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Pen GlowyThis book is participating in the contest "Unexpected Marriage, Unexpected Love." If you like my work, please support me with any means of your choice such as; gems, likes, reviews, and comments, as these all help ensure the book stands a chance. Thank you.
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In The Hands of Dominic 12
Andra stared at her father in shock. She could hardly believe the words coming out of his mouth. If Dominic was not there, present, she would not have even tried to comprehend what he was saying. She could feel her heart jumping, pounding against her chest. “This has got to be a joke, right?” “I mean every word I’ve said,” Duke replied decisively. “Like I’ve said time and time again, you are going to ruin my chances in this forthcoming election with your reckless and wayward lifestyle if I don’t do something about it. I told you that I will take drastic action. This is it.” Andra’s heart fluttered with fear as she considered the seriousness of the situation. “So, you’re forcing me into a fake arranged marriage with a stranger just to save your career?” Andra was appalled. “It will give the media something positive to write about this family.” Andra’s expression turned stony with fury. “Daddy, this will not happen.” She protested. Her father was unaffected by her demeanor but c
In The Hands of Dominic 13
Andra tried, but she could not picture herself looking for a job. She could not picture herself losing her inheritance. She didn’t know how to hustle. She had never tried and she was not about to try. If her father disowned her, she was finished. She would not be able to party because there would be no money. Neither will there be a car. She would be done for. She thought about the deal and decided it was safer. At least all parties involved in the deal knew it was a fake arrangement, so she had nothing to lose. Andra wiped the tears from her eyes as her decision became firmer in her mind. “Daddy, I want my own rules in this whole bizarre arrangement.” She negotiated. “You are free to bring your rules as long as they don’t interfere with my plans.” Her eyes were glued to his and she was speechless. Duke turned his attention to Dominic. “Dominic.” He said. “Sir.” “I have a contract already prepared that the both of you will sign. You will both study it for today and we will fin
In The Hands of Dominic 14
The following day in the early part of the afternoon, Andra stood outside her balcony, deep in thoughts about her current situation. She was wearing soft combat trousers and a tank top with a face cap that she wore backward. Her hair fell around her shoulders, framing her face. Now that the contract had been finalized and the deal was set for execution, she got increasingly disturbed, unable to believe what her father was subjecting her to. Well, she didn’t blame him. If she had not been dependent on him, she would have been independent by now but here she was, having no choice in the matter. Besides, she told herself, why would she have to work when she had a father who could provide all her needs? And why would she have to lose her inheritance over this matter? Molly emerged behind her and knew she was thinking about the situation as she came to stand beside her at the railing. “I told you your dad was serious.” She said. “I still cannot believe he would give me out to a strang
In The Hands of Dominic 15
Moments later, Andra paced back and forth in her bedroom, furious about Dominic's SMS.How dare he think that he could tell her what to do? How dare he tell her what to do? Gosh. She didn't blame him. She blamed her father for all this.Once again, she also blamed herself for not having any means of income. She blamed herself more than her father for being dependent on him. Imagine a stranger now telling her what to do. She felt like breaking something even though she was not a violent person.She stopped pacing as Molly entered the bedroom and observed her demeanor. Molly's eyes settled on the wall clock pointedly, forcing Andra's eyes to go there as well. The time was 4:30 pm."What is it?" she snapped, turning on Molly."It's almost time.""Time for what?""Time for whatever has been keeping you pacing about in anger.""Look, I don't have a problem with keeping up appearances. But I do have a problem with being told what to do. Why would he look down on my dressing?""Andra, I thin
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A few minutes later, Molly smiled as she stared at Andra who was standing before the mirror, hooked on her reflection. She had just finished plaiting Andra’s hair into a quick long braid as she didn’t have much time before she would have to rejoin Dominic in the car. Andra was now in a black evening dress with red mid-heel sandals. She looked stunning and was wearing vibrant red lipstick to go with her red shoes. “You look simple and outstanding.” “I agree. Thank you.” “You look like a lady.” “Oh, please.” “Hmm. Dominic will be uh…affected.” “Don’t even go there.” “Yeah. Pardon me. I forgot that this is simply business.” “Exactly. This is just business. Which is why I hate that I have to be forced to dress like this. You don’t know how much I hate him. I mean, he is just a taxi driver and is so full of himself. I can’t stand him.” “Hmm. I think he’s a real man. Fearless regardless of his status.” Andra glared at her. “As I said, you are always saying the wrong things.” The
In The Hands of Dominic 17
Dominic and Andra continued their meal in silence, each lost in their thoughts.Andra decided that he was right. They had to play their part. She couldn’t wait to hand him her rules.Dominic was glad she was quiet now. He was getting fed up with her shenanigans, but then he had signed up for the job and he had every intention of seeing it through to the end.***Inside an opulent living room, a wealthy-looking aristocratic woman in her sixties was looking at the portrait of Dominic and his comrades in an army uniform.There was a forlorn expression on her face and she dialed his number on her phone.“Mum, hi.” His voice came through.“When are you getting married, son?”Dominic groaned with exasperation. “Oh, mum, not again.” He complained but she didn’t care.“I want my grandchildren.” She declared.“Don’t start, mum.”“Can’t you pity your parents? Some of our mates are already carrying their grandchildren.”“Thank God you said ‘some’ mum.”“Oh please.”“Mum, I will get married in du
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Andra could not believe her eyes as she sighted an emotional girl dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief. Was she crying? Andra thought. She was stunned. So, people believed the scene playing out before them? Wow, she thought with some bittersweet feelings. The sweet feeling came from the realization that she and Dominic were playing their roles perfectly to elicit such strong emotions from the girl. The bitter feeling came from the fact that she and Dominic were only putting up an act that consequently, was messing with the emotions of the people watching, especially the emotional girl she had her eyes on. Well, at last, she was feeling quite relieved that everything seemed to be going on as planned. *** Later that night after Andra was home, she sat inside the living room staring at the engagement ring on her finger. It felt unreal, yet it was there, constantly reminding her that the contract was not a joke. It was happening. They were executing it. She was now engaged in the eyes
In The Hands of Dominic 19
A FEW HOURS LATERMolly visited Andra in the apartment. They sat down in the living room, chatting.“I feel like I’m visiting my sister in her marital home.” She said. “It sure feels like it.”Andra rolled her eyes. “Whatever.” She said, indifferent about Molly’s feelings.Her demeanor did little to douse Molly’s curiosity about how everything was going.“So how are you guys getting to know each other? I mean, how is it going?”Andra could not hide her shock at Molly’s question.“What?” Molly asked, seeing the unbelieving look on Andra’s face. “I want to know. You cannot blame me for that.” She defended.“Still, I am appalled at your question.”“And why is that?”“Because we just moved in,” Andra replied. “And frankly, I have no intention of getting to know that stranger.”“Fine.” Molly gave up trying to persuade her to say something along her line of thought. She checked her phone as it buzzed with a message. Upon checking, she sighed. “Useless network messages.” She said, disgruntle
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In The Hands of Dominic 66
Back in the house, Andra kept up with the friendship act for a few more days. During the start of the weekend, she could not take it anymore and fell into depression. Home alone, she didn't want to go out and cause any trouble. She didn't want to ask Dominic if she could go either. She just stayed in the living room sad. Dominic emerged from his room, dressed casually and looking sharp like he was about to enjoy a night out. She was watching the TV morosely without really paying attention to the movie playing on the screen. She wished she could go out. She was bored and alone. She looked at Dominic, her eyes melancholy. He folded his arms and smiled at her. "Andra." "Yes." she answered dully. "It's Friday night and you know what?" "What?" she asked, her mind curious, the dullness still paramount. "I'm taking you out." he said. "We are going partying." A smile brightened up her face. "Really?" she could not believe it. "Yes. Really." Andra leaped off the chair and rushed
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Andra felt her body go cold with dissapointment. She knew she had fallen head over heels in love with Dominic, hence his words hurt her. So, he would be leaving? To him, it was a mere contract and it would soon be over, just like that. "What about the company?" she asked."I already have interested investors who want to buy it."Andra felt her heart breaking. But she tried to control her emotions."So, you will just leave and go back to your life?"He nodded. "I see no other choice."“And us?” she asked.He glanced at her. “Us was a contract, right? I am sure you cannot wait to be rid of my rules.”Andra believed he was wrong but she did not want to push it. She smiled wanly and the ride became silent. She felt like crying. Still, she pretended that everything was okay. But deep down, her heart was shattering to a thousand pieces.Later, the following day, she was sad as she walked beside Molly at the park they last hung out at."You can tell me what's wrong." Molly encouraged "I I c
In The Hands of Dominic 64
"I should not have slapped you. I pushed you and I'm sorry. I'm also sorry for...for bringing a man to the house." Dominic turned away from her. "Just go," he said dismissively and to his surprise, she threw herself inside the room.As he turned to face her, she was standing right before him, contrite. "I'm sorry."His demeanor was unshaken."Are you really sorry or you're just fooling around because I don't have time for games.""I'm sorry, please.""How long was he here?""We barely just came in."Dominic's demeanor was starting to soften as he realized that the silent treatment, he gave her was for too long."Hmm. That's okay. And look I'm sorry too. I should not have left you alone like that. You were apologizing and I took too long to give you some attention. I realize that wasn't very nice, okay?"She nodded, relieved to hear that."Still, that doesn't give you the right to go man-hunting.""I know. I'm sorry.""I still feel angry. All this tells me is that once you can't get at
In The Hands of Dominic 63
The couple heard Dominic's footsteps as he approached the door. And then he was knocking. "Andra, answer me, damn it. I know you're in there. And I want to see you now." Andra knew she could not hide anymore. She quickly advised her partner to seek refuge in her closet. Dominic would not enter the room, she assured him as she dove for a quick change of clothes, ditching the skimpy clothing for pajamas. "And why are you guys staying in separate rooms?" the guy whispered. "This is the guest room." she lied and he quickly disappeared into the walk-in closet. "Andra, I swear, if you don't open this door right now..." In a moment of courage, Andra opened the door and stepped outside to confront her fears. She shut the door behind her protectively and watched Dominic's hands gripping her partner's tie as his hazel eyes burned with fury. This was not how she had expected his return to be but she could not turn back the hands of time. Dominic perused her outfit. It didn't look like s
In The Hands of Dominic 62
Seeing Andra’s devastation, Molly decided to be supportive. "Don't worry, he will talk to you once he is calm enough." "Thank you." Andra decided to try and control herself before she started looking like a love sick puppy. It wasn't as if she was in a relationship with a guy and they were having problems. Strengthening herself she looked at Molly, remembering her pressing need. "Molly, I need some cash. He left me with no upkeep. I guess because he is angry." At her request, Molly became infuriated. She rose with indignation. "I see why you're worried about not reaching him. The money is all you need. I knew you will never change." Andra stared at Molly, shocked. "Is that how low you think of me?" she slowly rose, pained by Molly's assertion. "Forget I asked," she said and started heading for the bedroom in frustration. Molly realized she was wrong to quickly judge her. "Wait, I'm sorry." Andra disappeared inside the room and slammed the door shut, leaving Molly alone, perple
In The Hands of Dominic 61
Dominic folded his arms and glared at her. He was somewhat relieved by her surrender. He didn't want to have to physically hurt her. He didn't like hurting anyone, especially if he could avoid it, but she was driving him up the wall. His eyes swept over her like a scanner. "You left this house in different clothes, and now you're here with different ones. That alone is a giveaway. I knew you were up to something. But I decided to give you the benefit of the doubt. Still, you just could not disappoint me." Andra wobbled a bit, which pissed him off further."Look at you. You can't even stand properly. You're drunk. You should be ashamed of yourself." "I am not drunk, I swear. I'm just... yes, I drank, but I did it responsibly. I stopped as soon as I reached my limit. I swear, there was no scene. I assure you, there will be no news." "There had better be no news about your stupid outing," he barked, unable to control his anger. "You left this house yesterday with a pack of lies, an
In The Hands of Dominic 60
The sky was dark and only illuminated by sparse and distant stars. Dominic was out on the front porch of the house, gazing at the night sky.His eyes traveled to the spot where Andra’s car was supposed to be parked. It was not there.Dominic recalled her backpack. He remembered asking her what was in there because he was uncomfortable with it. She said it was for the laundry. Now, he could almost swear that her disappearance had to do with that backpack. She carried clothes. Now if something happened to her wherever she was, he would be blamed. After all, she was his wife. That was the portrayal. Dominic was trying to control his anger. If she agreed to the deal, the least she could do was follow the rules. He was pissed off as he checked his wristwatch. It was already past 12:00 pm. Where could she be? The first place he could check was any club, but he already knew that was a lost cause with all the clubs in town.If she dared showed up any moment from now, he would not be able to
In The Hands of Dominic 59
Dominic stood there for a few seconds, listening to her cry. As usual, she was affected.“I can’t wait for this deal to be over.” She cried regretfully.He drew close to the door and gave it a gentle knock. In response, she shouted, telling him to just go away and leave her alone in her misery. He didn’t relent and knocked on the door again. This time, she said nothing but was sniffling tearfully. He could tell that she was listening.“Andra, I am disappointed in you, but I’m willing to accompany you. That’s the only thing I can do for you right now.”In response to his scolding and offer, she once again told him to go away and leave her alone. Then she added that she was not interested in his offer. “I must go alone or nothing.” She declared.He shrugged, resolutely sticking with his decision.“Well, do not say that I didn’t try.” He said and walked away, leaving her crying inside.Andra heard his footsteps leaving and made a desperate attempt to persuade him to let her go. She rush
In The Hands of Dominic 58
“Back to sender,” Dominic responded.“God forbid that.” She retorted and was surprised at his amused chuckle.“He was that bad?” he asked and she found she was no longer as offended as she had been a few moments ago.“He was a gigolo.” She said solemnly.Dominic looked at her, still amused but at her sad countenance, his expression lost its light look and closely mirrored hers.“I am so sorry about that.” He said.Andra was surprised at his show of concern.“I wasn’t expecting you to be sympathetic.” She admitted.Dominic was surprised at her response. He asked what her expectation was and she responded that she thought he was going to mock or tease her.“Well, as you can see, I am not that bad.” He remarked.She agreed with a nod. “Yeah, you’re alright.”“I will be traveling for days tomorrow.” He informed her. “It’s for business. I want to meet with some investors.”Andra admired his tenacity in following his dreams.“Okay. That’s cool.” She said. “It’s very cool that you’re pursuin
