From Forgotten Wife To Fierce Queen - Chapter 370: Chapter 370

"Grayson!" Serena wriggled out of Paisley's arms, hopping over to Grayson. The two grabbed each other's hands tight. "I've been waiting for you."
Not long ago, she'd talked to Grayson on their phone watches, and he'd promised to come see her and Mommy off.
"Yeah, yeah! I said I'd come, and I meant it. I won't lie to you—not now, not ever," Grayson said solemnly.
Paisley watched their clasped hands, her gaze softening. She looked up and met Dominick's deep, sorrowful eyes.
"Paisy." Dominick stepped closer, his expression unusually stiff. "Thanks for not leaving without a word this time."
"No big deal. You're still the kids' dad," Paisley said evenly.
"Yeah." Dominick nodded, and as he did, tears fell.
He gave a bitter laugh, quickly wiping his eyes with his thumb and forefinger. Under his shirt collar, his Adam's apple bobbed. He clenched his brows, trying hard to keep his emotions in check.
"We'll see each other again, right?" he asked, his voice shaky and low—so humble.
"Of course," Paisley said with a bright, bold smile, radiant and beautiful.
But that beauty and brightness stabbed deep into Dominick's heart. Because he knew that smile wasn't his anymore—not even a little.
"Paisy, do you still believe in love?" he asked again.
Paisley nodded, still smiling. "Sure I do. Maybe one day I'll meet a guy who makes my heart skip again. Who knows, I might even remarry. Mr. Vanderbilt, you're not so special that one heartbreak would keep me away from love and men forever—I'm no saint."
Dominick's eyes darkened. "Paisley, that's pretty cold of you to say."
Paisley raised an eyebrow, smiling faintly without a word.
Dominick forced himself to look away from her—he was afraid if he kept staring, he'd lose himself completely. He'd cling to her desperately and do something reckless.
Truth was, he'd had that thought a million times, especially over the last two days. He'd thought, 'Why not just lock Paisley up? Keep her here until she gives up on leaving.'
Let her hate him, resent him—whatever—as long as she stayed by his side. Even on the drive to the airport, that idea kept hammering at his brain.
But just a moment ago, he saw her smile—so vibrant, so full of life. He realized how vile and dark he was, realized that if he did it, their future would be nothing but torment and regret.
He wanted Paisley to keep smiling like that. He'd already screwed up once—he couldn't do it again.
Dominick crouched down, his eyes red as he looked at Serena. "Rena, can Daddy give you a hug?"
Serena froze, staring at him. Before she could answer, her little feet were already stepping toward him.
Dominick pulled her into a tight hug. "Rena, Daddy messed up. Daddy lost you and Mommy. Can you forgive me?"
Serena didn't get all this grown-up stuff. She just knew that if you owned up and fixed your mistakes, you were good. "Okay, I forgive you."
The man's body stiffened, his voice choking again. "I love you."
"We're really running out of time. Rena and I have to get through security," Paisley cut in.
Grayson stepped over and gripped Paisley's hand tight. "Mommy, you promised you'd pick me up for summer break."
"Yeah, I promised. Actually, it doesn't have to be summer—weekends work too if you want. Or I can bring your sister back to see you," Paisley said gently. Since the kids' bond was already there, it had to be nurtured.
"Okay." Grayson finally relaxed.
Paisley picked up Serena. "Rena, we're going. Say bye to your brother and Daddy."
"Bye, Grayson," Serena said cheerfully to Grayson. But when she turned to Dominick, she struggled, mumbling a bit before finally managing, "Bye, Daddy."
At that moment, Dominick couldn't hold back the flood in his chest anymore—tears poured out. "Bye."
"Dominick, goodbye," Paisley said with a free, easy wave, holding her daughter as she walked toward their future.
(Main Story Ends, Extras Continue)