The Brightest Star

Chapter 7

Dominic decided to bring his work to the library today. I've decided that the library is mine. And the thousands of books? Mine too. While the room is kept clean, free of dust and dirt, I can tell that most of these books haven't been opened in decades. And now, they have a loving owner who will eventually read them all.

"Anna," Dom starts and I look up from my book, "you want anything to eat? I'm going to go grab some snacks."

"Do you have strawberries?" I ask.

"Yeah," he chuckles as he stands, "is that all you want?"

"For now," I reply simply.

He shakes his head and starts for the door. I glance at the stack of paperwork he's been working on all morning. It looks like bank statements and wire transfer receipts.

"Don't be nosy," Marco's voice makes me jump.

"I don't know what you're talking about," I retort. I turn my focus back to the novel in my hand and try to ignore the raging heat creeping onto my cheeks at being caught.

"Sure you don't," he chides. I glance at him over my shoulder and he wears an amused grin. I roll my eyes and turn back to my book.

The library really is gorgeous. Every time I come in here I'm in awe. I keep pinching myself to make sure it's not a dream because I had no idea libraries like this actually existed in real life.

The door to the room flies open and I turn to face it. A woman stomps inside wearing impossibly high heels and a scowl. She has dark red hair, the kind that you have to dye twice a month to keep intact, and her narrowed eyes scan the room. She locks eyes with me and I offer a wave.

"Who the hell is that?" the woman barks. Well that's rude.

"I'm Annabella," I stand and hold out my hand politely, "nice to meet you"

Her lip reels back in disgust, "why is she here?"

My brows furrow. It's one thing to be rude, it's another to act like I'm not even here. But I think it's best if I watch my tongue, at least for now.

"What do you want Bianca?" Marco groans. He pinches the bridge of his nose with a sigh.

"Where's Dominic?" she asks, "I want to talk to him."

"He should be back in a few minutes," Marco shrugs. I glance back and forth between them. The tension in the room could be cut with a knife. God, this is uncomfortable.

"I didnt know he was expecting company," I start for the door, "I'll go to my room."

"Excuse me?" the woman scoffs, "you live here?"

"Just temporarily," I shrug, "I told Dom that it wasn't necessary but he's pretty stubborn."

Her eyes narrow and she strides closer. She flashes her left hand in my face, a sparkling diamond on her finger.

"I'm his fiancé," she informs me. She keeps her hand inches from my face and I have to take a step back just to get some distance.

Her words hit me in the gut. I'm not sure if it's because he's engaged or because he's engaged to this kind of woman. The kind who can only feel good about herself if she puts other women down first. The kind, for the record, that I really fucking hate.

But nonetheless, I slap on a smile. He deserves to be happy; to be with someone he loves.

"Congrats," I smile, "he didn't tell me he was engaged. That's so exciting!"

She rolls her eyes, "this whole arrangement of you living here will not do."

"You're going to have to tell him that," I laugh, "I already tried."