Falling For My Father's Friend

A monument to the old riches and power, the Blackwood estate was a imposing and unyielding one. The glow of chandeliers warm cast their light through tall windows and onto their stone façade. The mansion, in Serena Carter's mind, had always been something out of a dream: Sophisticated and deadly, in the way that only a place which is full of secrets can be impenetrable.

When she got off the sleek black car, the heels she had on made a soft clicking noise on the stone driveway. The air was quite chilly; one could almost smell the leaves on the ground and a fire somewhere in the estate burning. She fidgeted with her emerald-green dress, the satin feeling smooth against her touch.

It was to be a party, Isla told her she had to come. Fins of New York's most powerful men and women with sharp smiles and eyes that see everything. But none of them counted. Not really. Because as Serena steps through the grand door and into the opulent foyer, her eyes automatically seek out the one man who has been on her mind for the past few years.

Dominic Blackwood.

He was by the staircase talking to a group of men. However, even when surrounded by important and influential people, he still got everyone's attention. It was like he was a magnet that made everyone around him turn their eyes to him. He was quite a sharp-dressed man in a black suit and his grey hair gave him the look of a man who is ready to lead. The more years he has, the more wrinkles he gets, but somehow it only makes him look like he's become an interesting character.

And yet, he can't be read, very unreadable.

"Serena!"

Serena heard a voice behind her, before she could react, Isla threw her arms around her, pulling her into a tight and embrace. Isla's red hair fell over her shoulder as she smiled sweetly, her emerald-green eyes bright with excitement.

They broke the embrace and Isla looked at Serena from head to toe.

"You look stunning and you made it," Isla said, squeezing her hand gently. "For a moment, I thought you'd cancel."

Serena smiled, even though her heart was still pounding. " I can't let you have all the fun alone. Never"

She kept her voice light, but her eyes drifted back toward Dominic. He hadn't noticed her yet. Or if he had, he made no indication.

Isla linked their arms. "Come on, I want to introduce you to Julian's business partner. He's gorgeous and single."

Serena laughed, shaking her head. "I'm not-"

Suddenly, a deep familiar voice brushed against her skin like skin and whatsoever excuse she had flew away

"Serena."

Her breath caught

She turned slowly, meeting Dominic piercing blue gaze.

Neither of them spoke.

His lips curving into something that's quite not a smile

"It's been a while." He said.

Serena swallowed hard, her fingers pinching against themselves. "Yes, it has."

Isla beamed at her father, oblivious to the tension crackling in the air

"Dad, I was just telling Serena about Julian's friend -"

Dominic's gaze didn't leave Serena. "Is that so?"

Serena shook her head, forcing a small smile on her lips "Isla's matchmaking attempts have only gotten stronger over the years.

"Some things never change," he whispered, his voice low.

Isla dragged her away before she could utter a word, chattering about Introductions and drinks. But Serena could still feel Dominic's gaze on her back – unshakeable, as she allowed herself to be led into the crowd.

The party then proceeded into the majestic foyer, which overlooked the Blackwood estate's vast lawn.

Serena tried to focus

"Focus, Serena. Just breathe."

But no matter how hard she tried, it was useless, she couldn't silence the past. Or him.

As if fate was at work, she felt him before she saw him.

Dominic.

He was standing so close enough to her, that she could catch the faintest scent of his cologne; a warm and earthy scent that totally fit his personality.

"You seem lost in thought."

She breathed, letting out a sharp sigh as she turned to lock eyes with him, titling her head slightly to one side.

"Just... taking it all in."

His gaze dropped briefly to the champagne glass she was holding. "You never used to drink."

Serena gave a small, almost sheepish shrug. "I don't, really. Just... sometimes, it takes the edge off."

A slow nod. "I see."

Silence stretched between them. Not awkward, but charged.

And then, without thinking, he reached out

It was a quick touch, a whisper of a touch which sent shivers down her spine and sparked a fire within her. As he adjusted the dainty delicate bracelet Isla had gifted her years ago, but the moment his fingers danced across her skin, Serena felt a jolt of electricity.

She froze.

So did he.

It should have been nothing-just a simple touch. But the warmth of his fingers sent a jolt up her spine, like a secret her body had no choice but to acknowledge."

Then, as if nothing had happened, Dominic pulled back. "It was loose," he said simply.

Serena nodded, unable to find her voice.

He was too composed, too unreadable. But his jaw had tightened ever so slightly, and that- told her that he had felt it too.

Across the room, Ethan Langford swirled his whiskey, watching the exchange with sharp eyes. Beside him, Walter Hensley leaned in, voice low.

"Margaret's death," Walter murmured. It's going to come out eventually, one can't keep a secret like that hidden forever, right?"

Ethan said, his laugh sounding more like a bitter smirk. "Secrets never do."

The noise of the party had become suffocating. Serena needed air.

She steeped onto the balcony, to feel the cool night breeze but then

"You should be careful out here,"

A voice echoed behind her.

She didn't have to turn to know who it was.

Dominic stepped beside her, his presence impossibly close yet just far enough to be respectable.

"You always did like the quiet," he said, his voice softer now.

Serena exhaled, glancing at him. "And you never did."

Something flickered across his face; something unspoken.

Neither of them spoke.

And then, finally, Dominic looked at her. Really looked at her.

"You've grown," he said, almost to himself.

Her heart pounded.

So had her feelings.

But before she could respond, before she could even breathe, Dominic straightened, his expression shifting back into something carefully controlled.

"You should go back inside," he said smoothly.

"People will notice you're missing."

Just like that, the moment was gone.

Serena swallowed hard, nodding. But as she turned to leave, she knew-knew with absolute certainty-this night had changed something.

Even if neither of them were ready to admit it.

Her fingers brushed the cold railing. Behind her, Dominic hadn't moved. And for one reckless second, she thought about staying. About turning around.

'Goodnight, Dominic.'

She said before she changes her mind, she walked inside-back to the noise, the lights, the illusion of normal.

Dominic watched her go, exhaling slowly.