Turns out Edna hasn't left yet. She seemed to know someone was inside, so she waited quietly. I was a little hesitant, but my face remained calm and washed my hands.
When I didn't answer, Edna smiled softly, she stroked her shiny black hair and looked at me in the mirror.
"What's wrong, after eavesdropping, you pretend like nothing happened?"
"I didn't mean to be there eavesdropping. Besides, what you're saying isn't a secret."
"Hmm, that's true. But it's a secret between me and Dominic."
My body stiffened for a moment, but I remained calm and turned off the faucet, wiped my hands, and was about to get out of the toilet. Edna stared at me and carefully observed every expression on my face.
"A more deserving woman should be with an elite man like Dominic, you know that, don't you?"
I stopped in front of the toilet, turning my head to look at Edna. She didn't talk sarcastically and teasingly like before, but just looked at me with nonchalant eyes. That expression of hers showed her confidence, which made me feel uneasy.
"Love is not a competition. I don't want to compete with you." I said coldly.
"You're wrong. Love is war. Whoever gets love wins. And I haven't lost any war."
It's been a long time since I left, but Edna's words are still ringing in my ears. The results will be announced in three days, so I decided to leave immediately. Veronica said she wanted to stay to see the other contestants' performances, so I took a taxi and went back to the hotel alone.
As soon as I entered the room, I had a strange feeling. There was a faint scent of perfume in the air, which was not mine. I nervously took the phone, dialed the number to call the police, and went into the bedroom. It's dark in here, so I'm about to reach out and turn on the light. But before I could do that, another hand grabbed my arm and pulled me in.
"Ugh..." I yelled in panic.
"Hi, I'm a police officer in LA. What's wrong with you? Please calm down and talk to us so we can help you."
"Shh... it's me."
I picked up the phone, the serious voice of the policeman still sounded inside. But now I have calmed down and know that the person holding me is Dominic, so I quickly apologized to the policeman and turned off the phone.
"How did you get into my room? Did the receptionist give you the room card?" I asked in a whisper.
"Um. I have many ways to get in here."
"Ah..." I nodded.
It wouldn't be too surprising if Dominic said he had room cards for any room he wanted to enter. Because with money and power, you can buy anything.
Dominic carried me and lay down on the bed, and as soon as I laid back on the bed, I heard his steady breathing. Looks like he was too tired to fall asleep. I originally intended to talk to him, but thinking that he was so tired and still waiting for me to come back to sleep, I decided to keep quiet. What I want to ask can be asked later.
I don't know if it's because lying in his warm arms is too comfortable, but after a while I also fall asleep.
By the time I woke up from the smell of food, it was already dusk. Dominic had just showered and was sitting at the dining table waiting for me.
"Didn't you get my text yesterday?" I cut a piece of undercooked barbecue and talked to him.
"Ah, I did read it last night. But I didn't reply to you. I assumed you went to sleep."
"...Actually, I'm still waiting for your reply, that's why I can't sleep." I speak frankly.
"Really?" He raised his eyebrows at me. "Okay then I'll pay attention next time. By the way, why is your face so pale?"
"Oh... someone told me the same thing today." I touched my cheek and felt my face go cold.
"Who?"
"One of the judges today."
"Male?"
"Female. A beautiful girl. Same age as you." I pause for a moment and then add. "Her name is Edna."
Dominic's slicing pauses for a moment, then he resumes. But that little pause was enough to make me think about all sorts of things. I ate quietly, waiting for him to say something. For example, explain to me or say something to reassure me.
But in the end he was silent.
This makes me unhappy. Even though I ate a little, I no longer have any taste. If he didn't mean to be honest, I would ask.
"Yesterday I came across an article online. You and Edna were both mentioned."
"You should know that the press always exaggerates information."
"Perhaps you're right. But they exaggerate information based on evidence and facts."
Dominic wiped his mouth with a napkin, picked up a glass of red wine and slowly enjoyed it.
"I'm comfortable with you being jealous, because it makes me find you endearing. But never doubt me."
My hand tightens slightly. I know I should trust him instead of questioning him, but he's clearly keeping me from doing that.
"Let's not talk about this anymore. Being at the corporation is enough to give me a headache." He got up and called room service to have them clear the table and take away the leftovers. "Oh, I forgot to tell you. I have a meeting with some leaders this weekend. You need to come with me. Prepare a modest and discreet outfit."
He can just go into the room, and I sit at the dining table, staring blankly at the empty chair he just sat on. For a moment, I recalled a few things. He once said that I was the bird in his cage, he would give it a beautiful plumage, a good place to sleep and good food, in return it would be his entertainment pet.
Right now, I can deeply feel my feelings.
His love is like that, monopolizing and imprisoning, manipulating my psyche and controlling all my thoughts.
I feel like this is a one-way relationship. I kept engrossed in him, and he sometimes gave me a little love. My hands clenched tightly, my head ached a little. Insecurities once again rose up in my heart.
The results of the first round of selection were quickly announced. It's no surprise that Veronica and I both made it through. Even so, Veronica texted me that she was unhappy and was afraid she would fail the next round of ballet.
I comforted her a lot, I understand how great the pressure of the competition is.
Last weekend, as promised, Dominic and I went to a five-star restaurant on the 100th floor in a beautiful building in downtown LA. I wore a light pink tweed, with pearls and sparkling crystals on it. It matches the pink heels I bought for a hefty sum from Dominic's black card.
"You're my fiancée. People will respect and flatter you. Don't be too surprised by that, don't get too intimate with them. Just be you and keep a relaxed attitude."
"OK." I nodded meekly.
For the past few days, Dominic and I have been talking to each other like we never had an argument. He and I don't talk about Edna anymore, but we both know she makes it impossible for our relationship to be as intimate as it once was.
When we got there, he took my hand and got out of the car and went with me to a fancy restaurant.
From the one hundredth floor looking through the ground glass, I was really overwhelmed by the beauty of LA city. The beauty of LA at night still retains the bustle, the lights in the city sparkle like multicolored stars and the music is resounding in every street. However, when entering the restaurant, those bustling sounds are replaced by melodious piano music.
"Mr. Dominic Arnold, here you are. We are pleased to welcome you." A chubby man grins and approaches Dominic as soon as we step inside. "And this beautiful lady is...?"
He saw Dominic holding my hand, but he wasn't sure what my identity was, so he didn't dare to say it, just looked at Dominic with confused eyes.
"My fiancée, Lady Esther Joan." He pulled my hand up and kissed it lightly. I also cooperated and smiled sweetly at his action
"Oh, Miss Esther Joan. Nice to meet you. This lady is so noble and beautiful as the crystal on your necklace."
"Thank you for your compliment." I smiled politely.
It's true what Dominic said before, the people here seem to want to surround Dominic and me, trying to show how much they admire and love us, even though I've only met them for the first time. It's not just that fat man and many others are like that.
I was a little shy at first and the smile froze on my lips, it felt like my every move was stiff. But gradually, when I got used to their attitude, I became more comfortable, sometimes replying to them a few questions.
"So that's Mr. Arnold's fiancée. She's beautiful beyond imagination. She must be the daughter of the Joan family, the daughter that was brought back not long ago."
"Oh, so it was her. But a few days ago apparently there were rumors that Dominic appeared with a strange girl?"
"That's right, that's what I remember. People say that girl is a professional ballerina and comes from a family more noble than Joan's."
While everyone was discussing, a male oomg voice rang out.
"Sir Arnold, it's nice to hear that you're also attending the event."
An elderly man and a girl approached and greeted us. As soon as I saw that girl, I couldn't hide my surprise.
"We meet again, Sir Dominic Arnold... and you too, Esther Joan." Edna smiled at Dominic, then her gaze slowly turned towards me.
I smiled and nodded in lieu of greeting her.
"Mr Mohini, I remember that our previous project was very successful." Dominic talks to Edna Mohini's father about business. And the two men began to talk passionately about their work.
The parties are like that, it is like the meeting of many investors and entrepreneurs.
Edna and I had nothing to do, so we went to the food court and picked up a few dishes.
"Dominican's fiancée, a coveted title, Esther." Edna was standing next to me, choosing food. Even if I don't want to be near her, I can't tell her to go away.