Chapter 4: I might kiss her before I can stop myself
"Let go of me... Let go of me... Ah!"
The guard shoved Alex through the gates with enough force to send him stumbling onto the pavement. He barely caught himself before hitting the ground. Gritting his teeth, he sprang back to his feet and rushed toward the iron gates, gripping the bars tightly.
"Clara! Clara, listen to me!" he shouted desperately.
But Clara was already gone.
Instead, it was Mark who stopped in front of the gate, his expression cold and unbothered.
"Keep an eye on him," he instructed the guards. "If he shows up here again, don’t hesitate. Deal with him before the boss has to."
Without sparing Alex another glance, Mark turned on his heel and walked back toward the mansion.
Alex stood frozen, his mind replaying Mark’s words.
"Hey!" one of the guards barked. "Get lost before I hand you over to the police."
The harsh voice snapped Alex out of his thoughts.
His face darkened with resentment, but he knew better than to pick a fight. Even the estate’s guards were stronger than him, and starting trouble here would only make things worse.
Taking a slow breath, he released the bars and turned away.
But before leaving, he looked back at the mansion one last time.
"I won’t let you go, Clara," he muttered under his breath and furiously disappearing down the road.
***
Meanwhile, inside the mansion, the moment Clara stepped into the room, Dominic followed behind her and shut the door.
Before she could react, he caught hold of her wrist and gently but firmly turned her around to face him.
"What exactly was that outside?" he asked, suspicion evident in his eyes.
(What is she planning now?)
Dominic couldn’t make sense of what he had just witnessed.
Only a short while ago, Alex had been the man Clara wanted to run away with. She had argued with everyone for him, defied her family, and even challenged Dominic repeatedly.
Ever since their marriage had been arranged, she had done everything possible to make him call it off.
She had disrespected the elders during family gatherings, created scenes over trivial matters, and refused every attempt he made to get along with her. Yet Dominic had always dismissed it as immaturity or temporary mood swings.
But today...
She had slapped Alex.
Not only that, she had publicly declared herself Dominic’s wife.
Nothing about her behavior made sense.
Clara swallowed nervously.
Truthfully, she hadn’t expected to slap Alex either.
The moment she had seen him reaching for her, memories from her previous life had flashed through her mind—the manipulation, the betrayal, the lies, and the cruel way he had destroyed her life.
Every ounce of sympathy she once had for him had vanished.
Now, Alex was nothing more than someone she wanted as far away from her life as possible.
Realizing Dominic was still waiting for an answer, Clara forced herself to remain calm.
"Weren’t we already married?" she asked softly. "As your wife... I shouldn’t allow another man to touch me."
Dominic remained silent.
(She’s talking so calmly... Is this another one of her tricks?)
Clara resisted the urge to react.
In her previous life—and even after her rebirth—she had been far too impulsive around Dominic. Every misunderstanding had turned into an argument because she always let her emotions speak before her mind could catch up.
She didn’t want that anymore.
If she truly wanted to change their relationship, then she needed to let her actions prove it.
Taking a small step forward, she shortened the distance between them.
"Everything I said outside..." she began, her voice steady. "I meant every word."
Dominic continued watching her without interrupting.
(I still don’t believe you.)
"I know I’ve caused you nothing but trouble," Clara admitted honestly. "I’ve been childish, stubborn... and unfair to you."
She lowered her gaze briefly before meeting his eyes again.
"I can’t erase everything I’ve done overnight. But... I want to change."
Her voice softened.
"I want to give this marriage a real chance."
She slowly lifted her hand.
Dominic instinctively thought she was about to push him away like she always did.
Instead...
Her fingers gently wrapped around his hand.
The unexpected warmth made Dominic’s entire body stiffen.
(Holy... she actually held my hand.)
His gaze instinctively dropped to where their hands were joined.
(Why are her hands so soft? They’re so tiny... If I hold her any tighter, I might actually hurt her.)
A smile tugged at the corners of Clara’s lips.
She had to bite the inside of her cheek to stop herself from laughing.
His thoughts were so different from the cold expression on his face.
Outwardly, Dominic looked as calm and intimidating as ever.
Inside his head...
He was panicking over something as simple as holding her hand.
(Don’t smile. Stay serious. She’ll think you’re easy to fool.)
(...But why is she smiling?)
(Wait... is she actually... kind of cute?)
Clara’s smile widened ever so slightly.
For the first time since her rebirth, she found herself genuinely enjoying Dominic’s company.
His face revealed nothing. But the thoughts in his head... they were surprisingly adorable.
Should I tease him a little more?
The thought suddenly crossed Clara’s mind, and an amused glint flashed across her eyes.
A mischievous smile curved her lips.
"So tell me, Dominic..." she said as she took another step closer. "Are you ready to fulfill your duties as a husband? Don’t forget..." Her voice dropped to a playful whisper. "Tonight is our wedding night."
She leaned in just enough for her warm breath to brush against his ear.
The moment she did, a familiar yet intoxicating scent enveloped her.
Damn... why does he smell so good?
For a brief second, Clara found herself distracted.
She had been married to Dominic for two years in her previous life. They had shared the same room countless nights, yet she had never been close enough to notice how pleasant his scent was.
Was I really that blind back then?
She quickly shook herself out of her thoughts.
Dominic remained perfectly still, his face as unreadable as ever.
(Holyshit... what is she doing?)
(Why is she suddenly standing this close? Doesn’t she realize what she’s doing to me?)
(If she keeps looking at me like that... I might lose my composure.)
(Control yourself, Dominic. She’s probably teasing you.)
(...But if she stays this close any longer, I might kiss her before I can stop myself.)
Clara’s eyes widened.
She instinctively took two hurried steps back, staring at him in disbelief.
What?!
She had only meant to tease him.
She never expected his thoughts to take such a turn.
Dominic frowned slightly at her sudden reaction.
(Why does she look so shocked?)
(She was the one who brought up our wedding night. Why is she acting strange?)
Clara blinked repeatedly, trying to regain her composure.
Her heart was beating much faster than she cared to admit.
Before either of them could say another word, a knock sounded on the door.
"Master," a maid called respectfully from outside. "Young Miss Hannah is here. She says she’d like to see you."
The unexpected interruption shattered the awkward silence hanging between them.