Love’s Final Reveal

“Dominick, are you up?”

Just then, Ethan entered the room, happening upon such a scene.

Lola was slightly startled but remained lying on Dominick’s body, not getting up.

She knew Ethan wasn’t entirely devoid of emotional intelligence and believed he should be able to sense what was going on between her and Dominick.

“Ethan, ever heard of knocking?” Lola teased, her tone light and devoid of blame, yet her flickered with a touch of annoyance.

eyes

Ethan paused. He sensed that maybe now was the time to excuse himself and shut the door, much to Jenna’s liking.

But he stayed, casually leaning against the doorframe, watching them.

“Layla, in the month you were away, things with Dominick and me… We’ve gotten pretty close. I don’t really knock before entering his room anymore.” Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

Lola frowned slightly. Instead of leaving, Ethan leaned against the door frame and started chatting. She wondered if her message wasn’t clear enough.

“Really? It’s great you two are patching things up, but Ethan, we…

“Just

Ow, we decided to get back together. So, we’re a couple again, just not officially remarried yet.”

Lola’s words hinted at Ethan to keep his distance from their relationship.

Ethan understood perfectly.

He raised an eyebrow, concealing the emotion in his eyes, pretending to misunderstand. “Well, congratulations to you both then. But honestly, I’m very dissatisfied with Dominick’s previous actions. He hurt you once, and now he thinks he can easily get back together with you? That’s a bit optimistic, isn’t it?”

Ethan played the role of the overprotective big brother, casting a stern look at Dominick.

“Hey, buddy, think you can just waltz back into my sister’s life? Not so fast! Layla’s been the apple of our eye. She’s had a rough time with you, and trust me, I haven’t let that go!”

Ethan’s demeanor was flawless and reasonable, but Lola was growing impatient.

Although it was normal for the two men to behave this way, Ethan’s approach was really dragging her down.

“Ethan, don’t say that. I’ve already forgiven Dom. Let’s not make this harder for him, okay? I don’t want to waste any more of our time. Can’t we all just get along?” Lola’s tone carried an edge of impatience.

Ethan snorted coldly, “That won’t do, Layla. You’re just too kind and soft–hearted. This time I’m by your side. How can I let others. take advantage of you again?”

16:15 Thu, 20 Juno B t

Lola was on the verge of losing her patience, biting her teeth in frustration, yet trying not to show it too obviously, her face a mask

of endurance.

“Layla, what’s wrong? Am I right?” Ethan’s gaze was deliberate and loaded with meaning.

His actions put Lola in the mood to continue with what was planned, and she reluctantly pulled herself out of Dominick’s embrace.

“I appreciate your concern, Ethan, but remember, I’m grown up too. I like Dom, and I’m ready to leave the past behind.”

“Leave it behind?” Ethan’s voice suddenly cracked with emotion.

He marched straight to Dominick. “What have you been saying to Layla, huh? Why’s she suddenly okay with forgetting the past?”

Ethan’s face was dark with anger, and his menacing look was as if he could throw a punch at any moment.

“Come with me! You’re going to explain everything to me today, or I’m not letting this slide!”

Ethan suddenly grabbed Dominick by the collar, pulled him off the bed, and stormed out.

“Ethan? What are you doing?” Lola followed them.

Just when everything was going smoothly, and Dominick had agreed to get back together with her, Ethan had to show up and disrupt everything!

Lola felt irritated but couldn’t show it, utterly frustrated inside.

“You really don’t need to be so angry. I’ve already forgiven him. Why are you still so upset?”

Lola almost wanted to say that her affairs were none of Ethan’s business.

Ethan paused, turning back with a grave expression. “Layla, just stay here, okay? Trust me, I know what I’m doing.

“If you want to get back with him, there are some things I must warn him about. The way he hurt you before, that’s a big deal for me too. I can’t just stand by and let you go back to him without sorting this out!”

Lola stopped, taken aback by Ethan’s words. They were spoken out of responsibility for her. It would be heartless of her to say anything more.

“Are you alright?”

In the garden, Ethan handed Dominick a cigarette.

Dominick relaxed his shoulders, his face etched with frustration. “Are you really asking me if I’m okay?”

He took the cigarette from Ethan’s hands and lit it, a half–smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

“Pretty clever, using that trick to get me out of there.”

Ethan’s actions were deliberate.

He had acted for so long just to snatch Dominick from Lola’s grasp.

Somehow, through all this, they had become like brothers, always there for each other in tough spots.

Ethan, a bit awkwardly, pulled out another cigarette and lit it. “I didn’t do it just for you, you know. I was worried you’d blow your top with her and spill that we know she’s not the real Layla,

“That’d put Layla in way too much danger. I’m just helping Layla,” he added.

Dominick knew Ethan was making excuses for him, but he let it slide with a soft chuckle. “You’re underestimating my feelings for Lola. How could I let my temper risk her safety?”

Ethan pressed his lips. “I’m leaving today.”

“Today? But Jenna just got here, and you’re leaving already? That seems a bit too obvious.”

“Jenna is extremely cunning and sensitive. Even if I leave in a few days, she’ll sense something’s off and might even push to leave with me.

“But I can’t wait any longer. I’m anxious to return and uncover what’s going on. I need to find out where Layla is, whether she’s okay, and most importantly, if she’s safe.”

Dominick’s expression turned sullen. The more he thought about Lola, the more he wished he could just kill Jenna!

“Looks like you’re in for a rough time. Until I track down Layla, you’re stuck dealing with her.”

Dominick dropped the cigarette from his hand and stamped it out with his foot. “I have a plan that might not arouse Jenna’s suspicions.”

“Dom, why aren’t you coming down for dinner?”

Dominick had only been in the study for a quiet five minutes when Lola showed up again.

With patient composure, he explained, “There’s some paper works I need to finish up.”

Lola walked straight in, linking her arm through Dominick’s and pulling him out. “Let’s grab a bite. Health’s always first, right? You can check those documents after.”

Heather noticed the pair descending the staircase and gave a soft cough.

The next second, Ethan came out from the kitchen. “Come on, be Layla’s taste tester. Try out my cooking.”

No sooner had he spoken than he was dragging Dominick into the kitchen.

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