Miss nobody strikes back

Be brave

Chapter Fifty-Six

Dominic’s POV

    "I know you’re scared because of what happened in the past, but believe me, I married a much better person. Love can be complicated, but it's worth the risk,” my mum said, looking at me with that warm smile of hers. I gave a small nod, trying to let her words sink in. "I can tell she likes you, you know. Both of you are just fighting it, but from where I’m standing, she's a perfect match for you."

    I sighed, running a hand through my hair. I didn't understand why all of this was happening to me now. I didn’t want to fall in love—not after everything I’d been through. And yet, here I was, caught between resisting my feelings and the undeniable attraction I felt for her. Mum’s eyes softened as she watched me.

    "I’ve always dreamed of this day,” she said softly, reaching over to ruffle my hair as if I were a child again. "My son, finally getting attached to someone. I’m so happy. My boy is all grown up."

    A small smile tugged at my lips. "Thanks, Mum. I knew you'd have the answer." I got up, feeling the weight of her words settle in my mind and heart. “I’m going to bed,” I said, trying to escape before she could start asking more questions.

    "Good night, love," she called behind me, and I replied with the same. I left for my room, feeling drained not only from the conversation but also from the tumult of emotions it stirred up.

    When I walked into my room, the sound of rain still echoed against the windows, a steady lullaby that always calmed me. There, on my bed, Hanna was curled up, sleeping peacefully. I watched her for a moment, realizing how serene she looked, and then quietly sat at my desk, resting my head against it.

Hanna’s POV

   I woke up. I sat up quickly, my heart racing as I took in my surroundings. This room was familiar, and then it hit me. Oh no. I slept in Dominic's room. And worse, I was lying in his bed. My cheeks burned as I scrambled to get up, smoothing my hair and glancing around nervously.

    Just then, the door opened, and Dominic stepped inside, carrying a small bag. He looked at me, his expression unreadable.

    “You’re awake,” he said in that calm, unbothered way of his.

    “Yeah… Good morning.” I tried to straighten my hair with my fingers, feeling painfully self-conscious.

    “Essentials,” he said simply, dropping the bag on the bed.

    “Thanks,” I replied, surprised. He was already turning to leave when I suddenly blurted, “Wait! I’m really sorry for the inconvenience last night. I didn’t mean to… I mean, those pills make me so sleepy and…” I trailed off, realizing I was rambling. His intense gaze was on me, and my words just died in my throat.

    “Did I talk too much?” I asked, quickly clamping my lips shut.

    His expression softened, and he shook his head. “It’s not a problem.” He gave a small nod before stepping out of the room, leaving me feeling like my heart was about to leap out of my chest. I sat back down on his bed, exhaling shakily. Get it together, Hanna. He looked so… angelic, almost. But I quickly scolded myself. Snap out of it, Missy.

    I took a deep breath and got up, heading to his bathroom. It was spotless, decorated in sleek blacks and whites with a touch of sophistication—like something out of a Hollywood movie. Everything was so neat, so… Dominic. After I freshened up, I opened the bag he’d left. Inside was a new uniform, folded neatly. It looked exactly my size, and I marveled at how they’d managed that. I changed quickly, pulling on the knee-length socks and slipping into the shoes he’d included, which fit perfectly.

    Before heading downstairs, I took a moment to tidy up his room as a small thank you. Everything in here seemed organized, almost meticulously so, and I couldn’t help but smile as I arranged the pillows and straightened his desk a bit.

    When I finally made my way downstairs, my heart nearly stopped when I spotted Jenny and Kai lounging in the living room. Oh no. They’re going to know I spent the night here. I was about to make a dash for the door when Jenny’s eyes lit up, and she rushed over to me.

    “Hi, bestie!” she chirped, pulling me into a hug.

    “Hi, Jen,” I said, hugging her back awkwardly. I tried to sound casual, “How was your night?”

    “Great! And yours?” she asked, a mischievous glint in her eyes as we both sat on the couch. Kai gave me a polite nod, and I managed to nod back.

    “So… you did spend the night here, huh?” Jenny teased, elbowing me lightly. “Girl, you actually took my advice to heart.”

    I rolled my eyes. “It wasn’t like that. I didn’t want to impose. But his mom is really nice.” I tried to deflect, but Jenny wasn’t letting this go that easily.

    She smirked, leaning in closer. “I know, right? She’s amazing. But enough about that—what happened? Did you two confess your feelings?” Her eyes sparkled with excitement.

    “No! I don’t even know if he likes me,” I stammered, feeling my cheeks heat up. “I’d die of embarrassment if he didn’t.”

    Jenny gave me that knowing smile of hers. “So, you do admit you like him?”

    I sighed, defeated. “I mean, who wouldn’t?” I said, feeling a little defensive. “He’s… something else. Nice, calm, kind, pretty much everything a girl could ask for.”

    Jenny grinned, practically bursting with excitement as I trailed off, lost in my thoughts. She reached over, giving my back a comforting pat. “Be brave, Hanna. Trust me, it’s better to take the chance than to live with regret.”

    “Are you guys ready?” Kai’s voice cut in, and we both turned to look at him. He was waiting patiently, a slight smile on his face.

    Jenny and I exchanged a glance before nodding, both of us standing up. My mind was racing, a whirlpool of questions and emotions. Part of me wanted to listen to Jenny and just put my feelings out there, to be brave like she said. But there was still that little voice in my head, reminding me of all the ways this could go wrong.

    As we left the house, I glanced over at Dominic, who was now heading toward the car with that calm, unflappable look. The rain had finally stopped, leaving the air fresh and cool. I found myself sneaking a glance at him, wondering what he was thinking about.

    In the backseat, Jenny nudged me again, grinning as she caught me staring. I quickly looked away, praying no one had noticed.

    The whole drive was filled with nervous anticipation. Maybe, just maybe, it was time I took Jenny’s advice to heart. But as we drove through the city, one thought lingered: Did he feel the same way? Or was I just another girl in his world?