Her heart accelerated with the highest speed as she opened the attachment. It was footage from the night of the fireworks. Dominic and Rosa standing close. Too close to her liking. like their was but they weren’t acting like lovers. The video and suddenly there a from their conversation. “We need to her believe it,” Rosa whispered under her breath. Her eyes gleamed than affection. “I know. ” Dominic shook head. “But this is getting out of hand…” It ended in a state shock. What was that? Serena’s eyes never left the dark screen. She was not fall into their again. The filtered the room through blinds opened door, still tired from night of sleep. The moment she out, she a bouquet of red and a bag of packed breakfast her favorite restaurant. “Who brought this?” She whispered, turning her eyes towards the end of the corridor. She was confused, but her eyes fell on note. It was a familiar handwriting. “I’m sorry. Let’s talk. ” An of flickered her mind. But video with the anonymous tip flashed again. Dominic’s “This is getting out of hand,” echoed in her head. He wasn’t trying to things between them. was just trying to put a bandaid over their wounded relationship. Without delay, she bouquet and the bag and threw it opposite to her apartment. don’t want this. Chapter With a smile on her face, she returned to her apartment. The moment she closed the door, there was a sharp knock. is it?” asked, opening to find Dominic standing there, his expression dark and brooding. For the first time, she found indifferent. There no warmth on his face. He was cold and calculative expression. Seeing that, Serena swallowed her breath. “Why did you throw it away?” he his voice low but dangerous. should I keep it?” Serena snapped back, crossing arms. done pretending flowers and can what’s broken. ” eyes narrowed. “You‘ re being dramatic. at misunderstanding. misunderstanding?” repeated his words. She couldn‘ believe his audacity. you Do you think I’m overreacting I am jealous I can’t believe how you turn blind when it comes to her. ” bit his he trying control his anger. His clenched and his fist tightened. you remember you used to make run errands for her? She used to act and ask me pick up this that, always acting so helpless. you always took her side, even when said no! But not now, not going “Rosa like that,” Dominic growled, but in voice. “Open your eyes, Dominic! She’s been ruining everything. To bet honest, it’s already finished. let her do said, her voice trembling. “I’m this–done you. ” Dominic’s gaze hardened, but there was a of an indescribable. emotion in his eyes–fear, maybe, or realization. “You don‘ mean that. ” Serena’s voice was firm, resolute. can keep pretending everything’s fine, but I’m done. I won’t let anyone me Chapter 4 anymore. ” anything further, turned and walked away, him standing there alone. she out of the apartment building, she an sense relief, as if a weight been lifted off her shoulders. A Few Days. As it was difficult for take her mind off Dominic, she indulges herself in work. She wanted to thoughts of Dominic and Rosa as best as she could. But it was hard to the powerful of world. was world of power, deception, and danger. She was in the middle of contract for her client her phone rang. It Monica. Her visuals last time were still green in mind. She had always tried maintain their one–sided friendship. Without delay, she received the call. are you?” Monica‘ s excited, too excited, as if she was trying too hard sound casual. “I’m fine,” Serena replied, though she was but. we re a dinner tomorrow Caffè Rossi. It’s idea. to see you. I know things aren’t good for now, but think it will make it better. ” Serena hesitated. Part of wanted to there hear what Dominic wanted to say the sane one knew better. “I’ll think about it,” she said, not wanting to the invitation. “Great! We’ll see you at seven,” Monica said excitedly. Serena sighed, setting phone down. The next Serena found standing outside Caffè Rossi. It was an Italian and one of Dominic‘ s favorite places. She sighed, inside alone. She was to walk towards but paused. Monica’s echoed. It mocking, almost cruel. 13:20 4 “Did you see way she looked at him last time? Pathetic,” Monica said, shaking her head. Her words were by Rosa’s laughter. “I told you wouldn’t last. Dominic is too good for her, but he’s blind to see it. He’ll come eventually, once she’s of the picture. ” Serena’s heart skipped a beat. Without a second thought, she turned and walking her heart pounding. “Serena!” Dominic stepped towards her, his expression a mix of and concern. “Why are you leaving? You just got here. “How about you ask this your friends