Chapter 3

The next morning when I woke up, I was alone in the big bed. Dominic was nowhere to be seen.

I gingerly tried to get up, my body aching all over. But for the sake of my mission, I gritted my teeth and got out of bed.

Dominic is a wealthy CEO, very busy most of the time. I, as his substitute, had nothing to do except wait for his beck and call.

This wouldn't do. How could being a substitute be considered a proper job? It's not like Dominic was paying me benefits or insurance.

So, I decided to find a job first.

Hmm, self-reliant people are the most beautiful.

A regular nine-to-five wouldn't work. What if Dominic called and I had to skip work to be his substitute? I'd easily get fired.

I went to a bar, or more accurately, a gay bar.

There were all kinds of men inside. I thought this job would be pretty good.

I said I wanted to be a resident singer, and the owner pointed to the high stage, telling me to perform a song.

This was easy for me. I took a few steps onto the stage and gave them a song and dance performance.

The music was deafening, and the colorful lights flashed dizzily.

I danced passionately on stage. The audience went wild, with many people shouting and some even trying to climb up to hug me.

Lost in the performance, I took off my jacket. The short T-shirt underneath barely covered my waist, revealing glimpses of skin with each movement.

Then I flashed a smile at the audience and tossed my jacket down, causing an uproar.

Of course, I didn't notice that Dominic, drinking with friends in a private booth, had already darkened his face.

Whatever, with so many people in the audience, who was he to judge?

When the song ended, I thought the owner would be satisfied, but he looked anxious instead.

I asked in confusion, "What's wrong? Was the atmosphere not lively enough? Should I do another song?"

The owner quickly waved his hands and grabbed me, looking troubled. Before he could speak, I heard a familiar voice.

"It seems I was too gentle last night."

Dominic leaned lazily against the counter, holding a glass of wine. He took a sip, then walked closer. His breath tickled my face.

I lowered my eyes and said softly, "I don't know how to do anything else. I can only do this kind of work. I'm sorry."

Dominic impatiently said, "Haven't I given you money?"

"But... but," I bit my lip, a stark contrast to my wild performance earlier, "What if you don't want me someday?"

A faint wetness glazed my eyes, making them sparkle even more.

I continued, "I heard people say Ethan White is coming back..."

"Tch, so you're looking for a backup plan?" Dominic laughed, "Finding a new sugar daddy in my own establishment? What kind of person do you take me for?"

"No!" I quickly refuted, then looked up directly at Dominic, my eyes filled with an intense love that couldn't be dissolved, "Actually, I know this place belongs to you. I... I..."

"Why are you stammering? Spit it out!"

So I continued, "I just thought, after you don't want me anymore, if I work here, maybe someday when you come... I could see you from afar."

Dominic's hand holding the wine glass paused. He seemed a bit irritated, "You like me that much?"

I didn't answer, but reached for the glass in his hand. He didn't give it to me, instead pulling me into his arms and bringing the glass to my lips.

I took a small sip, then turned my head and kissed him lightly, laughing softly, "Sweet."

Dominic's eyes darkened, his hand on my waist tightening.

Seeing his expression, I pressed on, hugging his neck. Though my voice was clearly reluctant, I pretended to be calm, "Don't worry, I know I'm worlds apart from Ethan White. After he comes back, I'll leave quietly. I won't bother you two."

"But before he returns, can you... can you love me a little more?"