When he said he was moving to another law firm, the Representative reacted as if the world had collapsed.
“Just once, think about it one more time! What’s the reason? What did they offer you over there? I’ll give you anything, I’ll do whatever you want! So please, just don’t say you’re leaving…!”
He abandoned all pretense and desperately clung to him. Watching him so desperate, as if he were about to cry — or rather, with tears actually welling up — Dominic felt nothing. No plea stirred Dominic’s heart. He wanted only one thing, and unfortunately, the Representative couldn’t give it to him.
“Thank you for everything up until now.”
Dominic left the office with those insincere words. Now, he was completely free.
The start date for his new position at the law firm was set for three months later. They clearly didn’t like the fact that he wasn’t starting immediately and had a three-month grace period, but that was the only request Dominic made in exchange for agreeing to the transfer, so they had no choice but to accept it.
Though it was three months, it was actually a brief period for Dominic. There were many things he had to do in the meantime. He was planning to marry Juliet.
There was no need to ask Juliet for his opinion.
Because he also loved Dominic. Juliet had once said he wanted to have children, which was unfortunate, but adoption was an option, so it wouldn’t be a problem.
His Secretaries were busy scouting wedding venues and looking for a new house that suited their demanding boss’s tastes, but Dominic chose the ring design himself.
Dominic spent three days searching for a ring that would suit Juliet, but eventually decided to design it himself and have it custom-made.
The large diamond ring, surrounded by pink diamonds reminiscent of cherry blossom petals, would look perfect on Juliet’s long fingers.
Everything was proceeding smoothly. Even the usually unpredictable weather was pleasant, making everything feel ideal.
The only problem was that he couldn’t properly get in touch with Juliet. While commissioning the one-of-a-kind ring and reviewing the mansions and travel destinations the Secretaries had shortlisted, he tried to meet Juliet several times, but even getting him on the phone was difficult.
—I’m busy right now. Can we talk later?
Every time he called, Juliet would try to hang up in a hurry, and there were countless times when he didn’t answer at all. Dominic felt slightly anxious, but he told himself it was nothing. Unlike himself, Juliet was working at a company, so it was natural for him to be busy.
But as the days of dodging and avoiding Dominic stretched on for nearly three weeks, he could no longer stand it.
“Should I come to your office? What kind of case are you handling that’s keeping you so busy?”
When he finally managed to get through on the phone again, Dominic couldn’t hide his irritation and snapped. Even this was a lot of patience for Dominic. Juliet was the first person he had ever been so patient with, the first person he had suppressed his emotions for.
Juliet seemed to notice this and, after dragging out the silence, finally spoke.
—Can we meet briefly for lunch on Wednesday?
Lunch on a weekday.
It was a time slot more appropriate for a business meeting, but when you’re working a case, finding time even for lunch isn’t easy. It wasn’t the best place or time to propose, but there was no more time to wait. If they were going to get married, Juliet would need time to inform his company and request leave.
“I will.”
Dominic ran a hand through his hair, his voice subdued.
“I have something to give you.”
As he hinted before hanging up, Juliet gave a stiff laugh.
—What is it? I’ll look forward to it.
Hearing his voice eased Dominic’s foul mood.
“I love you.”
Dominic said the words he hadn’t been able to say until now. He smiled, assuming the same words would naturally come back, but they didn’t.
—Yeah… Sorry, I’m busy.
Leaving only ambiguous words, Juliet hung up. Dominic stared at the now-dark phone screen.
Looking at the black screen, he felt a cold, unsettling sensation, like something vile was crawling up his legs. Experiencing this emotion for the first time, he frowned and glanced down, but of course, there was nothing there.
He was stunned by his own reaction and let out a brief, self-mocking laugh. He was Dominic Miller. That kind of thing couldn’t happen.
He was just being overly sensitive.
Dominic brushed off the feeling. After a few restless, anxious days, the day finally arrived.
Summer came earlier to the city than elsewhere. The sun was already shining intensely, but the air was still cool. Dominic walked down the street, the hem of his light coat fluttering in the wind.
He’d woken up early that morning and taken his time preparing. Today was finally the day. A quiet dinner and a proper conversation would have been better, but this would do. Soon, they’d be going on a long vacation together.
A faint smile appeared on Dominic’s lips. The ring was tucked inside the inner pocket of his suit.
It was almost time. As he imagined Juliet’s surprised face upon receiving the proposal ring, his usually stern expression softened. Anyone who knew Dominic would be shocked, but he didn’t care. All that mattered now was the fact that he was going to meet Juliet.
Juliet.
Just repeating his name made all the boredom and frustration evaporate. His life, which had been so monotonous until now, suddenly felt unbelievably sweet. It even seemed like the scent of flowers was carried by the wind, mingled with whispers of love.
It was fifteen minutes after the appointed time when the man entered the private room. Waiting like this. It was a first for Dominic in his entire life.
Juliet, who opened the door and entered, was pale, his shoulders trembling.
“I’m sorry. I’ve been so busy lately.”
Juliet apologized, looking flustered, but Dominic’s heart immediately softened.
“I’m only letting it slide today.”
He made a point of glancing at his wristwatch and added a warning, but his tone was so gentle that anyone listening would think he was joking.
“Yeah, thank you.”
Juliet said with an awkward smile. He looked so pitiful that Dominic decided not to press him any further.
Let’s forgive him since today is a special day.
“How have you been? You look good.”
After the staff brought the amuse-bouche, Juliet spoke first. It was just a typical, empty greeting, but in Dominic’s case, it was actually true, so it couldn’t really be called insincere.
“Is that so?”
Dominic smiled faintly, gazing at Juliet across from him. It wasn’t just Dominic who looked good. Juliet did too. His neatly combed-back hair and perfectly fitted suit gave him the typical image of a business professional, but there was something unique about him. It was Juliet.
Seeing the face smiling at him, Dominic’s lingering irritation completely vanished. Thinking that it couldn’t be helped, he let out a soft chuckle.
“You look good too.”
“I’ve had some good things happen.”
“Really?”
Dominic smiled at Juliet’s habit of constantly avoiding eye contact, as if he had something to say but couldn’t bring himself to say it.
“I’m curious. What happened?”
“How do you think the new firm will be? I heard you’re starting in three months?”
Juliet changed the subject instead of answering. Dominic responded casually.
“Yeah, I have some important things to take care of before then.”
The conversation was flowing smoothly. When the timing felt right, Dominic deliberately leaned back in his chair.
Now, when should I take out the ring?
He was eager to see Juliet’s delighted reaction to the gift he’d prepared. Was this what excitement felt like — something he had never experienced before in his life? Forcing himself to keep his expression composed, Dominic spoke.
“I have something to tell you.”
Juliet, who had been sipping water, turned to look at him.
“Ah, me too. I have something to tell you.”
Dominic kept a relaxed smile on his face at Juliet’s awkward response.
“You go first.”
The slight delay in his confession didn’t seem like a big deal to Dominic in that moment. The important things usually came later.
Above all, today he was more considerate and attentive than he’d ever been in his life. As if he could do anything for the man in front of him, as if he’d accept any offense or rudeness without a second thought.
Juliet, avoiding Dominic’s warm gaze, opened his mouth. He looked away as if he were spitting the words out hastily.
“I’m getting married.”
Except for one thing.