In The Hands of Dominic

22

On the following day, Dominic and Mike sat outside the house in the garden discussing the present condition of things. On the balcony, Andra was busy with her nails.

"I honestly regret hiding my identity from the onset." Dominic confided in Mike.

Mike was taken aback by his concern. "I can't believe you're brooding over that. I mean, your major concern should be about your dad disowning you."

"Listen, I am worried. But let's look at this scenario. What if this was a real thing and maybe we end up falling in love? Will he disown me for that?"

"That scenario would have worked best if she had a good name. But no, she has a bad reputation. And that is why like every concerned person, your father is against it. If you ask me, what your actions portrayed to the public is that your family applauds or supports such immoral behavior."

"I think the public is always quick to judge, anyway."

A moment passed, allowing them to ponder the situation. Mike sighed heavily.

"I warned you about this." He reminded Dominic. "Now are you having the fun you expected? You thought this was child's play. Now, your actions have put me at a disadvantage. Because you promised to secure a job for my younger sister in your dad's company. How can you fulfill that promise when you're in trouble with your father?"

"Calm down, Mike," Dominic said. Although he knew his friend had raised valid points.

"How can I calm down? If your father disowns you, how are you going to keep your promise?"

"Listen, I believe that my father was just angry. It's expected. He will get over it. I will be angry if I were in his shoes too."

"Hmm. So, you believe in continuing with this charade?"

"Yes. But gosh, the media can be such a pain."

Mike gave him the I-told-you-so-look.

"I told you they will figure out your identity." He reminded him. "Now, see."

"Yeah, you were right."

"You're just fortunate that the rest of the details about what you do for a living is not in the limelight."

"I know, right?"

"Yeah. Look, I just wish you never accepted that contract. Now, it's delaying my sister's employment chance at your dad's company."

"I'm sorry about that my friend."

Mike sighed heavily again as he tried to calm down. "Anyway, how is Mr. Duke taking this whole revelation?"

"I've promised him the contract will go on," Dominic replied. "We have settled, just like me and my father will end up settling." He added confidently.

***

The next morning, Arda woke up and got out for a jog. She focused on her surroundings so she would not miss her residence since she was not yet used to the area.

Being an estate, most people were in their homes or chilling out. You either saw someone driving or strolling by. She passed some other people jogging as well. As she continued on her way, she caught sight of Dominic jogging towards her. He was returning already. She had not bothered to check if he was in the house or not.

They were both surprised to see each other but they jogged passed each other as though they had never laid eyes on one another before. It was almost as though they were sworn enemies.

Andra didn't mind him ignoring her. She didn't care. And Now that his identity was out, she was getting more comfortable with his presence. But at the same time, she saw him as her enemy, especially for maintaining the contract. At the same time, she decided it was fine. This was a contract. They were not friends. It was good that they were staying out of each other's way.