Chapter 6 Time To Return To The Gingrich Family

• Dominic massaged his brows as his expression grew grim. He took a deep breath and proceeded to end the call.
• He had to return to Yeringham, but it wasn't the appropriate time to make the trip now.
• If he were to head back now, those who thought he had perished in the plane crash would be even more determined to eliminate him, concocting more devious schemes to end his life.
• “Which one do you want? Chocolate or vanilla?”
• Startled, Dominic spun around, his breath catching as he encountered a pair of eyes that seemed to be twinkling with delight. Her smile was as sweet as the milkshakes in her hands.
• “What's wrong?” Calliope asked curiously. “You don't look—”
• “I'm fine,” Dominic interjected icily. It feels like she can see through me. This isn't good.
• He then strode away without looking back. “You can drink both milkshakes. I don't like sweet stuff.”
• Calliope stood transfixed, holding both milkshakes in her hands. A long while later, she bit her lip and ran after him.
• She padded some distance behind him and dared not get too close. His broad, formidable back was an unyielding wall, a barrier between him and the world that he alone claimed as his own. She was tantalizingly close, yet she couldn't traverse the boundary that separated them.
• The day following their wedding was a normal day.
• Dominic left the bedroom to Calliope while he opted to sleep on the couch outside. He relinquished the only quilt in the house to her and made do with a worn and tattered blanket instead. Calliope felt bad and stood in front of the bedroom door for some time. However, she couldn't bring herself to ask him to join her in bed.
• Dominic is right. I need time to get used to the fact that I'm now a married woman.
• She lowered her head as a smile nudged her lips.
• Dominic was said to be aloof and lacking in communication skills but skilled enough to emerge victorious in fights. However, Calliope didn't think he was evil. After all, he had always been kind to her and showed her respect.
• On the third day, she was supposed to pay her family a visit.
• Calliope had been nervous since she woke up in the morning.
• To other families, their daughter's visit on the third day was an important event. They would be looking forward to welcoming their son-in-law, as well as pastries prepared by their daughter. They would enjoy lunch together happily, and the newlyweds would return home before the sun dipped down the horizon.
• However, Calliope's main reason for paying her family a visit was to get her dowry.
• Maximilian had agreed to offer her a hefty sum of dowry if she agreed to take Penelope's place to marry Dominic. That money would be enough to cover her mother's medical bills and her brother's school fees.
• Her wedding took place three days ago, but it seemed that no one remembered the promise they had made to her.
• Calliope pondered over the situation and decided to get the money herself. Nevertheless, she couldn't bring Dominic along as that would expose her lie. There was no telling what Dominic might do in a fit of rage.
• “Dominic, I...” She racked her brains to make up a reasonable excuse so he wouldn't have to accompany her on the visit.
• In the end, she ended up swallowing all her unspoken words and merely said, “Breakfast's ready. Come, let's eat.”
• Dominic was in the middle of a strenuous workout in the yard when he heard her gentle voice. It was like a soothing balm to his soul.
• Calliope had prepared a spread for breakfast. As Dominic walked into the small house, he was taken aback by the unexpected brightness that had engulfed the small space. After the wedding, the place was no longer dusty and filthy.
• It had been transformed into a bright, cheerful abode as Calliope's presence seemed to bring even more warmth to the space.
• Dominic's lips curled into a smile without him realizing it as he sat at the dining table.
• The young lady sitting across from him had a pensive expression on her face.
• He thought about the date and asked, “You should be paying your family a visit today, right?”
• Calliope was astounded, but she kept her composure and held her tongue.