He Made Her Queen, Then Took Her Crown

Chapter 8: A White-Collar Strumpet

 The following morning, Lena was up early. She dashed into the bathroom quickly, water cascading down her body, and then she dressed in the most exquisite dress she had in her wardrobe. 

 “Looks like someone is about to kick some ass this morning.” a voice from her bed echoed in her ear. She quickly startled in extreme shock.

 “Who.. who’s that?” she asked, almost stammering.

 The guy rose up. Naked. His abs and muscles all over the place. It was Dominic. 

 For a moment, Lena was quickly drawn in and enticed by his build, his muscles, and most especially, his big black wood, staring right at her with a smug, knowing glint.

 “You don’t remember, do you?” Dominic stretched, his voice smooth as silk, but laced with mischief. “You were a mess last night. One too many glasses, a cab ride home... and well, here we are.”

 Lena’s heart raced, her mind scrambling through the blurry fragments of the night before. Bits and pieces came rushing back — the drinks, the humiliation, the silent drive home, and... another face.

 Her face paled. It wasn’t Dominic who had driven her home. It was Rowan.

 “Get out,” she snapped, yanking the bedsheet and throwing it at him, covering herself more out of spite than modesty. “Now, Dominic!”

 He stood, unbothered, sliding into his trousers slowly. “Relax, sweetheart. Nothing happened. You passed out cold before I could even lay a finger on you. I slept on the couch — scout’s honor. But if you’re this worked up over waking up next to me, maybe you should ask yourself why Rowan brought you home and left me to babysit.”

 Lena’s stomach twisted. Dominic slung his shirt over his shoulder, winked, and walked out.

 Still dazed, Lena sat at the edge of the bed, pressing her fingers against her temple.

 Her chest tightened. Memories surfaced. The warmth of Rowan’s jacket around her shoulders, the quiet concern in his eyes as he helped her into the apartment, the moment of weakness where her lips found his, and the hunger that had followed — the kind she hadn’t felt in a long time.

 And now... her world was still falling apart.

 “Why are you doing this, Dominic? Forcing yourself on me? You know I am a…”

 “A married woman?” Dominic asked, his face more stoic than before. He let his belt dangle as he walked towards Lena, his muscles and abs reflecting the perfection of creation.

 “Come on, Lena. Say it, say the truth. You? A married woman,” He said loudly.

 His voice dripped with amusement. “You’re holding onto a title that means nothing. Let’s be honest, Rowan stopped being your husband the day he let the world pass him by.”

 Lena clenched her jaw, swallowing the lump rising in her throat. She didn’t need this lecture, not from him — or anyone. Rowan had been a nobody, a man with no ambition, no backbone, no future. The only thing he’d ever offered her was his last name, and even that felt like charity.

 “He was a convenience,” she muttered under her breath, more to herself than to Dominic. “That’s all he ever was. A poor man with kind eyes and empty pockets.” She paused, her voice sharper now, convincing herself more than anything, “I never loved him. He was dead weight from the start.”

 Dominic let out a dry chuckle, sliding his belt through the loops, his movements slow and almost mocking. “That’s the spirit. Finally, you’re waking up. I was starting to think you actually missed him.”

 Lena scoffed, standing to fix her dress, adjusting her neckline, regaining her posture like she was putting on armor. “I don’t miss Rowan. I miss stability. I miss not having to clean up after other people’s mistakes. If anything, his absence is the best thing that’s happened to me.”

 Dominic fastened his cuffs and strolled to the window, glancing at the skyline. “Well, you won’t have to miss much longer. About last night…” He turned back toward her, voice shifting to a cooler, businesslike tone. “I had a chat with my father before you passed out. He’s still got his hands deep in Apex Holdings. If you want that project to survive, I can get him on the phone.”

 Lena’s head snapped up, her pride stiffening at the idea of needing anyone — especially Dominic’s family, but reality had other plans. Obsidian Tech was cornered, her reputation was hanging by a thread, and Echelon Eight’s shadow was getting darker by the day.

 “And what’s the catch?” she asked, her voice flat, guarded.

 Dominic’s playful smirk faded, replaced by a steadier, more deliberate look. He stepped closer, his voice softening, but there was a firmness underneath it — a kind of quiet ambition that was hard to ignore.

 “No catch,” he said smoothly. “Just clarity.” His fingers brushed along the edge of her jaw, tilting her chin slightly so their eyes met. “You and I both know Rowan was dead weight the moment you outgrew that sad excuse of a marriage. You’ve never loved him — not really. You loved the safety. The idea of loyalty, not the man. But me?”

 He let the words hang there, his hand dropping back to his side.

 “I don’t want to play side roles, Lena. You’re not built for second place, and neither am I. My father and I — we can revive your project, secure your future. All it takes is one smart move from you.” He paused, his gaze steady. “Marry me.”