10
Dominic must have been truly furious because I didn’t see him for days after that.
I texted him about finalizing the divorce certificate, but he didn’t reply.
After I was discharged from the hospital, I went back to Blackwell Manor to pick up my packed belongings.
As I was leaving, I ran into Dominic stumbling home, drunk and supported by a few of his friends.
“Sutton, where are you going?” one of them asked, blocking my way when he saw my suitcase.
My expression hardened. “Move.”
Seeing how upset I was, they didn’t press further, but one of them kept a hand on my suitcase.
After settling Dominic on the sofa, they pleaded with me.
“Sutton, Dom didn’t mean anything by that photo. It was just a joke, I swear.”
“Yeah, don’t let this come between you two. It wasn’t serious!”
“And as for Celeste, there’s nothing going on. We can vouch for him!”
Their voices overlapped as they took turns trying to convince me.
These were the same men who had made those disgusting comments in the Boys‘ Group Chat.
Eventually, I lied and said I wasn’t leaving, just to get them out of the house.
Before they left, they handed my suitcase to Dominic.
He clung to it drunkenly, collapsing onto it.
I tried pulling it away, but he tightened his grip and pulled me into his arms instead.
“I’m sorry, Audrey,” he slurred, his breath reeking of alcohol.
“I don’t want a divorce. Nothing happened with Celeste that night.
“And I didn’t mean to push you–I swear!”
His voice was loud enough to make sure I heard every word. He laid out his version of events like a script.
I pushed him away.
“Dominic, you’re pathetic. We both know you can’t get drunk that easily.
“What’s the point of pretending?”
My sarcasm cut through the air.
Dominic loosened his hold on me, looking embarrassed.
