I don't know how long he stood there and what else he heard. Garrick must have seen Dominic, that's why he did this on purpose.
I pinched his waist hard and heard him cry out in pain. His grip loosened briefly and I was finally able to push him away.
As soon as I turned around, Dominic was looking at us. His eyes behind the mask were very deep and without a hint of joy. This was not at all the calm or indifferent look of Dominic as usual, this look was completely different and it contained his anger.
I approached him nervously, gently taking his hand in the hope that it would ease some of his anger. I know I'm the woman he used to get, I shouldn't be with another man right in front of his eyes.
"Dominic, I..."
"Everyone, this is going to be the last dance of the night. It's the ballroom. Couples, enjoy this Christmas ball." As the host of the party said, the couples dispersed and continued to dance together, as if the confession had never existed.
My explanation was also interrupted.
Dominic and Garrick stared at each other, the atmosphere between them not good at all.
This reminds me of the clash between them at the Malibu academy gate more than a month ago.
"Esther, don't forget what I told you."
After saying that, Garrick left immediately, he had no reason to stay here.
I look at Dominic, opening my mouth to say something, but then I don't know what to say.
It wasn't until Garrick completely disappeared behind the door of the dome hall that Dominic's deep gaze disappeared.
His hand took mine and he led me towards the center of the great hall. He didn't say anything, leading me along to the gentle and melodious music. My mind is filled with so many chaotic thoughts, about Garrick's words, Veronica's words and Dominic's recent actions.
It's really frustrating when I'm the only one who doesn't grasp what's going on.
"Have you finished your business at the corporation?" I looked up and asked Dominic.
"...Um"
My eyes darkened when I heard him answer so superficially. I thought for a moment, then asked him.
"Are you mad at me?"
"... No."
"But I do."
This time Dominic finally looked me straight in the eye. He seemed puzzled by my strange behavior. His eyes narrowed slightly, then slowly widened, followed by a smile.
"Is that so? What did I do to make you angry?"
"You're late making me wait for you for a long time. You even ignored me when I tried to talk to you. And then..."
My lips were blocked while I was narrating. The rims of my eyes were already red, and this was the first time I expressed displeasure towards Dominic. I don't know if I'm doing it right, but it seems that my repression has reached its limit and I decided not to hide my feelings anymore.
Can't imagine Dominic suddenly kissing me.
My thoughts froze in that moment. I was imagining Dominic's attitude after I expressed my frank attitude. Maybe he'll get angry and leave me here, or he'll coldly tell me to go away, or he'll show no emotion at all and think I'm just talking nonsense.
However, all my assumptions were wrong.
Dominic kissed me anyway, his kiss was so passionate, he even squeezed my chin a little and made me open my mouth, then he slid his tongue inside my mouth. Our tongues entwined, a wet kiss that made anyone who saw it blush.
The music is still playing and people are still laughing and talking, but for me now, there is no sound enough to make me wonder anymore. I don't know how long our kiss lasted, until I heard some whispers.
"So many couples confessing their love tonight."
"That girl seems to be the girl who just got hugged by a guy, why is she kissing another guy now? Both guys are so hot. It's not fair."
"I want to kiss too. Christmas Eve is wonderful."
I turned my head slightly and stopped kissing Dominic. Some couples are also hugging and kissing, which eases my shyness somewhat.
We looked at each other, he gently rested his head on my forehead, and despite the two masks apart, I could still feel his breath very clearly.
"You're mad at me for so many things." His hand squeezed my waist a little closer to him. "Is this apology enough to comfort you?"
He meant that his kiss was his apology to me.
"Just one?" I asked again.
Dominic laughed and kissed me lightly on the lips again.
"Does it make you feel better about being told what's on your mind?"
"Yes, you're right." I nodded and whispered. "What about you? Do you want to be honest with me?"
"I was so jealous... of your obnoxious best friend." Dominic sighed and said. "You're willing to share with him a lot of things, but not with me."
"You're hiding a lot from me too, aren't you?" I glared at him and pouted slightly.
His fingers brushed my red lips lightly, then he took my hand and left the dome hall. The Christmas ball went on and no one cared whether we left or stayed.
He led me to the academy's royal garden. The electric light poles were lit and we could clearly see the path in the grounds. I looked up at the sky, the night was full of stars and the scenery was like a dream come true.
"It's almost 12 o'clock at night, I feel like Cinderella running away from the ball." I joke.
"You're lucky, because you're Cinderella who ran away with the king."
His way of speaking was full of arrogance and confidence, but I couldn't deny that what he said was true. We sat on the grass together, our hands still clasped together.
"I owe you a few kisses, don't I?" Dominic raised his head to look at the night sky. "And I owe you the last dance at the Christmas ball, too."
"So how do you repay me?"
I look at him, I think I know what he's trying to say.
"Stay with me, I'll spend the rest of the time to repay you gradually."
I couldn't hold back the smile on my lips anymore, I bit my lip slightly, lowering my head and avoiding his hot gaze.
"But are you sure you will treat me honestly and not lie to me?"
"...I can guarantee my love for you is real. But I want you to understand that if one day I let you down, don't leave me. I'll do anything for you, as long as you're with me."