The words “he’s not going to make it” echoed in her mind, but she shrugged away quickly. Dominic had his choice long back. Now there was no going back. that she wasn’t going to get dragged into his world. “He be alright,” whispered pacing around apartment. Even though she tried to that dreadful feeling, nothing helped her. She herself it wasn’t her problem anymore. Dominic Rosa, his violent life, everything. But then feel so unsettled? Hours passed, and the sky was filled with stars. Meanwhile, Serena‘ st mind swirled with unresolved emotions. as she was about to sleep, a sharp on her door startled her. She frowned, turning towards clock themselves. It was nearly midnight. “Who would have heartbeat quickened as she walked toward the door. The incident from a few days ago still lingered on her mind. It was still Dominic’s world. Cautiously, she still opened door and stunned. It was Dominic. He was standing there, pale and leaning against doorframe for support. His was bruised, and looked thinner. aura of power that surrounded him was gone. For the first time, Dominic looked vulnerable. “Dominic?” Serena whispered, eyes wide. “What the hell are you doing here?” He gave her a smile, but his voice was hoarse. “I came to see you. I… I had to. “Monica said were in the hospital,” said, her eyes holding Перетв an emotion of weariness. “You be here. I hope you what you said. ” Ignoring her Dominic leaned heavier the doorframe, looking at floor. “I know, I promised you not to but needed to to you. Please, Serena. Just hear me out. ” Despite her hesitation, aside, letting him in. Dominic took small and weak steps. Then he entered slowly, almost onto her couch. He winced as he sat, clearly pain, and for a moment, pang concern. “I don’t want pity,” muttered, his voice raw. “I want to apologize. ” Serena crossed keeping her distance. for what? For dragging me into For choosing Rosa?” Dominic shook his head. “For all of it. I’ve messed up, Serena. I know I’ve hurt over. But I loved you. I do and trust me, I will never stop. ” She scoffed, turning away. “Love? You call this love, Dominic? You made doubt my existence. Even on my you for me but with Rosa. Does love look like this?” his gaze. tried sit up ended up wincing again. “I never Rosa. never wanted her. But I kept her around I thought… I thought keep safe. they am with nobody will target you. ” Serena turned around, disbelief was there on her face. “You expect me to believe that? That you going to her was some sort of to me? Do you even yourself?” Dominic’s eyes met hers, with regret. “I know it sounds crazy, but it’s truth. I’ve made mistakes, so many mistakes, I never caring you. kept trying to keep you out of danger. in doing that, I hurt you. heart twisted, conflicting battling inside her. She wanted to hate him, wanted to him but he weak, Chapter 8 broken, and apologetic. made it hard on to that anger. “I don’t know if I can believe Dominic,” she said softly. “You‘ ve lied to me so times. It won’t different om all the other times. Dominic her with desperation in his eyes. “I’m done with the lies. done Rosa. All I is to start over with you. I‘ live the life of a common if I have to. I’ll walk away from all of it if it means I can be with you. ” Serena s breath in her throat. Long ago, she wanted to hear those words, now that they were they felt like a cruel twist fate. Could she trust him? Could that Dominic would leave behind everything, and when boss, it sounded unreal? don’t know if I can trust you,” whispered. “You‘ said much, but I than words. ” stopped up, every movement pained. He reached into pocket and pulled out small remote. “I know words aren’t enough. But I to show you something. ” Serena frowned, he pressed the button. moment later, sky outside her window up with a brilliant display of fireworks. blues, and burst across the sky. They illuminating room in their glow. Dominic voice “are for you. I wanted give something, something that be by world. between us. ” Serena couldn’t eyes as the exploded outside. was beautiful and but her heart remained conflicted. Moments she back to Dominic, eyes were already fixed on her. He was for any sign Serena was going forgive him. But she couldn’t give him that. When the fireworks Dominic stepped back the door. you alone now,” he said quietly. “But I meant what said, Serena. I’ll fix this. I’ll to you that I can change. Just give me chance. ” stood silence, her heart with ache as she watched him out of her apartment, his figure disappearing the night. When she was left alone, eyes made their way out towards the sky again. The fading scent of smoke the fireworks was still in the air. Her mind was with confusion. “Should him