Luna's POV
I went straight to my closet and grabbed a hoodie and baggy pants, which I put on. Honestly, I didn't know if it was appropriate for me to dress like this here, but this was how I had been dressing in the UK for the past four years. Next, I packed my hair into a bun before moving to stand in front of the mirror. Simple, just how I loved it. I nodded my head in satisfaction.
I made my way back to the bed to sit down. I grabbed my phone from the headboard, glancing at it with shaky hands. I desperately wanted to call my parents and inform them that Dominick found out the truth last night, but his threats kept playing in my head. I just prayed he won't do anything to us. I lay down on my bed, immediately hearing my stomach rumbling; I am so hungry.
Last night, I didn't have the chance to eat after Dominick chased me out of his room, and I could barely sleep because of the painful pang. I swear I also heard the unmistakable voice of a woman moaning loudly from Dominick's room, and it went on and on, as if they were having a sex marathon. It actually shocked me; He didn't even care that I was literally next door. And even though I'm not Sol, how could he have sex with another woman!
I still felt pain from last night, but it was bearable now. That wasn't how I had planned to lose my virginity, but it happened anyway, and to a man who didn't even care about me.
My door suddenly jerked open. Alarmed, I stood up from the bed and saw Dominick standing in front of me. I swallowed, taking a step back. He was putting on a red t-shirt that showed his tattooed sleeved hands, and he had on black cargo pants. From the dampness of his hair, I could tell he just had his shower.
"Come here," he pointed in front of the ground, but I hesitated, feeling my heart beating fast. "Are you deaf? I said come here," he gritted his teeth, eyeing me dangerously. I could tell he didn't want to yell out.
I walked slowly like a lamb about to be slaughtered. He rolled his eyes before speaking. "My father is around, and he wants to have breakfast with the both of us. So you're going to go out there and pretend that you're Sol, and we're going to act as though we're a lovely couple, alright?"
I nodded slowly, feeling my anxiety rise because I truly don't think I can pull this off. Just as he turned, ready to leave, I held his hand to stop him. "What about that girl from last night... Who is she?" I asked in a tiny voice. Honestly, I didn't know why I asked that.
He yanked his hand away from me, his green eyes glaring daggers. "It's none of your business. You're going to do exactly what I say, and if you mess this up, I swear I'll break every bone in your damn body."
I recoiled in fear, not liking the sound of his threats. Gosh, I wish I didn't come back to New York; this seems like a nightmare.
"Now, get ready, let's go," he ordered, and I started to follow him out of the room until his voice stopped me.
"Are you crazy or something?" I furrowed my brows at him, not sure of what I'd done wrong now. "You don't think I'm going to allow you to see my dad dressed like a pauper?"
The way he said it and the disgusted look in his eyes made me feel so small and insecure. And although my parents may not be billionaires like him, we could afford luxurious dresses; I just preferred dressing simple. Why was it so hard for him to be nice?
"Go change, come on, I'm waiting for you."
I nodded my head slowly and went into the walk-in closet to find a dress. It was a knee-length simple floral gown, nothing out of the ordinary. I quickly took off my pants and hoodie and slipped on the dress before going to the room to meet Dominick.
He drew in a heavy sigh, shaking his head. I guessed he wasn't impressed. "Is this the best you can do?" I opened my mouth to try and tell him that I'd change into another dress, but nothing came out. I hated this about myself; I found it hard to always speak my mind.
"You're such a weirdo," he shook his head before motioning me with his hand to follow him. I stiffened, feeling a little anxious when his strong arm held mine as he led the way.
We arrived at the large dining hall where a man of about fifty-something years was sitting. I could tell from the resemblance to Dominick that this was his father; I also remembered I had seen him at the wedding. He had the same green eyes as his son, brown hair, although he his silver lining, and he was also handsome.
Sitting from his left across him was a young woman, probably in her mid-thirties. She had long black hair, high cheekbones, and hazel eyes; she looked sophisticated and luxurious. I saw a look of disgust as she eyed me up and down. Who is she? She doesn't seem to like Sol.
Dominick looked at me with a smile, and I knew he was acting in front of his dad now. "Hun, say hello to dad; prior to the wedding, I've introduced you to him once."
I nodded my head and met his dad's gaze, but froze on the spot speechless when I sighted the hardness in his gaze. Why was he looking at me that way?
"Hell...." I opened my mouth to say something, but nothing came out. His eyes narrowed slightly, and I wanted to run and hide, but I just stood there. I felt Dominick nudging me slightly with his arm.
"Are you crazy right now?" he whispered to me, although he was still smiling, I could tell he was pissed now. "Say something."
"Hello...Mr. Phoenix," I bowed my head slowly.
"It's alright, my dear; I know you're probably tired after last night. Come and sit down." His father chuckled, gesturing at us to take a seat.
"Aren't you going to introduce us?" The lady raised a brow at Dominick, but he didn't reply, only glared at her. She suddenly chuckled, running her manicured fingers through her hair. "It's alright; I'll just introduce myself. I'm Dominick's mom, as you know."
My eyes widened in shock; his mom was quite young.
"Stepmother," Dominick returned with fire, causing the lady's face to contort in a frown.
They had a stare-down until his dad spoke with a sigh. "Alright, let's just have our breakfast. Okay."
I was glad that he intervened; plus, I was dying to eat already. I ate silently, not saying anything. They came to inform Dominick that they'd be going on vacation to Italy tomorrow.
"So Sol, I hoped you and Dominick had a swell time last night?" Dominick's dad, Mr. Phoenix asked.
I nearly choked on my food, as I didn't expect the question. I started coughing; thankfully, Dominick passed me a glass of water, which I took and guzzled immediately.
"Are you alright?" He asked, patting my back lovingly. I nodded, taken aback by his gentleness, but I knew he was only acting.
Mr. Phoenix dropped his spoon on the table, his lips contorting in a deep frown. "I don't know, there's something different about you. The first time I spoke with you, you seemed more...."
"Lively," Dominick interjected with a smile. "You see Sol isn't feeling too well. She's kinda under the weather."
His father nodded slowly, but I could tell he wasn't convinced. I swore I don't think I'll survive this.
"I know just what she needs," Mrs. Phoenix chuckled, using a napkin to wipe her lips. "She needs to enjoy her honeymoon with you, Dominick."
Dominick glared at her before moving his gaze to his dad. "I've been busy lately with our business, but I'll make some time to take Sol for a much-needed honeymoon."
"I know just the perfect place," she smiled at Dominick, but I know l she didn't mean it; I could tell from the hardness of her tone. She met my gaze. "Maybe the UK will be the perfect place to go to."
I nodded solemnly; now was the time for me to prove that I wasn't some dumb weirdo. "That would be great; I've actually been living there, and it's...."
"You've lived there?" She furrowed her brows at me. I was confused at the look she was giving until I realized what I had just uttered. "When I first met you at that boutique, I thought you told me you've never been to the UK." I knew she was doing this on purpose. But why?
And just like that, I froze again; I didn't know how to come out from this. My gaze moved from her to Mr. Phoenix, whose brows knitted together in confusion.
"Actually, Sol lived in the UK when she was a little girl. She hasn't been to the UK since then; you must have misunderstood her." Dominick told them and I was grateful for his help.
Mrs. Phoenix chuckled, nodding her head. "You're right. I just remembered it wasn't her; it was her twin sister who lived in the UK..."
My heart almost flew out of my chest.
"Elle!" Mr. Phoenix scolded, glaring at his wife. "Please, respect Sol and don't bring up her deceased sister."
"Oh, I'm sorry, darling, I shouldn't have," she apologized. From her tone she was being sarcastic; she knew something.
After some minutes, they stood up ready to leave. Dominick spoke some more and assured his dad he'd take care of business. Mr. Phoenix nodded at me before leaving with Dominick following closely behind.
Just as Mrs. Phoenix was about to follow her husband, she stopped in front of me and hugged me, whispering in my ear. "It was nice to see you... Luna." She smiled at me before walking towards the door.
My eyes widened in surprise and horror. When Dominick returned, he raised a brow at the worried look on my face.
"She knows... your stepmother knows I'm Luna."