An Understated Dominance - Chapter 329

Dahlia tried to remain calm, even though Dustin’s cold stare hurt her. “Dustin, I didn’t want you to get in trouble. I didn’t help you so you’d owe me,” she said casually.

“I don’t think what happens to me is any of your business,” he replied sharply.

“I know you hate me, and I know I’ve hurt you. I’ll do my best to make it up to you,” she said, hoping to soften his heart.

“Make it up to me?” Dustin laughed bitterly. “Oh, Dahlia, you think too highly of yourself. Do you really think I care?”

“What do you care about then? Is there anything you need help with?” she asked quietly.

“Sorry. I don’t need anything from you. I just need you to stay away from me,” Dustin answered, his tone cold.

“Do you hate me that much?” Dahlia asked, frowning. She felt a sharp pain in her chest. “Yeah. You played me like a fool. Am I supposed to act like a sad puppy to make you happy?” Dustin mocked.

“I’m sorry…” Dahlia took a deep breath but ended up looking down at the ground.

“Forget it. Don’t give me that sad look. It’s disgusting,” Dustin said harshly.

“I…” She couldn’t find the words. There were many times she wanted to tell him the truth, but she held back. She knew that if he found out, he would go after Luis and might get hurt.

All Dahlia wanted was for Dustin to live a peaceful life. Even if it meant bearing his hatred and being his enemy, she would do it.

Suddenly, she asked, “How are things with you and Natasha?”

“We’re doing great. We’ve been talking about getting married,” Dustin said, his tone deliberate.

Dahlia felt uneasy. “Is that so? Congratulations,” she said, forcing a smile. “Natasha is a wonderful woman. I can see how much she likes you. But you both come from different backgrounds. You need to work harder to be on her level.”

“You don’t need to worry about that,” he replied coldly.

“You’re right. Why am I interfering in your relationship? Anyway, I wish you both the best.”

Dustin had never seen such a gentle smile on her face. “What are you trying to say?” he asked, furrowing his brows.

“Nothing. I just feel like having a drink. Would you join me for a few glasses?”

“No,” Dustin said immediately. “I told you, I want nothing to do with you anymore. From now on, we are strangers. Please don’t bother me again. I don’t want to be fooled a second time!” He turned to leave.

“Wait-” Dahlia reached out and grabbed his arm without thinking.

“Get lost!” Dustin said, annoyed, and shook her off.

Dahlia stumbled and fell to the ground, her hand landing on broken glass. Blood dripped from her palms as the sharp pieces cut into her skin. She frowned but didn’t say a word. The pain in her hand was nothing compared to the heartache she felt.

Seeing her hurt, Dustin started to reach out to help her, but then he froze. After thinking about everything that had happened, he decided to ignore her injury.

“Seems like you really hate me. Maybe that’s for the best…” Dahlia said with a sad smile as she slowly got up. “I’m getting engaged to Luis tomorrow. After that, I’ll be moving to Stonia and starting my life as Mrs. Langford. Today will be our last meeting. Thank you for taking care of me these past three years. I’ll never forget it. People are strange. We often don’t appreciate what we have until it’s gone.”

to your car,” Dustin said, trying to lighten the mood.

As they walked together, Dustin couldn’t shake off the conversation he had just had with Dahlia. He felt a mix of emotions, especially with her engagement to Luis Langford hanging over him like a dark cloud.

“Are you really okay?” Natasha asked, glancing at him with concern.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” he replied, though his voice lacked conviction.

Natasha raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. “You don’t sound fine. If you want to talk about it, I’m here.”

Dustin sighed. “It’s just… Dahlia and Luis. It feels wrong somehow, and I don’t know why. I thought she was different.”

Natasha nodded, understanding his struggle. “People do change, but you have to look out for yourself too. Don’t let this affect you too much.”

“I know,” he said, forcing a smile. “I just need some time to process it.”

As they reached the parking lot, Natasha stopped and turned to face him. “Just remember, you deserve happiness too. Don’t let her choices make you feel less than.”

Dustin appreciated her words, even though he felt a bit lost. “Thanks, Natasha. That means a lot.”

“Anytime,” she replied with a warm smile. “Now, get home and take care of yourself.”

With that, they said their goodbyes, and Dustin watched as Natasha drove away. Alone in the parking lot, he felt the weight of his thoughts surround him. He knew he had to find a way to move on, but for now, he just needed to take things one step at a time.

Luis forced a smile as he thought about going home. He had felt good earlier, but meeting Dahlia had spoiled his mood. A heavy feeling weighed on his heart.

After Dustin drove off with Natasha, Luis and a young man with white hair stepped out from the shadows.

“Mr. Langford, it looks like there’s something happening between your fiancée and that guy, Dustin,” the young man said with a teasing laugh.

“Hmph! He’s nothing but an ant. He must be crazy to think he can steal my woman,” Luis replied, his expression darkening.

“Leave it to me, Mr. Langford. I’ll make sure he disappears tonight!” the white-haired young man grinned, eager to help.

As Luis’ right-hand man, he was experienced in dealing with enemies.