CHAPTER FIVE

We got into the Rolls-Royce Phantom, and I couldn't help but stare at her. Her makeup blended seamlessly into her flawless skin, while the sharp cat-eye accentuated her captivating eyes. The dress hugged every curve of her hourglass figure perfectly. A small mole rested just above her right breast, visible through the modest neckline of her gown. Her hair was styled into a neat updo, exposing her elegant neck and the tiny beauty mark just above it. She was undeniably beautiful, and the diamond necklace resting delicately against her skin only enhanced her elegance.

She caught me staring, smirked, and said, "Take a picture. It'll last longer."

I immediately looked away.

We soon arrived at the gathering, and I was completely mesmerized.

The ballroom was breathtaking. Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead, reflecting against the polished marble floors beneath our feet. Fresh white flowers decorated every corner, filling the room with elegance. Soft classical music floated through the air as waiters in crisp white gloves gracefully served champagne and gourmet hors d'oeuvres. Everywhere I looked, guests were dressed in luxurious gowns and perfectly tailored tuxedos.

Dominic played the perfect gentleman. He stepped out first before holding out his hand for me. As soon as we exited the car, reporters rushed toward us, shouting questions while cameras flashed relentlessly. Thankfully, the bodyguards quickly formed a barrier, preventing anyone from getting close.

Before I could even process what was happening, Dominic leaned in and pressed a soft kiss against my cheek.

Heat immediately rushed to my face.

Not because of the kiss itself...

But because I hadn't expected it.

Keeping his smile fixed for the cameras, he whispered into my ear,

"Don't embarrass me, Pearl. I mean it."

I silently nodded.

The warmth from a moment ago disappeared instantly. His voice... his demeanor... completely changed.

Sometimes I truly didn't know this man.

And sometimes...

He scared me.

Slowly releasing my hand, Dominic began walking beside me.

"As you can see," he said quietly, "the seating arrangement is based on hierarchy. We sit in the front row. You may do whatever you like tonight, but never step into the elite section. It'll be overwhelming for you. Enjoy yourself if you wish... just don't embarrass me, Princess."

Princess?

Did he really just call me that?

After talking down to me?

The audacity.

Dominic escorted me to the right side of our table before calmly making his way toward the elite section, where several influential guests were already chatting.

Just like that...

I was alone.

Accepting a glass of champagne from a passing waiter, I took a slow sip, my thoughts scattered.

Who exactly is Dominic Ashford?

Before I could think any further, someone approached me.

"Hi," a soft voice said. "May I sit here?"

I looked up.

She was breathtaking.

She wore an elegant emerald-green slit gown with a sleek bun, effortlessly beautiful without trying too hard. What intrigued me even more, however, was her striking appearance.

"Oh... yes," I replied awkwardly. "It's a free world after all."

She laughed softly.

"Yes, I'm biracial," she said before I could even ask. "I know what you're wondering. My mother is Chinese, and my father is Nigerian—Igbo, to be precise."

She extended her hand.

"I'm Grace Lee Okonkwo."

I shook it.

"And may I just say... you're absolutely gorgeous. You're new here, aren't you?"

I smiled.

"Thank you. But... how did you know?"

Grace gestured around the ballroom.

"Simple. Everyone sitting in the front row is usually mingling with their circle."

She glanced toward Dominic.

"Your husband certainly is."

She looked back at me.

"I actually came over because I'd like to offer you a modeling opportunity."

My eyebrows lifted.

"I own a hair and beauty company. It may not seem like a huge corporation, but I promise we offer excellent opportunities."

She reached into her clutch and handed me a business card.

"Think about it."

She smiled warmly.

"And... if you don't mind, could I also have your number? We could hang out sometime."

Her confidence completely caught me off guard.

I couldn't help smiling.

"Are you always this bold?"

She grinned.

"Of course. If I'm not straightforward, someone else will be."

We both accepted another glass of champagne from a waiter.

Grace nodded politely before excusing herself.

Not long after she left, another woman approached me.

She was tall, slender, with perfectly styled blonde hair.

She stopped in front of me before smirking.

"Aren't you the girl who married Dominic?"

The insult behind her words was impossible to miss.

I straightened my posture.

"I'm Pearl."

I smiled politely.

"You can call me Mrs. Ashford."

She dismissed my introduction with a wave of her hand before taking a sip of her white wine.

"Honestly," she said, "families like yours don't really understand social standing. But I suppose I understand how exciting it must feel to climb the social ladder."

Before I could respond, Dominic walked over.

Her entire expression changed instantly.

"Oh, Dominic!" she exclaimed sweetly. "You've married such a beautiful woman. I was just telling her how lucky you are to have her."

She smiled brightly.

"But I really must be going."

Without waiting for a reply, she disappeared into the crowd.

I stared after her, completely speechless.

Dominic watched her leave before looking at me.

"People here aren't to be trusted."

His gaze shifted toward the direction Grace had gone.

"Especially that woman you were talking to earlier."

He looked back at me.

"What's her name?"

I frowned.

"Grace."

His expression darkened.

"What did she give you?"

"A business card."

I folded my arms.

"You know... like people normally do."

"Don't play dumb."

His voice became noticeably colder.

"No one hands out business cards at a formal gathering like this just for conversation."

His eyes locked onto mine.

"Talk, Pearl."

Something inside me snapped.

"Fine."

I met his glare without backing down.

"She offered me a job."

I took a step closer.

"And I can't even consider it because of your ridiculous rules."

My voice sharpened.

"You're a self-centered bastard, Dominic."

"You made rules that only benefit you."

I clenched the business card in my hand.

"Well, guess what?"

"I'm accepting that contract."

The words escaped before I could stop them.

Immediately afterward, reality hit me.

What if he divorced me?

What if he cut me off financially?

My confidence faltered.

When I looked back at Dominic...

His face was terrifying.

His jaw was clenched.

His eyes burned with restrained anger.

Before either of us could speak again, a cheerful voice interrupted us.

"Oh, baby... my love!"

Celeste wrapped an arm around Dominic's.

"I've missed you."

She pouted dramatically.

"You promised me your undivided attention, but you're always with her." She said

Of course,it is her

I couldn't say I was surprised.

---

Dominic's POV

Celeste had certainly gone all out tonight.

Her gown was exquisite, drawing countless admiring glances as she walked. She loved attention... and she knew exactly how to command it.

I offered her a practiced smile.

"Princess," I said softly, "you know I've missed you even more."

I gently squeezed her hand.

"But now isn't the time."

"We agreed on this, mi amor."

"I promise... once tonight is over, you'll have my full attention."

Before Celeste could respond, my phone vibrated.

Then again.

And again.

Several notifications flooded the screen simultaneously.

Every single one carried the exact same headline.

Before I could even unlock my phone, someone hurried toward Pearl.

"Pearl," the woman said urgently.

"You're all over the headlines.”