Chapter forty

Kathy couldn't ignore the fact that she felt somewhat touched by Dominic's initial words. If it hadn't been for Carissa's interference earlier that day, she might have agreed. However, now Dominic's words seemed tainted, and she feared she was merely a tool he was using to push back against Carissa.

"I understand, but do you intend to keep using me as a barrier against Carissa indefinitely?" Kathy asked, gazing up at Dominic with a smile that held a mix of bitterness and sorrow in her eyes. "It's clear that she has strong feelings for you."

Dominic was taken aback, paused to take a deep breath, and eventually shook his head in response to Kathy's questioning look.

"A future between her and me is out of the question. She is incredibly persistent. Unless she has truly given up, I'm afraid we'll remain entangled for the foreseeable future."

"So you're concerned about getting caught up in Carissa's involvement," Kathy nodded pensively, choosing not to inquire further as she focused on he