, and she quickly shook her head. “You don’t need to worry about me. I’m not picky.” 

His gaze lingered a moment longer than necessary, his lips curling ever so slightly. He didn’t speak again, but the silence felt heavy, charged. 

The meal came to an end. The soft glow of evening had taken over, darkness now settling in outside. 

Arthur, satisfied, rubbed his round belly. “Mommy, do you think my belly looks like a watermelon?” 

Jessica chuckled and patted his belly. “That’s what happens when you eat too much.” 

“It was too good,” Arthur said, rubbing his stomach. “I couldn’t help it.” If only he weren’t so full, he would’ve kept eating. 

“Mommy, the food here is amazing,” Arthur said, a grin spreading across his face. 

“Then why don’t you stay here? You can eat all the good food you want every day.” Charles spoke suddenly, his voice carrying a hint of mischief. 

“Yeah, stay here. I’ll have a room ready for you,” Dom added, his tone firm as he quickly instructed the butler. 

Arthur looked up at his mom, eyes wide. “Do we have to stay here?” 

Jessica hesitated, glancing at Dom, then at Charles. They both seemed to want Arthur to stay, didn’t they? 

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Only Arthur. 

Charles, after all, was Arthur’s father. She knew she had to give them some time together-it was only fair. 

“If you want to stay, you can stay for a few days,” Jessica said, her hand gently ruffling Arthur’s hair. 

“What about you? Won’t you stay?” Arthur asked, his voice laced with concern. 

Jessica shook her head, her expression soft. “No, Mommy won’t stay.” 

“Then I won’t stay here either. I’ll stay where Mommy stays.” Arthur’s resolve was clear, and the temptation of more food wasn’t enough to sway him. 

Dom, however, wasn’t finished. “You’ll both stay here.” His voice left no room for argument. 

“Dom… “Jessica’s voice trailed off before she could finish her sentence. 

Dom didn’t hesitate. “No need to say more. It’s dark outside. It’s not safe. You’re staying here tonight.” He immediately signaled for someone to prepare a room for Jessica. 

Unexpectedly, Charles spoke up. “Dad, there’s no need. Jessica can stay in my room.” 

Jessica froze. Her eyes locked with his dark gaze. She wanted to refuse, but then remembered-they were married now. She had no real reason to say no. 

Dom shot his son a quick, sharp look. “It’s up to you.” 

Jessica stood there, caught off guard, but she didn’t protest. Charles had business to attend to, so he had the servants show her and Arthur to their room. 

The servants brought clothes and suggested they take a bath. 

Arthur went to the next room to shower, while Jessica entered the bathroom attached to her room. 

After a long day, Jessica was exhausted. She undressed and sank into the warm water of the bathtub. 

When she finished, she realized there were no clothes or towels in the bathroom. 

Biting her lip, Jessica figured the room was empty. She remembered leaving her clothes on the bed. She quickly stepped out, intending to grab them. 

She opened the door slowly, peeking out. The room was empty. She rushed to the bed to grab her clothes. 

Just as she reached for them, the door swung open, and a voice came from behind her. “Yeah, that’s all.” 

He was on the phone. But as soon as he saw her, his gaze locked onto her. 

She froze, meeting his intense eyes. Heat rushed to her face. 

There she stood, exposed, her heart pounding. The man didn’t move. His face was unreadable, but his eyes were darker than usual. 

Jessica’s face turned bright red. She quickly grabbed the clothes to cover herself, but it wasn’t enough. In her panic, she snapped, “You-why didn’t you knock? Get out of here!” 

Charles didn’t leave. Instead, he closed the door behind him. 

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With one hand in his pocket, he walked toward her slowly, his long strides purposeful. He didn’t speak, and each step made Jessica’s heart race faster. 

Her mind raced with uncomfortable thoughts. She pressed the clothes tightly against her chest, stepping back quickly. 

“I-I forgot to grab my clothes before I got into the bathroom,” She stammered, trying to explain, but when she saw him getting closer, her panic grew. “Don’t do anything… We’re only married on paper, remember? If you break the agreement, if you do anything to me … I… I’ll divorce you immediately… 

” 

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