Chapter 8

"Ashley!" Dominic called out as he strode over to her. He gently brushed his fingers over the red mark on her cheek, his eyes clouding with pain. It was as if the sight had physically burned him. "Did she hit you? What happened?" he asked. Tears shimmered in Ashley's eyes as she recounted everything. The more she told him, the more his expression hardened. Eventually, Dominic's head snapped toward Eleanor. "It was just a shawl. Did you really need to slap her over that?" he demanded coldly. Eleanor's voice quivered as she shot back, "Just a shawl? Dominic Bennett, that was the only thing my grandmother left me!" Dominic froze. In the three years they had been married, she had always been poised and soft-spoken. She had never once raised her voice. But now, with her red-rimmed eyes and trembling shoulders, she looked like a stranger to him. Dominic softened his tone and continued, "Ashley didn't do it on purpose. She's already offered to make it right. What more do you want? If the money wasn't enough, I'll pay the difference." As he spoke, he pulled a checkbook from the inside pocket of his suit and scribbled down a number. Then, he held it out to her. "Will this cover it?" Eleanor stared at the slip in his hand. Her chest tightened, and for a moment, she couldn't breathe. When she didn't take it, Dominic frowned. A beat later, he tore out another check before writing a new figure. "Still not enough? What about this?" His tone was detached, as though they were negotiating a deal. One check after another landed in front of Eleanor, each one with a higher amount than the last. But each offer only widened the space between them. Finally, she reached out for the last check. Her fingers trembled as she took it. "It's enough," she whispered. It was as if saying those words had drained the last of her strength. However, it wasn't the amount that settled it. It was the last confirmation Eleanor needed to walk away from Dominic. With that, she turned to leave. But she hadn't made it more than two steps when his voice stopped her cold. "Wait." Eleanor halted in her tracks. Yet, she didn't turn around. "You took the money, but we're not finished. You still owe Ashley an apology for slapping her," Dominic stated, his tone leaving no room for doubt. Eleanor's body stiffened. Slowly, she turned to face him, eyes puffy. "What did you say?" "I said, apologize to Ashley," Dominic snapped. "And if I don't?" Eleanor's voice trembled. "The Robinsons still have business ties with my family," he replied calmly. Dominic's words hit her like a punch to the gut. She never imagined he'd use her parents' life work as leverage against her. For a moment, the air was thick with tension. Finally, Eleanor lowered her head. Her voice came out hoarse. "I'm sorry." Ashley pressed a hand to her cheek and spat, "Ms. Robinson, are you actually sorry? Or is that just how people like you apologize?" Eleanor clenched her fists until her nails dug into her palms. In the next second, she met Ashley's eyes. "I'm sorry, Ms. Lowell. I shouldn't have hit you. Please forgive me." Her words rang clear despite the crack in her voice. Then, she turned to Dominic. "Is that good enough for you?" He looked into Eleanor's eyes. For some reason, they stirred something in him. He remembered how she had looked at him three years ago. At the time, she was burning with fever, and her eyes were just as red. But back then, they had held nothing but love and trust. Now, all he saw was emptiness. Dominic swallowed hard. He wanted to say something, yet in the end, all he managed was a curt, "That'll do." Without another word, Eleanor walked away, her back straight and her steps unwavering. Behind her, Dominic's voice softened. "Does it still hurt? I'll get you some ointment." "It does. Be gentle, okay?" Ashley cooed. Still, Eleanor didn't stop. Silent tears rolled down her cheeks, but she wiped them away before they could leave a trace.