BILLION BUCKS (ENGLISH)

BB.11

Jean's POV:

In the dining room, the situation was gripping. The cold aura from around made me shudder in horror. 

This wasn't like a typical family, who meet and then chat together. They seemed to have their own world. 

When I was with my father and stepmother, it wasn't like this. I was grateful even though I knew that my stepmother just put a fake smile on me, pretending. 

"Um--" Dominic's grandpa broke the silence. 

"So, when are you going to get married?" Said grandpa to the point. 

I coughed at Grandpa's question, which seemed pressing. 

"As soon as possible. In a month, or two we'll be getting married." Said Dominic casually. 

I looked at Dominic, who was still busy cutting beef on his plate. 'How easy for him to play his scenario.'  

I was a little annoyed with Dominic. At least, if there was a scenario, he should give me a slight leak to think about what I should do. It wasn't just sitting around like this. I thought. 

"How about you, Miss..." Grandpa raised his eyebrows, I realised his question. 

"Jean Florence, sir." I answered timidly. 

"All right, Jean. How about you? Did you agree to my grandson's cold request?" He asked me again. 

I was confused about what to answer. Because, yeah... It was so rushed. I also didn't know if Dominic would play the role, lying to his family.

"Of course, Grandpa. I proposed very romantically, right honey?" Dominic looked at me. 

I shuddered with amusement at his words that were so compelling to look romantic. I just smiled as wide as possible. Of course, I haven't crafted anything for this. 

"You didn't ask my permission, Dominic Archer?" The voice of the man who had only been a good listener spoke up. 

I waited for Dominic's answer. I wanted to see the interaction between the son and the father. But in fact, not even a single word came out of Dominic's mouth.

'Hey.. What's wrong with him?'

"Hey Miss, how about going around to have a look at this house?" Grandpa asked me to go out, and I was sure to leave them two. 

***

"How are you?" Adam again tried to start a conversation with Dominic. 

"Stop making small talk with me." Said Dominic coldly. It was clear that he didn't like his father. 

"You're still snippy at me." Adam showed his smirk. 

"Then, what should I do? Ask your permission?" Dominic asked. No, but it was more likely intimidating. 

"Of course, you are my son after all, Dominic Archer. Your blood runs mine if you forget it." There were no kind words from these two stubborn people. 

Dominic laughed at what his father said. 

"And that's what I've regretted all this time. My blood runs yours. I think I've had enough conversations. And I don't need your permission." 

Dominic was about to leave, but Adam's words made him stop his steps. 

"Do you still hate me?" Said Adam, looking sad. 

Dominic turned around, and his lips were printed with a smirk smile. 

"Where is my mother?" Dominic's eyes were filled with anger towards his father. 

"You still think I am the culprit of your mother's disappearance? I thought you were all grown up, Dominic Archer. It turns out you're still childish. You still can't differentiate which one is your enemy and your friend." 

Dominic clenched his fists to hold back the anger so much. He chose to leave Adam and leave the Wilson residence without taking Jean. 

**

Jean was walking alone in the garden. Wilson went somewhere because there was a phone call for him.

They were in a garden with various types of flowers, and there were also citrus trees bearing fruit. 

Jean picked the fruit that had been so tempting in her eyes. "Sweet." Said Jean after eating the orange. 

"You like it?" Said someone from behind Jean's back. She spit an orange from his mouth in shock. 

"Hey, slow down." That person was Dominic's father, Adam Archer and gave a handkerchief to Jean. 

Jean took the handkerchief to wipe her lips which had been sprayed with orange water as she choked. 

"Thank you." Jean was nervous. She was terrified of Adam. 

"Just relax. We can talk like friends." Said Adam with a friendly smile. 

'I don't think he's bad, but what's the matter between them two?'Jean wondered what happened between Adam and Dominic. 

"So? You said your name was Jean Florence? You must have known me. I'm the father of the bastards who are going to marry you." Said Adam jokingly. 

Jean saw it differently. She saw how sad Adam was because of a dispute that Jean didn't know about. 

Jean tried to smile. "Yes, I'm going to marry that bastard."

"You have to be patient with him. Even though he looks stiff and cruel too, I think his heart is so warm if you get to know more." Said Adam, with a smile printed on his face, talking about his only child, who hated him. 

Jean wanted to ask about the dispute between them, but Jean discouraged. 

After all, Jean was just an outsider who suddenly walked into their lives. 

"Where is Dominic?" Jean asked. She didn't see Dominic's whereabouts. 

"Already gone." Said Adam lightly. 

Jean panicked. How could Dominic leave her alone in this strange place? 

"Don't worry, Wilson's private driver will drive you home. Then, I'll take my leave first. I'll come to your wedding with that bastard, even if he doesn't want me to come." After saying that, Adam left Jean.

**** 

The time was already showing one o'clock in the morning. Jean waited for Dominic, who had gone somewhere. 

Jean drove home by Wilson's private driver, Dominic's grandpa. She was annoyed that Dominic left her. But rather than being annoyed, Jean felt sorry for Dominic. He had everything, but underneath it all, he had wounds that no one could see. 

'is his coldness because of his clashes with his family?' 

The sound of a car parked in front. Jean believed Dominic was home. And sure enough, Dominic came with vast strides. 

Jean wanted to throw a thousand curses at Dominic for leaving her at the Wilson residence, but he discouraged it, because Jean saw so many wounds on the man's face. She then approached Dominic to see him more clearly. 

And sure enough, there was fresh blood from the corners of his lips and temples. Not to mention the blue on his cheeks added to the bruises on his handsome face. 

Jean left Dominic and returned with a first aid kit. She took Dominic's hand and led him to the nearest sofa. 

Without saying much, Jean wiped the blood on the corners of his lips and temples. She then put ointment on Dominic's wound and put a bandage on his temple. 

Dominic just watched Jean clean his wound silently. He didn't say anything. 

'Where is the stupid man who called me a b***h with a fierce face yesterday? Where is the annoying guy who always makes my blood boil? Now he's battered. Hah!! It was only his words that were fierce..." Jean paused because Dominic put his head on her shoulder. 

Jean let Dominic lean on her shoulder. She didn't know what to react to. Of course, at this time, she felt pity for Dominic. It turned out that Dominic was as pathetic as she was. 

***

Time went by so fast. Who would have thought that Jean had almost three weeks at Dominic's mansion.

Her relationship with Dominic was arguably no progress and no setbacks. But Dominic's demeanour was calmer, unlike the early days that constantly ridiculed and branded Jean as his b***h. 

Currently, Dominic was in the office. Jean felt bored because she was always in the mansion. She wanted to go out, even if it was only for a moment. She needed fresh air. 

"Just getting out for a bit might be okay. I won't run away. I promise," Jean murmured to herself. 

Jean then walked out quickly, because there was only a maid and the guard at the gate. She chose to go to a public park not far from Dominic's mansion. 

Jean trotted, enjoying the outside world, even if only for a moment. She also saw children playing ball. It was nice after a long period of not breathing the outside air. 

However, her joy was only for a moment after the voice she recognised and missed so much was so close and real. 

"Je."