Rekindling Flames: Look At Me, Darling

That evening, after ending things with Ethan Hopkins, Allison Roberts found herself nursing her sorrows with alcohol at a local bar.

Later, in a dimly lit corner, she passionately kissed a strikingly handsome man.

As the effects of the alcohol painted her cheeks flushed pink and brought a sparkle to her eyes, the man, with a raspy, alluring voice, suggested, "Should we take this somewhere else?"

Now slightly sober, Allison's gaze finally focused on the man's face. It was Dominic Clark.

Allison initially recoiled but soon extended her arms, clasping her arms around Dominic's neck with even greater intensity than before and melding into his embrace.

Dominic, glancing down, admired her delicate, appealing collarbone and the graceful arc of her neck. His eyes narrowed appreciatively. Allison was undeniably skilled at drawing men in. He had to concede that her physique and features matched his preferences perfectly.

Sensing his intense look, Allison's lips curved into a slight smile. Her lips, emitting a tantalizing scent, neared Dominic's ear until her warm breath tickled his skin.

At that moment, Allison's smile was bewitching, and her voice dripped with allure as she whispered, "Are you interested in me?"

As Allison spoke, her slender hand gently traced down from Dominic's shoulder, her fingers teasing the transparent buttons. Her gaze, filled with unspoken desire, locked onto Dominic.

Dominic swallowed hard, his voice low and seductive, resonating in her ear. "Yes, I am. And you?"

In response, Allison's rosy lips met Dominic's.

Surprised by her forwardness, Dominic tensed for a moment before his embrace tightened, pressing her against the sofa as their kiss deepened.

Leaning against Dominic like a contented cat, Allison was enveloped in the warmth of his shoulder.

"To the hotel," Dominic murmured, his voice husky as he caressed her waist. "I'll have the driver take us."

Dominic was drawn to Allison and didn't mind having a one-night stand with her.

Soon after, the driver escorted them safely to the hotel.

The moment they settled into the car, Dominic's kisses resumed, leaving Allison breathless by the time they reached their hotel room.

Their breaths mingling, Allison clung to Dominic's neck and hung on him, her body soft and yielding. The faint scent of his cologne drew her in, intensifying her attraction.

At three in the morning, Allison woke up suddenly. Dominic was nowhere to be seen in the room. The sound of water running in the bathroom was the only noise breaking the silence.

Dominic had been exceptionally tender the previous night, leaving Allison with a lingering sense of contentment.

Allison reached for her phone on the nightstand, only to find it dead, having not been charged.

Pulling back the covers, Allison got out of bed, leaned over the bedside table, and plugged her phone into the charger.

Allison then turned her phone on. As it came to life, it displayed twenty missed calls, all from Ethan. Without a second thought, she added his number to the blacklist.

Just then, the bathroom door swung open and Dominic emerged, clad in a bathrobe, his skin damp with steam.

Dominic was greeted by a delightful view. Allison, with her striking figure, coupled with her long and straight hair cascading down her back, looked radiant. Her skin appeared even more delicate, flushed pink from their recent intimacy.

Dominic swallowed hard, his Adam's apple moving noticeably, and he blurted out, "Are you still in pain?"

Caught off guard by his directness, Allison felt a twinge of embarrassment. It was her first time, after all. She blushed, admitting softly. "It still hurts a little..."

Dominic's smile broadened, pleased by her words. "Sorry, just bear with it a bit longer."

Allison was puzzled by his words and was about to ask for clarification when suddenly, all the lights went out. She felt his arms encircle her waist, holding her close.

The next time Allison opened her eyes, morning light flooded through the windows and Dominic was nowhere to be seen.

Feeling a bit more refreshed after a warm bath, Allison wrapped herself in a bath towel. Her cheeks were rosy, enhancing her already appealing appearance.

No sooner had she stepped out of the bathroom than a knock sounded at the door.

Allison walked over and opened it to find a waitress standing there, holding a large paper bag. "Mr. Clark has chosen some clothes for you," the waitress said with respect.

Allison accepted the bag with thanks and shut the door behind her.

On top of the neatly folded clothes lay Dominic's business card, a clear signal, understood universally.

Relieved and a bit flattered, Allison considered this a sign that Dominic was still interested in having sex with her again.

Allison pulled out a blue slip dress from the bag. Its waist was fitted, accentuating her figure.

A medicine box also lay there. As her eyes fell on it, her cheeks flushed with red.

The ringing of her phone interrupted the silence. Allison picked it up to find her best friend, Madeline Miller, on the line.

"Allison, how's everything going? Did you make it?" Madeline asked.

Glancing at the business card, the dress, and the medicine, Allison hesitated before responding, "Well, I think I made it."

Madeline's relief was palpable through the phone. "That's a relief. I knew Dominic would like your style."

"You know I'm not concerned about that. I just want Ethan to get what he deserves," Allison replied, her voice quivering with emotion. Had it not been for Ethan's actions, she would never have resorted to flirting with Dominic.

Slipping into the dress Dominic had arranged for the hotel waitress to deliver, Allison was surprised to find it fit perfectly.

Dominic seemed to have an eye for details, a trait sharpened, no doubt, by his many encounters. It struck Allison suddenly that she was now part of that history.

Despite having applied the ointment, a lingering ache persisted. Her legs felt weak as she left the hotel.

Allison spotted the taxi she had booked online waiting at the hotel entrance.

Once inside, Allison called the dance center to request leave, explaining that she needed to visit the hospital urgently.

Unable to attend class in her current condition, she made her way directly to the hospital's In-patient Department.

Allison sought out the attending physician for her father Charlie Roberts. The doctor's expression was etched with concern.

The doctor explained, "Your father's condition has deteriorated since last month. Have you considered transferring him to a different facility? There's a specialized senior sanatorium in Zenvale, staffed with international experts. It could significantly benefit him. The only downside is the cost."

"Do you have any knowledge of the cost?" Allison asked.

"For a patient like your father, who requires comprehensive care, various specialists will need to collaborate on his treatment. It would be about one hundred thousand a month..."