Chapter 3

I decided to leave Westbrook.

I went to find Dominic with the keys to the mansion. I didn't bother with makeup and simply put on jeans with sneakers. Many of his men didn't recognize me when I walked into the club.

When I finally removed my cap, the guys who used to eagerly call me "Mrs. Hayes" fell silent. They obviously knew about Dominic's change of heart. The younger guys who were close to me tried to lighten the mood.

"Violet, we all think you and Dom still make the best couple."

"We can't believe he went for some college chick. Please. He'd be embarrassed to be seen with her in public."

"Why don't you try to sweet-talk Dom? He always listens to—"

I merely let out a bitter laugh.

I'd developed a certain image during my ten years with Dominic. I had naturally innocent features, but my look transformed into something dangerously alluring with thin arched eyebrows and red lips.

Many men watched me from afar, but Dominic was always my protector. Anyone who dared touch a hair on my head was sent for "punishment duty"—his euphemism for the worst assignments.

If I shed even a single tear, Dominic would drop everything to comfort me. That had once been my exclusive privilege.

But this time, the guys couldn't even finish their sentences. A ceramic mug flew across the room, striking someone's brow bone before breaking into two.

Dominic's face darkened dangerously.

"One would think this was Violet Ingram's territory or something," he snarled. "Is this how you lot handle business when I'm not around?"

The entire club fell instantly silent. That was Dominic's influence. Except now, that influence was being used against me.

I tried to explain, but the young woman behind him peeked out cautiously as she remarked with feigned innocence, "Dominic, is this the Violet you told me about? She dresses just like me!"

Dominic frowned slightly as he examined my outfit. Simple jeans and sneakers were indeed identical to Lily's style.

He looked at me suspiciously. "Violet, have you been investigating Lily?"

Looking closer, Lily did resemble my 18-year-old self. The similarity was uncanny, especially in those jeans and sneakers.

I recognized the young woman's little game but refused to acknowledge it. Rather than me investigating Lily, it seemed more like a certain someone had carefully studied Dominic's preferences.

Nonetheless, even after ten years together, Dominic couldn't even trust me this much. I pressed my lips together stubbornly.

Dominic scoffed. "Dressing like her won't make you 18 again. Why are you being so difficult with me, Violet?"

I blinked, hardly believing what I'd just heard.

"How about this?" Dominic said as he licked his lips, showing no mercy. "Name your price for the ten years."

I froze. I had been with Dominic for ten years. I had taken bullets and faced knives for him, yet none of those moments had ever hurt like this one.

I dug my nails into my palms as my voice trembled. "What did you just say, Dominic?"

"I said, since I've wasted ten years of your youth, you should name your price."

Dominic stood with his hands in his pockets. Despite the turmoil in his eyes, he forced himself to finish speaking through a strained voice.

My legs nearly gave out after hearing this. Meanwhile, Lily tugged at Dominic's sleeve, quietly trying to mediate.

"Don't be so harsh, Dominic. Violet hasn't done anything wrong."

Dominic lowered his head and gently nuzzled her nose. "Be good now, and listen to me."

He then pulled her behind him protectively. "I won't let anyone upset you."

Dominic used to protect me the same way. I couldn't bear to watch and felt bitterness rising in my throat.

Looking down, I noticed the silver bracelet on my wrist. It was snug when Dominic first gave it to me.

Yet the deeper I fell in love with him, the looser it became.