Armani Dresses

Hey guys, I'm back once again to bless everyone with a new chapter!!! This book is almost coming to an end. I need to rush through this book because I don't want it to be too long.

Anyways everyone knows what to do...

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I barely made it out the hallway before a large familiar yet comforting hand gripped my arm. I didn't turn around but Dominic took it upon himself to pull me back into the office and pushed me onto the leather couch in the corner. He sat beside me and pulled me onto his lap. I never fought against him. Once I felt his arms wrap around my waist tightly, the tears I held back fell instantly and intensely. I pushed my head into his neck and sobbed uncontrollably.

This was all too much for me. The wedding, the double life, the secrecy. I don't know who to trust anymore. Papa was my rock, he is the type of man I am looking for in a husband. Now I don't know what type of man he truly was. I thought he was kind and gentle but can be protective and stern when necessary. Now he was another greedy power hungry business mogul like the rest of these businessmen out here.

Does my mother know, does my brother know? My brother wanted to take over the business more than I did. I wanted to take after my mother. I don't want my brother to become like my father...like Dominic. To think business is more important than morals and family.

No words were spoken through this time. I cried quietly into Dominic's neck and he rubbed my back in gentle circular motions until I calmed down. Eventually, my streaming tears turned into hiccups. I leaned away to face Dominic once I was completely calmed down. He kept rubbing my back until I was okay enough to speak.

"Everything is a lie..." I whispered quietly.

"Not necessarily a lie, more like hidden truths. You're not ready to face the ugly of the world."

"I would rather know everything than nothing at all. I feel completely lost."

Dominic became quiet and deep in thought. He looked as if he was contemplating telling me his secrets he thinks I'm not ready for. After a long moment, he continues to rub my back and shakes his head of the thought of confession. Right now, I wasn't in any position to hear any more secrets.

"People hide the ugly side because that's all people remember. You rarely remember a dream but you always remember the nightmare. Sometimes nightmares are best kept in the dark." Dominic said cryptically.

I always forget how smart Dominic can be. He always knew what to say and how to say it even at the most awkward of times. He wasn't the affectionate type. The only emotions I've seen from him is anger and horniness. But here he is now, rubbing my back and soothing me down with kind words. He was still stiff and his brows scrunched in hesitation but he still kept trying to make me feel better.

This is the Stephan I knew. This is the Stephan I fell for back when I was 16. The question is...he this Stephan stay or disappear forever?

After our cute moment in the office, Dominic decided it was best to take me out of the estate to the city to do some shopping for our upcoming events. I needed outfits for the dinners and parties he had planned for us.

We took a smaller car. His driver/Bodyguard drove the BMW while we sat in the backseat. I barely paid attention to Dominic, my attention was on the ride to town. I haven't been out since I left the castle and even then I didn't take in the world around me. Although I was still under lockdown, this is my first real taste of freedom. The fresh air, the people, the smell of the beautiful blooming flowers...everything I missed I get to see again.

The ride to the shops was decent. I had enough time to soak in the beauty of Genoa before we pulled into a secluded underground garage parking lot. Dominic was the first to get out along with his guard. Weirdly enough he walked quickly over to my door to open and help me out the car. Romantic and respectful Dominic will take some time to get used too.

We took the elevator in the garage up to the main level of the strip mall. It was an outdoor mall with tons of individual stores side by side of each other. They had everything from designer to local boutiques and a few international stores. The mall was packed with hundreds of people. I haven't been around so many people in such a long time that I felt my heart start to race. Being surrounded by people you don't know with a man that has such fame and power in Italy is nerve-wracking. I slipped my hand quickly into Dominic's for security. He shot me a sly smile and I returned it with an eye roll and snark. No matter how nice Dominic has been today, I won't forget how much he pisses me off.

Dominic only took me to the expensive designer stores. I suggested some of the local boutiques that were cheap and had nice clothing but he rolled his eyes and kept walking. I only need 3 dresses; one from when my familia comes, one for the public announcement, and one for the engagement party...if we get that far. I've put the plans to end the marriage on hold for now, just until I figure out what Dominic's endgame truly was.

We stopped in all the designer stores but we spent the most time at Giorgio Armani. It was the only store that had more dress options and 'cheap' compared to the other stores and their prices. Thankfully the store was empty so I had no pressure looking around and finding a dress I felt comfortable in. Dominic sat on their white fur couches by the dressing rooms sipping on expensive champagne while I tried on dresses.

It took a while but once I got 3 dresses I liked, I took them to the dressing room to try them on. Once I had the first dress on, I was nervous about coming out to show Dominic. The dress seemed harmless on the rack but having it on my body...the dress was definitely asking for problems.

The first dress was a custom made off the runway black silk halter dress with a deep plunging neckline and a high leg slit. The dress hugged my body perfectly but the back of the dress was the real star. It was completely backless, with only two thin strings crisscross at the back. The material started perfectly off the arch of my bottom and flowed all the way to my feet. I felt amazing in this dress but I don't think Dominic would appreciate all the skin.

I was surprised I didn't hear him complain about how long I was taking. When I got the courage to come out and show him, I knew exactly why he was quiet.

He was still sitting on the couch but sitting extra close beside him was a mysterious woman. She was beautiful. Big blue eyes, blond full and luxurious hair, big breasted with a slim waist to match. Her smile was beautiful, her posture was perfect...even the unnecessary loud laugh she let out was in perfect pitch. And of course, she was tangled close and personal with Dominic.

Ah...there is the old Dominic. The player who never cared.

It was the guard who noticed I came out and cleared his throat loudly. Dominic turned to look at me and back at the mystery woman before shooting himself out his seat. He seemed guilty and nervous.

"This is what you want to wear?" He announced, clearly dismissing the beautiful woman he was just wrapped around like 15 seconds ago.

"Never mind." I quickly turned back to the dressing room until I heard a click of the heel.

"Dom honey, who is this cutie? She looks so adorable in that dress? What is it for, prom?" The mysterious woman spoke up.

I turned to look at her and gave her the fakest smile that I could. Of course, someone that perfect had to be a complete bitch.

"Prom...that was cute what you tried to do but we both know I am a grown ass woman."

"Ouu, little gattino has paws. Where do you find these temp women Dominic?" (Kitty)

"Temporary woman? Wow, is that what you were?"

"Excuse me little gattino but I have never and will never become a temporary woman. I've always been and always will be Dominic's favorite." She walked over to Dominic and wrapped herself closely to his side.

"That's okay, you've made my life so much easier puttana." I shot both of them a heartless smile and walked back into the changeroom.

I didn't wait for Dominic. Once I was changed I took the three dresses I wanted and walked out of the store. The alarms beeped as I walked out the front door but that was Dominic's concern to handle. I just wanted to get back to the house so I can back to what I came here to do.

Every time I think that Dominic truly wanted me and this marriage to work, he proves me wrong every step of the way.