SERENA
Dressed in a simple black gown, I arrived at Neapolitan Nest - a five star restaurant patronized by the rich, the wealthy and the powerful.
Although I had a really good salary as a secretary, places like Neapolitan Nest were strictly by membership, of which Dominic already got me a card. And I hate to admit it but dating Dominic had certain perks that would take me five years of hard-work to attain.
The moment I entered the restaurant, the wood pine scent of my mate had me stopping in my tracks.
He's here.
My wolf stirred, and I sensed some eagerness in her to see him.
I couldn’t blame her. She didn't understand what was at stake. Hopefully, Dominic will give a solid explanation after Monica's birthday is over.
Heaving a sigh, I went upstairs and could already hear the soft laughter and chatter coming from Monica's party.
The moment I got to the landing, my eyes automatically scanned for Dominic and when I found him sitting at the far end of the table with none other than Rosa by his side, taking a selfie, a hollow ache settled within my chest, stirring my wolf to jealousy.
Is this how Dominic plans to convince me that nothing is going on between him and Rosa?
“Serena.” Monica called and heads turned towards me.
Looking her way, I caught her staring at me from head to toe, the corners of her mouth downturned in displeasure.
I guess she doesn't like my choice of dress.
I really didn't care.
“What a pleasant surprise.” Monica murmured in a tone that was far from anything pleasant. Her brows furrowed. “Were you invited?”
I blinked in shock, looking in the direction of Dominic.
“I invited her.” Dominic spoke up, getting everyone's attention.
“Oh, your Highness,” Monica replied, putting on a concerned look. “I didn't save any seats for her.”
I looked at Dominic who still didn't look my way.
“But I told you she was coming.” Dominic pressed and the air in the room changed, filled with tension while the rest of the guests continued watching.
“You know what?” Rosa’s soft voice cut into the tension. “Maybe I should stand up so she can sit down and join us.”
My gaze flickered to her just in time to see her slowly rising to her feet.
“No, Stop.” Dominic stopped her and when I saw how he placed a hand on hers, pressure built in my chest, making it hard to breath. Then he looked at me, his eyes, cold and unremorseful. “I'm sure you can find a seat around, Serena. No need to stand around and cause a scene.”
I could believe my ears. I was causing a scene? When I haven't said a word?
I smiled bitterly, fighting the tears building up within. “There’s no need. I'll leave.”
And with that said, I turned away.
“Why are you being difficult?” Rosa piped up. “Are you mad about the rumors flying around?”
I turned around again, my sadness giving way to anger. “Well, aren't they true?”
She shot up from her seat, her eyes round with innocence. “I swear they are not true! I was simply invited to the yacht party since Dominic and I are old friends. I had no idea you were not invited. I'm so sorry.”
She covered her face as if she were about to cry.
Immediately, Dominic rose to his feet, wrapping his arm around her and drawing her close.
“You have nothing to be sorry about.” He said, comforting her while the guests shared uncomfortable looks. Then Dominic turned to me with that cold gaze of his. “Can you just sit down and not make things about you for once?! You're ruining Monica's birthday.”
His words felt like a punch to my gut and when I looked Monica's way, I caught her scathing glare. The rest of the guests also frowned at me and when I looked back to my mate, he was still holding Rosa to himself while she smirked at me.
My face burned with embarrassment. “Is this what you called me here for?” My voice shook as I took a step forward. “To embarrass me?” I pointed to Rosa. “Is this how you prove that you were not cheating with Rosa?!”
Rosa looked at him in surprise before weakly pushing him away. “Please let me go.” Her voice wobbled, grating on my nerves. “I don't want any trouble.”
“SHUT UPPPP!” I screamed at her, my hands curled into fists by my side as I tried to keep my wolf from lunging for her throat. “Shut up, you lying stupid cheating whore!”
The table gasped, and the girl who pretended to push my mate away, covered her face and leaned in with a loud cry.
Monica rose to her feet and rushed to Rosa's side, petting her. Then she turned to me in anger. “I don't want you here. Get out!”
“With pleasure!” I retorted and as I looked at my mate, some part of me wanted him to say something, to tell me this was a prank and that he really did love me, but Dominic did not look remorseful, in fact, he looked irritated…by me.
So I left, and when I got a cab, the mountain of tears building inside me since I entered Neapolitan's Nest streamed down my face until I was a bawling mess.
All through my ride home, Dominic called my line but I ignored him and I didn’t bother reading his texts. When I got home, a friend sent me a link to Rosa’s latest Instagram post.
It was the picture they were taking before I arrived. Under the photo, she put the caption, “Old friends make the best company.”
I scoffed, a bitter laugh coming out of me. So I went to the comment section and typed out a reply.
“Says the homewrecker who can’t get enough of her cheating, lying, dumbass ex! He’s all yours now.” I posted the comment before I could think about it and immediately, a rush of adrenaline and satisfaction consumed me.
The tabloids will have a field day with that comment and Serena Darcy will be a trending hashtag.
I don’t care. I want them both to feel embarrassed and ashamed.
After about five minutes, my notifications blew up and I had to block Rosa and Dominic before uninstalling the app.
Throughout the night, I tossed and turned in bed, plagued by thoughts of what went wrong between my mate and I. We were good from the start and I believe Rosa tried to sabotage that.
Just as I was thinking of Dominic, my phone buzzed and at twelve thirty am, I wondered who was texting me. Checking my phone, I realized it was an email with a headline that had me sitting up in bed.
‘Anonymous Tip About Dominic and Rosa’
