All Chapters of A Reluctant Promise: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

"Mom, Dad, I’ve decided to come home for the blind dates you mentioned. I’ll be back by the end of the month."In the early spring, with the lingering chill of winter in the air, Valerie Stonecutter pushed open the door while speaking softly into the phone. Her gentle voice drifted through the rain like a thread weaving through the mist. Pulling her collar tighter against the cold, she heard her parents breathe a sigh of relief on the other end."Val," her father began, his voice heavy with age. “Your mom and I haven’t been in good health these past few years. So now that you’ve made up your mind, that’s good. When you’re back, I’ll have your Aunt Laura arrange a few suitable candidates for you to meet."Hearing that her parents were already making arrangements for her future, Valerie’s gaze flickered, her emotions momentarily unsettled. After a few more words of small talk, she ended the call.She glanced around her home with a heavy heart, her thoughts tangled in a quiet storm.

When the car came to a halt, Dominic didn’t wait for Valerie and walked ahead into the venue. Following closely behind, Valerie stepped inside and immediately realized it was a birthday party. However, she was not the guest of honor. Standing in the spotlight at the center of the stage, surrounded by admirers, was Camilla. In an instant, Valerie understood that she was the true protagonist of this event. Draped in an exquisite haute couture gown, Camilla exuded elegance. A custom diamond necklace accentuated her long, graceful neck, while her pearl earrings glittered under the chandelier light. It was impossible to look away. Valerie’s gaze lingered on the jewelry for a long time. She knew the pieces all too well not because she had worn them but because they had been sitting in Dominic’s display case for ages. In her naivety, before she knew the truth, she had assumed those items were gifts he had prepared for her. For years, she had anticipated their arrival with quiet ho

Dominic did not ask any further. He casually removed his coat and placed it on the sofa. His gaze fell on the cake on the table, and he paused, his eyes lingering there for a moment. “Yesterday, the birthday wish you made was...” he began hesitantly.Looking at the probing in his eyes, Valerie replied lightly, “Well, since no one knew it was my birthday, it was a bit awkward, so I just made a joke. I didn’t expect everyone to take it that way. Sorry about that.” Dominic sighed in relief. “So what was your real wish?” “I hoped for my mom and dad to have good health and for all their dreams to come true.” It was a simple and heartfelt wish. Dominic felt a soft tug at his heart. He reached out to lightly rub her nose with his hand and gave her a small smile. “You’re so filial. Your wish will surely come true.” Valerie agreed with the sentiment. She would find success in marriage. She would stay by her parents’ side and care for them until they grew old. For the next few

Dominic was soon wheeled into the operating room. His family received the news and rushed over. After hearing the full story from a few of Dominic’s friends, Mrs. Parker grew so angry that she smashed the beaded bracelet on her wrist.“He’s maimed his right hand for a woman he's been obsessed with for years. I think he’s gone crazy!” Dominic’s friends hurriedly stepped in to calm the parents, saying anything they could think of.Several hours later, the operating room lights turned off. The doctor emerged, pushing Dominic on a gurney, his tone laced with relief. “The surgery was successful. With proper care over the next few months, he should be fine.” Hearing those words, everyone present let out a collective sigh of relief. Knowing that there would be no lasting consequences, Mr. and Mrs. Parker no longer wanted to see their wayward son. They boarded a flight to attend a meeting that very night. Before leaving, the two thanked the hospital staff and the people who had

The morning after a heavy night of drinking, Dominic’s head felt clouded and heavy. He struggled to sit up, washed his face, and followed the enticing aroma drifting from the dining room. When he walked in, he found that Valerie had prepared a table full of food. He glanced at the calendar, noting that it was an ordinary day, which left him slightly puzzled. "Why did you suddenly cook so much?" "Just to celebrate," Valerie said as she set the table, her voice soft and casual. Celebrate? Was she celebrating his recovery? Dominic could only think of that as the reason. But as he looked at the array of fragrant and spicy dishes, he recalled the doctor’s advice about a light diet. His initial excitement waned, and a flicker of doubt crept into his mind. He didn’t dwell on it, though. As he pulled out a chair to sit, his phone suddenly rang. It was Camilla. After hesitating for a few seconds, he set down the utensils he had just picked up and answered the call. A