Chapter 6
Emma drifted through a lengthy dream.
In it, fourteen–year–old Dominic wore his school uniform, a bruise on his lip, yet smiling mischievously.
As she applied ointment, she scolded him with teary eyes: “Have you lost your mind? Fighting thirty guys at once–even a Superman wouldn’t do that!”
Yet he just shrugged carelessly: “Those jerks tried to take your money. Nobody gets to hurt you.”
The boy raised his face, his gaze intense and determined: “As long as I’m around, you won’t suffer a single scratch.”
Dream–Emma wept, desperately calling his nåme: “Dominic…”
But he seemed deaf to her cries, simply taking fourteen–year–old Emma’s hand and walking away.
Then the scene abruptly shifted.
In reality, Dominic shielded Stella while letting Emma get crushed, blood flooding her vision.
She jerked awake, tears soaking her pillowcase.
Before she could orient herself, she witnessed Stella sobbing as she threw herself into Dominic’s arms: “What should I do? It’s all my fault… If I hadn’t pulled that rope, Emma wouldn’t have gotten hurt… Punish me, please…”
Dominic wiped her tears with exasperated tenderness: “You really want punishment?”
Stella sniffled, nodding: “Yes, I deserve it for doing something wrong. Otherwise, I can’t sleep at night…”
Dominic chuckled, pinching her cheek lightly: “Then call me ‘honey.“”
Stella froze: “…What?”
“Say it.”
Blushing, she whispered: “…Honey.”
Dominic stroked her hair, his voice gentle: “Since you’ve called me honey, you’ll follow my lead. I’ll handle this my way. You don’t need to worry anymore.”
Stella could only obediently leave.
Emma watched this scene silently, her fingers accidentally knocking over the water glass by her bed.
Crash!
20.26
Just a Stand–In?! My Billionaire Hubby’s OTHED Wife
Chapter &
Dominic whirled around, finally noticing she was awake,
He rushed to her side, concern flooding his eyes: “Emma, how are you feeling? Does anything hurt?”
He gripped her hand, his tone remorseful: “I’m sorry–everything happened so fast, I grabbed the wrong person…”
Emma closed her eyes, not calling out his lie.
She simply asked quietly: “Where’s Stella?”
Dominic’s expression shifted, assuming she wanted revenge, and quickly explained: “She didn’t mean to… though she was definitely wrong. I’ve already punished her severely.”
Emma recalled him making Stella call him “honey” and thought bitterly: Is that your idea of punishment?
Huh. Indeed… quite severe.
But she said nothing. She didn’t angrily demand why he grabbed the wrong person or hysterically accuse him of
favoritism.
She just stated flatly: “I’m hungry.”
Dominic was taken aback.
He studied her eyes, finally sensing something unusual: she was too calm, calm like… a dead pond.
He opened his mouth to speak, but Emma repeated: “I’m hungry.”
Her interruption completely derailed his train of thought, but he could only swallow his unease and nod gently: “Okay, baby. I’ll get you something right away. Just wait here.”
Then he grabbed his car keys and hurriedly left.
The moment the door closed, Emma’s tears broke free, streaming down uncontrollably. But she quickly wiped them
away.
Looking toward the window, the sunlight seemed harsh, yet failed to penetrate her heart.
Love drives hysteria while hatred fuels bitter arguments.
But now, for Dominic, she felt neither love nor hate remained.
20:26
