Chapter 75: Unshakable Vow
Gabrant glared at Shiao Yi with a face twisted in rage and disgust.
"You filthy whore of a man! This place is not for the likes of you! Get out!"
The hatred, the contempt, and the look that treated him like something disgusting—Shiao Yi had seen it all before. It used to feel familiar. But now, with Dominic standing firmly beside him, Shiao Yi didn’t feel even the slightest pain from that cruel gaze or those cruel words. He was happy—because Dominic had stood up for him without hesitation.
Jude took a step forward, clearly about to defend Shiao Yi.
"My Lord, Madam is—"
"Jude, stop."
Dominic cut him off. Jude served Gabrant, and standing up to him could cost him his position. Defiance would take courage—and consequences.
"Even if you are my father, I won’t let you insult Shiao Yi. I am serious. I love him. With everything I am, I will protect him."
Dominic’ fierce words struck with such force that Gabrant, for a moment, actually stepped back.
"Incredible," Gabrant muttered. "You’ve really been bewitched by him that badly. This is just your blood boiling. When you’ve cooled your head, maybe you’ll think more clearly. I’ll give you time. But remember this—and don’t forget it. You are my successor. That will not change."
Then Gabrant turned his glare on Shiao Yi. If looks could kill, it was clear he would have done it without hesitation.
"Dominic is a man being recommended as the next Commander. He could rise all the way to become a Supreme Commander. I won’t let someone like you drag him down. Know your place and back off. Otherwise..."
"Father!"
Dominic stepped in front of Shiao Yi, shielding him. Gabrant didn’t bother to hide his irritation. His heavy footsteps echoed as he left the terrace and stormed out of the estate. Jude rushed after him in a panic.
Moments later, Eline came running in from the opposite direction.
"Madam! Are you alright? The master was just surprised, that’s all. I’m sure he’ll come around in time."
"Eline, thank you. I’m fine, really," Shiao Yi said with a small smile.
Dominic then lifted Shiao Yi into his arms and held him tightly.
"Shiao. I never wanted to hurt you. I’m sorry for my father’s cruel words. But... even so, will you still stay with me? Will you still be my partner?"
"Dominic, of course I will. You’re the only one for me too. The only reason I came back from that empty place inside me... was because you called me back. But I don’t want to be a burden to you. If I ever get in the way, if I become trouble for you, you’re free to leave me behind. I won’t blame you. I never will."
"You could never be a burden," Dominic said. "I told you once before—this house, my name, my title—I don’t need any of it. I can throw it all away. As long as I have you, Shiao, that’s enough for me."
Shiao Yi looked up at Dominic from within his arms. The way Dominic spoke with such clarity, saying Shiao Yi belonged with him—it was so bright, so overwhelming, it made tears threaten to fall from Shiao Yi’s eyes. Dominic gave him love so freely. And He... had nothing to give in return but himself.
So he clung to Dominic, holding on tight.
"Dominic... I love you. I really do. So... let me feel you."
"Shiao..."
Still carrying him in his arms, Dominic turned around and headed up the stairs toward his private room. Over Dominic’ shoulder, Shiao Yi saw Eline smiling gently as she watched them go.
...
"Let me feel you, Dominic."
Shiao Yi, who was usually calm and quiet, sometimes said things that could stop a man’s heart. The words he whispered into Dominic’ chest were like warm air breathing into his soul, and Dominic’ self-control shattered in an instant.
The stairs to his room, the hallway—they all felt painfully slow. In moments like this, Dominic found himself wishing he could use teleportation, like Shiao Yi could. Anything to close the distance between desire and touch faster.
Hearing his father insulting Shiao Yi so carelessly had been hard to bear. Shiao Yi had kept a straight face, acting as if he wasn’t bothered, but there was no way he wasn’t hurt. Bringing him to this house had been a mistake. Dominic should have known there was always a chance his father would come back unexpectedly.
But he hadn’t wanted to leave Shiao Yi alone at the knights’ dormitory either. It had felt unsafe. And truthfully, he hadn’t been able to think of anywhere else. Still, it was clear now—they needed to find a place of their own. Even if it was small, as long as it was safe and quiet, and the two of them could be together, that would be enough.
Most of the people in the house, from Eline to Jude, had accepted Shiao Yi warmly. They even treated him as his partner. That kindness had made it easy to just stay here a little longer, to believe everything would work itself out.
"Whenever I become a burden... you’re free to cast me aside."
That’s what Shiao Yi had said.
Dominic clenched his jaw. No. Never. Shiao Yi didn’t understand just how precious he was.
And tonight, he would make sure Shiao Yi knew.
To think Shiao Yi would say something like that—Dominic felt a sharp pain in his chest. How could he have let it come to this?
Shiao Yi was the only one for him. His one and only. The person he wanted to stay with until death—and even beyond that. Not even death could make him let go.
Even if Shiao Yi ever said he didn’t want to be with him anymore, even if he tried to push him away, Dominic knew deep in his heart: he could never let Shiao Yi go.
Dominic laid Shiao Yi down on the bed and quickly undressed him.