Chapter 42 – First Impressions

(Mannie’s POV)

We stepped into the lobby, and I swear I forgot how to breathe for a second.

I had seen wealth before. At least I had seen the way Zarah flaunted hers and at the places I had worked. Though Zarah flaunted hers like a peacock, always surrounding herself with golden chandeliers, oversized portraits, and diamond-shaped mirrors that served no purpose. Her house screamed money and pride.

But this? This was different.

Dominic's home wasn’t loud about its wealth. There were no screaming colors or golden lions. The walls were soft cream, smooth and spotless.

The lighting was warm and gentle. Minimalist paintings hung in simple black frames, and yet I knew—I could feel it in my bones, that everything here cost more than my entire life savings.

This wasn’t just money. It was power in silence.

I lowered my gaze and forced my legs to keep moving.

But even as I tried to stay focused, my thoughts drifted to the children.

Ever since I realized Dominic had been the man from that night, my chest had carried an ache I couldn’t shake off. I kept thinking about Nate, Jay, Lily, Zane, Adam, Tera, Sophie, and Zoey. My kids…. His kids….. Our kids.

Should I tell him?

Would it help lighten my burden?

What if he rejected them?

Or worse—what if he tried to take them away from me?

“But, the kids wouldn’t have to worry about anything?” I thought inwardly, “Nah, at this stage of their life, they need company more and Dominic doesn’t look like the type to offer that.”

My heart clenched. I bit my lip and shook the thoughts away. Now wasn’t the time.

But my distracted mind didn’t register the small step ahead.

My foot caught on it, and before I could catch myself, I tumbled down.

“Ah!”

I landed hard on my knees, in what looked like a kneeling position, my palms flat against the cold marble floor.

Pain shot through my leg, but it was the embarrassment that hurt more. Besides, Dominic had warned me to act with propriety. I didn’t dare look at his face, but I still did.

Dominic’s eyes widened. I saw it—that flicker of irritation and anger, maybe or maybe disbelief.

I scrambled to get up, cheeks burning.

Then I heard a soft, graceful voice.

"What is wrong with her?"

I looked up and froze.

A woman, maybe in her late thirties or early forties, stood in front of us. Her beauty was effortless, the kind that didn’t need heavy makeup or jewelry. Her skin was smooth, her features sharp and elegant.

Next to her stood a tall, older man. His hair was fully gray, and his sharp eyes looked like those of eagles that missed nothing.

Dominic didn’t flinch.

"Mom, it’s her way of greeting. That’s how they greet where she’s from," he said smoothly.

My eyes snapped to him. What was he saying?

Still kneeling, I quickly greeted, voice low and polite. “Good evening, Ma. Good evening, Sir.”

Dominic reached out and helped me up. His hand lingered a bit too long on mine.

"Mom, Grandpa, this is Mannie," he introduced, his fingers curling around mine, like he was reminding me to play the part.

"Mannie, this is my mother, Amanda. And my grandfather."

I nodded respectfully.

Dominic looked around. "Where's Dad?"

Amanda gave a tight smile. "Something came up. He couldn’t make it."

She then turned to me fully, her gaze calm but cold.

"Welcome. I am sure you both must be hungry. Join us."

She turned on her heel and walked toward the dining area. Dominic and I followed, and I tried to focus on my steps this time.

The dining room was massive. The long table could sit at least twenty people. Crystal glasses, porcelain plates, silver cutlery. Everything gleamed.

It looked like the dining hall of a palace.

Amanda took her seat gracefully. Dominic pulled a chair out for me, and I muttered a small thank you before sitting.

"Normally," Amanda began, her fingers gently folding a napkin, "we observe proper table manners before starting a meal. But tonight, I want to know more about my son’s... girlfriend. Even if, frankly, I’m not sure you’re worth it."

My fork slipped slightly from my hand.

She said it so calmly, so gently, but every word stabbed like a knife.

Dominic's eyes darkened.

"Mom, she’s the one I’ve chosen. If you have a problem with it, you can go home."

Amanda’s head snapped toward him. "You! How dare you speak to me like that!"

Her voice rose slightly, the soft mask cracking.

"I called you for weeks. You ignored my messages. Blocked my calls. And now you bring someone like her and expect me to sit back quietly?"

Her words cut deep, and even though I wasn’t supposed to take it personally, I couldn’t help it. I clenched my jaw.

Dominic didn’t raise his voice.

He simply picked up his fork, cut a piece of meat, and said, "Didn’t you say you wanted a grandchild? I brought one. Now you want to chase her away. So, do you want a grandchild or not?"

The silence was loud.

Amanda opened her mouth, but before she could speak, the older man—his grandfather finally did.

His deep voice rumbled low. "Amanda... didn’t you have a mole just like that when you were pregnant with this brat?"

All eyes turned to me.

I blinked.

Instinctively, my hand moved to the side of my neck. The mole. It was small but noticeable. It had appeared after that night with Dominic. During my pregnancy, it grew so much that the doctor once thought it was a tumor, probably a benign tumor.

Amanda’s gaze locked on it.

Something changed in her face.

She leaned back in her chair and sighed.

"Fine."

Then her eyes landed back on me, sharp and unreadable. "Tell me about yourself, Mannie."

I took a shaky breath and smiled.

It was time to lie and lie well.