Chapter 8: Whispers in the Dark
861 Words
The next day, Dominic was quiet.
Too quiet.
Aria noticed it right away. He didn’t tease her. He didn’t smile.
He just stood by the window in the hallway, staring out like he was waiting for something — or someone.
When she walked up, he didn’t look at her.
But he felt her there.
And after a moment, he turned.
His green eyes were serious.
“I need to tell you something,” he said.
Aria tilted her head.
He took a deep breath. “Marco’s been digging. He knows someone helped you get into my office the night you were caught.”
Her eyes widened.
“But I didn’t say anything,” Dominic added quickly. “No one knows it was me.”
Aria let out a soft breath. Relief.
But his next words made her freeze.
“He’s planning something. And it’s about you.”
---
Later, Aria sat in her room, her heart pounding.
She thought she had more time.
Time to understand the truth.
Time to stay close to Dominic.
Time to feel normal.
But now the walls were closing in.
She took out her notebook and started writing.
> “Do you trust me, Dominic?”
She stared at the page for a long time.
Then tore it out and slipped it under his door.
---
That night, he came to her.
He didn’t knock.
He just walked in and stood there, holding the note in his hand.
“I don’t know what’s happening to me,” he said softly.
She looked at him, waiting.
Dominic stepped closer.
“I was raised to trust no one. Especially people outside the family. Especially someone like you.”
He paused.
“But when I look at you now... I don’t see an enemy anymore.”
She felt tears sting her eyes.
He stepped closer, gently touching her face.
His hand was warm.
Safe.
“I trust you,” he whispered. “And I need you to trust me, too.”
---
That night, Aria couldn’t sleep.
So many thoughts ran through her head.
She got up and walked through the quiet halls of the Romano estate.
Everything felt cold.
Empty.
But when she reached the library — their place — the door was already open.
Dominic was there, sitting on the couch, looking through an old photo album.
She walked in slowly.
He looked up and smiled — a tired smile.
“I couldn’t sleep either,” he said.
She sat beside him.
He handed her a photo.
It was a picture of his mother. Her smile was soft, full of warmth. She looked nothing like the world he came from.
“She used to say love is the most dangerous weapon,” Dominic said. “Because once you care, you’re no longer free.”
Aria touched the photo gently.
Then signed:
[Is that why you're afraid?]
Dominic looked at her.
“I’m not afraid of loving you,” he said. “I’m afraid of losing you.”
---
The next morning, everything changed.
Marco called a family meeting.
Everyone in the Romano family was there — even the ones Aria had never seen before. Men in suits. Women with cold eyes. Guards with guns.
Dominic stood next to Aria, close but quiet.
Marco stood at the front.
“We have a traitor in the house,” he said loudly. “Someone who’s been hiding secrets. Helping outsiders.”
He looked around the room.
Then straight at Aria.
Dominic stepped forward. “If you’re accusing someone—”
“I’m not accusing,” Marco cut in. “I have proof.”
A guard stepped forward with a small silver box.
Inside: a USB drive.
Marco held it up. “This contains footage from the hallway. Three nights ago.”
Dominic's jaw clenched.
Aria stayed still. But her hands tightened into fists.
Marco smiled. Cold and cruel.
“Let’s see what truth looks like.”
---
The room darkened as a projector turned on.
A video began to play.
It showed a figure sneaking into Dominic’s office.
Slim.
Quick.
Aria.
Then— another figure. Opening the door for her.
Tall.
Sharp suit.
Dominic.
A wave of gasps echoed in the room.
Marco turned. “So it was you, nephew.”
Dominic didn’t move.
“Yes,” he said. “I helped her.”
More gasps. Angry voices.
“She’s not the enemy,” he said louder. “She’s looking for truth. Just like we are.”
“You would risk everything for her?”
Dominic looked at Aria.
Then nodded.
“Yes.”
---
Suddenly, everything exploded.
People shouting.
Guards moving.
Marco raised a hand. “Enough!”
Silence returned.
“She stays,” Marco said, voice hard. “But from now on, she doesn’t leave your sight.”
Dominic pulled Aria close.
“Gladly.”
---
That night, Aria stood on the balcony again, the wind in her hair.
Dominic came up beside her, quiet.
She turned to him.
[You risked everything.]
He nodded.
“For you, I’d risk more.”
She signed slowly:
[Why?]
Dominic leaned in, his voice a whisper.
“Because I love you.”
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