Chapter 23

Dominic and Nina were following a waiter who was guiding them to the VIP area, when suddenly, they were approached.

— Dominic! Dominic! — they turned and the blonde woman, with short, curly hair, and an extremely white smile introduced herself — Brenda Wellington, blogger! — she says, extending her hand.

She was the biggest blogger in the world of celebrities in that city. She was always up to date with the biggest gossip and managed exclusive interviews with great personalities. That's why he gained access to that party, which had strict rules, such as being prohibited from taking photos or recording videos and posting them on social media.

However, Brenda couldn't miss the opportunity to get an exclusive, believing that Dominic's new girl was in front of her.

Dominic didn't take his hand and just said:

— Do you have any problems? — he asks, finding the smile strange for no apparent reason.

— Mr Dominic, first I wanted to say that I am a big fan and that I would like an exclusive interview with you and your new girlfriend. I promise that I will be respectful and will praise all the qualities of this beautiful woman!

She says taking a deep breath, and blinking her eyelashes several times, looking at Nina.

Nina was a little uncomfortable. She was already uncomfortable at that party and was trying to find an opportunity to tell Dominic that she wasn't happy there.

At that moment, she lightly placed her hand on Dominic's chest, making her look at her. Nina stood on tiptoe and Dominic bent down. She cupped her hand in front of her mouth and whispered in his ear:

— Mr Dominic, I'm not feeling well in this place.

Dominic looks at her, worried, and pulls her to a corner, further away from the people.

— Are you feeling unwell? — he asks her and she puts her hand on her waist.

Nina turns her back, thoughtful, and then turns back to him.

— Look, I'm feeling good, but I have to make some things clear. I don't really know what your intention was in putting me dressed like that and bringing me to this party, but the impression you're giving doesn't please me. I don't like people thinking I'm your girlfriend. Our relationship is only professional and I want it to stay that way.

Nina was waiting for an opportunity to tell Dominic that if he had any non-professional interest in her, it would not be reciprocated. And that wasn't the best of situations, but it was an opportunity he had to say that, without insinuating that he was really interested in her.

Because that message would work whether or not he was interested.

Dominic really understood what he said between the lines and he didn't react for a few moments. I didn't expect to receive a rejection so soon. He hadn't decided yet whether he was going to propose the contract, even though he was acting as if he was close to proposing.

— Okay. — he said with a disgusted expression and then turned his back to her and walked.

Nina followed him and he went back to the blogger and said coldly:

— Don't pay so much attention to her. She's just my secretary.

He said and continued walking, not caring if Nina was following him or not.

Nina felt the tone of hostility in his voice. She wondered if what she said made him very angry.

She looked at the blogger and she looked at her with disdain, turned and walked away.

Nina felt alone in the middle of that party, looked around and thought about leaving.

However, right at that moment, he felt two hands touch his shoulders. She froze in place and a bad feeling passed through her stomach.

— Are you having fun, Nina?

She slowly turned her neck, coming face to face with Samuel, who said more:

— You look beautiful tonight. The problem is the company you chose. I'm not happy about this at all, do you hear me?

He raises his eyebrows, looking at her and then walks, entering the crowd.

Upon seeing Samuel, Nina realizes that she really should leave that place.

She walks, looking around, trying to find the exit, when she hears someone calling her.

— Nina Moon, is that you?

Nina recognizes the voice and turns around, confirming that the voice really belonged to Thalia Rocket.

Nina gives a slight smile and Thalia approaches and hugs her.

— My God, it's you, Nina!

— Thalia, it's been a long time since we've seen each other. How are you?

— I'm fine and full of work. — Thalia looks Nina up and down and continues — Speaking of work, you still have an incredible physique! Have you ever thought about going back?

Nina gives an awkward smile and replies:

— You know why I can't... Kira and Rosália...

— Honey, I'm now on the international market. There they have no influence and you can make a lot more money than before.

While they were talking, Dominic arrived at the VIP area, alone. He takes a deep breath and looks back, realizing that Nina hadn't followed him.

He felt more rejected, and besides saying that she had no interest in him, she still didn't follow him, preferring to stay away.

— Dominic! Why that face? — Jared said, approaching.

"Don't bother me, Jared.

— Does it have something to do with your companion? I saw you walking around the party with a beautiful feminine presence. Did you finally propose the contract?

— I already told you that she is not suitable. — Dominic says, staring blankly into space.

— It's not suitable, but you've already filled it with diamonds. Since when do you give diamonds as a gift to a random woman?

— She won't accept the contract. — he says, turning to Jared.

— It depends on how you make the proposal. She really isn't like the other girls. You'll have to change the strategy, Dominic. Maybe even change the contract.

— That's not how things work.

— If it's important to you, you better make it work. Otherwise, he will lose the girl and even his secretary. Do you know who she's talking to? — Jared points to the salon and Dominic spots Nina — That over there is Thalia Rocket, an international model agent. He must certainly be making a very good proposal to Nina.

— She doesn't want to return to her modeling career.

— I heard she can't come back... — Jared says and Dominic looks at him suspiciously — However, I suspect there's nothing stopping her from pursuing an international career.