Chapter 163

After placing their meal order, Dominic remained seated on the edge of the bed, his fingers still entwined with Vanessa’s.

"Is there anything else you'd like? Something sweet, perhaps?" His voice was soft, laced with concern.

Vanessa smiled, squeezing his hand lightly. "I'm fine. It's still early in the pregnancy—I'm not that fragile."

Dominic frowned. "Of course you are. Pregnant women should be pampered."

Seeing his serious expression, Vanessa couldn’t resist teasing him. "Oh? So you’re only being this attentive because I’m carrying your child? If I weren’t pregnant, you wouldn’t care, would you?"

His eyes widened in mock offense. "You know that’s not true. I’ve always treated you well."

When he caught the mischievous glint in her eyes, he realized she was playing with him. With a low chuckle, he swatted her hip lightly. "Cheeky. Since when did you become such a tease?"

Vanessa laughed, dodging away. "Mercy! I was only joking." Then, her smile faltered slightly. "But… do you think this is bad timing?"

Dominic’s amusement vanished. "What do you mean?"

She sighed. "DR Holdings is just stabilizing. There’s still so much to handle. And… we haven’t even had our wedding yet."

His expression softened. "Is that what’s worrying you?" Leaning in, he pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Don’t. I have everything planned. You’ll have the grandest wedding Sapphine has ever seen."

The truth was, he had hesitated before. Evelyn had meant something to him—enough that he hadn’t been ready to let go. But now that she was gone, Dominic knew where his heart truly lay.

Vanessa had stood by him through everything—his temper, his failures, even when he didn’t deserve her loyalty.

She’s the one I want.

Pulling her into his arms, he murmured, "I know these past months haven’t been easy for you."

Her breath hitched. The words struck deeper than she expected.

"So you were aware?" she muttered, pouting. "I thought you were completely oblivious."

"Of course I knew." His grip tightened. "And I’m sorry. I’ll make it up to you—I promise."

Vanessa tilted her head up, meeting his gaze. "Better not break that promise."

"Never." The certainty in his voice made her heart flutter.

As she laughed, Dominic felt a familiar warmth spread through him. Between the factory chaos and their time apart, it had been too long since he’d held her like this.

Too long since he’d reminded her—and himself—just how much she meant to him.