The Hide and Seek Game That Lasted a Lifetime novel Chapter 25

Chapter 15

Chase burst into the room, his fury palpable and uncontrollable.

He had spent the entire day waiting, convinced that Nora would come to him, apologize, and beg for his forgiveness. But instead of the heartfelt apology he expected, what landed in his hands was a legal notice from the Faulkner Group’s attorneys.

The accusation? That he had defamed Dominic and his fiancée.

Ridiculous!

“Nora belongs to me—past, present, and future!” he roared, his voice echoing with desperation and anger. “Dominic Faulkner, you’re nothing but a side piece. A shameless homewrecker!”

“You’ve seen the pictures, haven’t you? She’s already been in my bed. You’re just picking up my leftovers. You disgust me!” His words hit Nora like a slap, stirring a mix of shame and fury that flushed her cheeks bright red.

Suddenly, a tall figure stepped forward, positioning himself protectively in front of Nora.

Dominic’s voice was calm but firm. “I love Nora. Every part of her—past and present alike. Your insults don’t affect me.”

He paused, his eyes cold and unwavering. “If anything, they only reveal how low you’ve sunk.”

Chase’s rage nearly choked him, his breath uneven and harsh.

Nora’s eyes glistened with unshed tears, now burning red from the emotional storm.

That evening, back in the quiet of her home, Nora found herself staring at Dominic’s strong jawline, inhaling deeply as she summoned the courage to speak.

“So… about what you said earlier,” she murmured hesitantly, “maybe we could… give it a try.”

Dominic blinked, caught off guard. “Try what?”

Nora’s cheeks burned with embarrassment. “You said I should give you a chance… so, I’m saying yes.”

Only then did she realize she’d been gently teased when a playful smile curved Dominic’s lips.

Flustered, she turned quickly to leave, only to collide softly against his broad chest.

“You said it,” he whispered, voice low and teasing. “No backing out now.”

Three days later, the date for their engagement party was set.

When Chase caught wind of the news, he froze, unable to process the reality sinking in.

Shock followed swiftly by a burning rage.

She was truly going to marry someone else.

She would never be his wife again.

He squeezed his eyes shut tightly, but the tears slipped down his cheeks regardless.

On the day of the engagement, Nora wore a stunning white cocktail dress. Dominic stood proudly at her side, holding her hand with a radiant smile that lit up the room.

But then, their eyes caught sight of a wedding gown displayed prominently in the main hall—and both of them froze.

A voice from the crowd whispered, “Isn’t that the same gown Mr. Whitmore’s ex-wife wore at their wedding?”

“Shhh! Didn’t you hear? The woman getting engaged to Mr. Faulkner today is Mr. Whitmore’s ex-wife. Looks like he couldn’t handle it and decided to crash the party!”

“Tsk, tsk. Seems the rumors were true. She jumped into Faulkner’s arms right after the divorce. What a move…”

Nora staggered, her body rigid with shock.

Then her phone vibrated sharply in her pocket.

A message from Chase Whitmore:

[Feeling humiliated yet? Call off the engagement and I’ll come pick you up myself.]

She almost laughed, but it was a bitter laugh born of fury.

Even now, Chase acted as if he were her savior, offering her an escape like it was some grand favor.

But at that moment, she was no longer afraid.

Taking a steadying breath, despite her trembling hands, she stepped forward.

In front of everyone, she began to speak, revealing every painful detail of her relationship with Chase.

Why he married her in the first place.

How he neglected her for years.

How Camila came between them.

How he abused her over and over again.

By the time she finished, her legs wobbled beneath her, sorrow crashing through her like a tidal wave.

A warm hand found hers.

Dominic was there, steady and reassuring, his gaze giving her the strength to continue.

“Yes,” she declared, voice clear and unwavering. “I fell in love with Dominic after my divorce from Chase. What we have is real. It’s honest. And it’s mine.”

“If that deserves judgment, then what about Chase? He betrayed me first. He humiliated me, hurt me. What does that make him? A saint? Or just a coward who hurts the woman he vowed to protect?”

A heavy silence settled over the room.

Only the buzzing of her phone broke the stillness.

Without hesitation, she switched it off.

The crowd’s attitude shifted.

Nora watched him rushing about with a mixture of warmth and unease.

“You don’t have to—really, I can manage…” she offered softly.

Dominic gently pushed her back into her chair. “Future Mrs. Faulkner, your only job today is to be pampered. As your fiancé, this is my duty.”

He turned and resumed his tasks.

A lump formed in Nora’s throat.

With Chase, she had always been the giver.

If he was thirsty, she poured him water.

If he was hungry, she cooked.

If he forgot important documents, she delivered them—despite his full staff.

When he was ill, she cared for him day and night.

She had grown accustomed to sacrificing, to serving, to playing the caregiver’s role.

She had forgotten what it meant to simply be a girlfriend.

But now… she realized she could be cherished too.

Her eyes welled with tears as emotion overwhelmed her.

Without thinking, she wrapped her arms around Dominic.

Beneath the gentle mountain breeze, their lips met in a kiss that was tender and healing all at once.

That evening, just as they prepared to leave, they encountered Chase at the lodge entrance.

The moment he spotted Dominic holding Nora’s hand, his face darkened.

“You—”

But before he could finish, his eyes widened in terror.

“Nora, get down!”

Before she could react, he shoved her forcefully out of the way.

She hit the ground just as a heavy sign crashed down.

It landed squarely on Chase.

He collapsed immediately.

Blood bloomed across the grass in a vivid, crimson pool.