Chapter 277

Dominic wrenched his hand free from Vanessa's grasp with a sharp exhale.

"It's over, Vanessa. We both know there's no returning to what we once had. Starting fresh isn't an option anymore." His voice was firm, his gaze dropping pointedly to her stomach.

"We should consider terminating this pregnancy."

Vanessa recoiled as if struck. This wasn't the Dominic she knew—the man who adored children, who had once cradled her belly with tender anticipation. Now, he spoke of abortion with chilling detachment. It wasn't just the child he was rejecting—it was her.

But Vanessa refused to let him dictate the end. If anyone was walking away, it would be on her terms. After all she'd sacrificed—years of her youth, her ambitions—how dare he be the one to sever their bond?

"Fine. But if I do keep it," she hissed, "you'll pay every cent of child support. Though..." She paused, meeting his hardened stare. "You don’t actually believe I want this, do you?"

His unwavering eyes made her skin prickle. Guilt flickered in her chest, but it was drowned out by resentment.

"Dominic Reeves, you’re heartless."

"We’ve come this far, Vanessa. I won’t deny my mistakes—but don’t pretend yours don’t exist." His voice turned razor-sharp. "Did you think I’d never uncover what you did to Evelyn?"

The accusation hung between them. He’d always known, hadn’t he? He’d simply chosen blindness, wrapped in his obsession with Vanessa. Now, clarity was brutal. His mother had been right—his judgment in women was catastrophically flawed. The only question left was whether it was too late to mend the damage.

"So that’s it?" Vanessa’s laugh was jagged. "You regret me? Regret choosing me over Evelyn? Admit it!"

Dominic didn’t flinch. "Yes."

The word was a guillotine.

"I regret it all. I failed Evelyn. And now, I’ve failed you too." His voice softened, but the resolve didn’t waver. "I can’t give you what you need. Let’s end this before we destroy each other completely."

Vanessa stared at him like he’d sprouted horns. "This isn’t you. Who got to you?" Her nails dug into her palms. "Was it Evelyn? Did she slither back into your life?"

It was the only explanation. Why else would Dominic dredge up the past? That witch. First Lucien, now Dominic. She’s stealing everything from me.

Dominic exhaled impatiently. "This has nothing to do with her. Stop deluding yourself."

But Vanessa was beyond reason. Rage twisted her delicate features into something feral.

"Fine, Dominic. If this is how you want it—remember, I’m the one leaving you. Go crawl back to Evelyn. But mark my words—you’ll beg for me once you realize what you’ve lost!"

She stormed out, heels cracking like gunshots against the floor. Only when silence swallowed the sound did Dominic sag against the wall. The relief was staggering.

Would he regret this? Perhaps. But not as deeply as he already regretted letting Evelyn go.

The next time Evelyn visited the woodcarving shop, the young apprentice was gone. Only the old owner remained, his chisel scraping quietly against oak.