As Dominic's luxury car rolled to a smooth stop just outside the Evans' modest yet upgraded home on Ardenner maple crest residence, Kirah's heart did a backflip.
"What are you doing?" she whispered, her hand lightly pressing on Dominic's arm.
"I want to say hello to your parents," he said simply, his voice calm but firm.
Kirah blinked. "Now?"
"Yes, Kirah. Why not?"
"I didn't say 'never'—I just didn't say today either."
Dominic chuckled, ignoring her nerves, and stepped out of the car. "Come on. I'll behave."
Kirah sighed, already regretting the eyeliner she chose this morning. Her legs moved on autopilot as she followed him to the door.
Lucky for her, the universe was on her side today.
The house was neat. Her dad was out at his new tailoring shop. Her siblings were not yet home from their respective jobs. And her mom? She was somewhere in the backyard doing laundry.
"Okay, fine," Kirah mumbled, unlocking the door. "Just greet her. Don't charm her, don't dazzle, don't—"
"I get it," Dominic interrupted, grinning. "No billionaire behavior."
She rolled her eyes as they stepped inside. The living room was modest but freshly arranged. Kirah had just done a grocery restock two days ago, and the soft scent of lemon-scented floor cleaner still lingered. Good.
She raised her voice slightly. "Mummy! I'm home !"
A moment later, Mrs. Evans emerged from the hallway, drying her hands with a small towel tucked over her shoulder.
The moment she saw Dominic, her eyes widened slightly. There was a flicker of familiarity, but she couldn't quite place him.
Kirah's stomach twisted.
"Good evening, ma," Dominic said with the kind of warmth that could melt hardened steel.
Her mom looked between them, then responded with a smile. "Good evening… Welcome."
"Mummy," Kirah started, rubbing her palms together nervously, "this is my boss… Mr. Dominic Vierra."
The towel nearly fell from her shoulder.
"OHHH!" she gasped, clapping a hand over her mouth. "Now I see it. I've seen your face on the news. You're the one—" she paused, looking at Kirah, then added quickly, "—the CEO of her company, right?"
"Yes, ma," Dominic said with a polite nod.
Mrs. Evans looked between them again, eyes squinting like a detective trying to connect the dots. Kirah almost burst into flames.
"Well… welcome to our home. You're welcome, really," her mom said, clearly flustered but managing to smile genuinely.
Dominic smiled, too, but didn't overstay. "Thank you, ma. I just wanted to stop by briefly. I'll come back again properly. Today was a little unplanned."
Her mom gave a knowing nod. "No problem. You're always welcome."
With a small bow and a wink to Kirah (which her mother definitely caught), Dominic excused himself and stepped outside.
Kirah followed him, walking him to the car like she was escorting a foreign president. "You should've told me you were serious about this visit."
"I wanted to see the real thing," he replied, reaching for her hand for just a second. "Your mom's sweet. And she likes me."
"She doesn't even know you," Kirah muttered.
"Still," he smirked. "She'll love me in no time."
He got into the car, but not before squeezing her hand again. "I'll see you tomorrow."
Kirah watched the car disappear down Rosehill Street, heart thumping.
---
Back Inside…
The second Kirah stepped back inside, she found her mother standing with her arms folded and a grin threatening to split her face in half.
"Sit down," Mrs. Evans said.
"Mummy, please…"
"Sit. Down."
Kirah obeyed, collapsing onto the couch with the nervous energy of a high schooler caught sneaking in after curfew.
Her mother didn't wait. "Is it him?"
Kirah hesitated, then nodded. "Yes, ma. It's him."
Her mother sat beside her, eyes softening with wonder and pride. "The Dominic Vierra?"
"Yes, mom"
Her mom let out a long, slow breath, then touched Kirah's cheek gently. "You know… when you said you were seeing someone, I didn't imagine it would be the man on TV."
"It just… happened."
Mrs. Evans chuckled. "Nothing just happens, Kirah. This one is God's plan."
Kirah laughed quietly, leaning into her mother's side. "I wasn't even ready for him. Still not sure I am."
"But you love him?"
The question settled in the air between them.
"I do," Kirah finally whispered. "I really do."
Just then, there was a knock at the door. Kirah stood to check, only to find a delivery man holding three large packages—gift-wrapped in luxurious colors.
"For Mrs Evans. From Mr. Vierra."
Kirah blinked. "the fuck"
Mrs. Evans giggled from behind her. "This man is serious!"
Kirah accepted the gifts, heart warm, cheeks flushed. Inside were carefully chosen items: skincare, a new pair of designer slippers, and a beautiful silk scarf in emerald green—
Dominic hadn't come with gifts, but he sure made up for it.
---
Later that evening, after dinner and casual family banter, Kirah lay in her room staring at the gifts. Her phone pinged.
Dominic Vierra: You're amazing. I'd do this over and over just to see you smile like that. Sleep well, my woman.
She replied with a simple:
Kirah: Goodnight, Mr. CEO. You're something else.