Claiming Her Heart Is a War

Chapter 3 Winston Domingo

The sky was heavy with dark clouds, and the rain poured down in sheets.

In this affluent neighborhood, it was rare to see a taxi. Just as Theodora was about to make a call for a ride, a set of headlights cut through the rain, heading straight towards her.

She stepped aside, but the Rolls-Royce came to a stop right in front of her.

The window rolled down, revealing a man with sharp, well-defined features. His face was almost godlike, and his eyes carried the weight of experience, calm and commanding.

"Get in." His voice was deep, low, and smooth—calm yet full of authority.

Theodora pursed her lips, not one for theatrics, and opened the door to get in.

As soon as she sat down, the warmth of the car surrounded her. But the contrast was stark—her soaked clothes and messy hair against the man's impeccably tailored suit.

He lowered his eyes, casting a brief glance at her. "Where to?"

Theodora gave him an address.

The driver immediately made a turn and started driving.

The car was silent. Theodora thought he might ask why she was out in the rain, but he didn't.

Though the car was warm, she couldn't help but shiver. Theodora instinctively wrapped her arms around herself, feeling the cold seep into her bones.

Then, without a word, Winston Domingo removed his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. Theodora looked up at him, a little surprised.

"Put it on," he said, his tone simple and to the point.

She didn't hesitate, slipping into the jacket. It was indeed cold.

But she couldn't help but think that this man, the cold and distant uncle of her former fiancé, wasn't as heartless as she had once believed.

In fact, it was a stranger—a man she barely knew—who had cared enough to offer her comfort in this rainstorm, while the family she had lived with for eighteen years hadn't spared her a second thought. 'How ironic,' Theodora thought with a bitter smile.

At least now, she didn't need to care about pleasing them anymore.

"Thank you, Uncle Winston," she said softly, more out of habit than emotion.

Winston's gaze shifted towards her, cold and penetrating. It felt almost like a physical touch, and Theodora instinctively touched her face. 'Did I have something on my face?'

His voice broke the silence. "Why are you calling me 'Uncle Winston'?"

Theodora froze. "Aren't you Lance's uncle?"

Winston remained silent, his expression still unreadable, which only confused Theodora further.

'Is it because my engagement with Lance is being called off?' she wondered. 'Does Winston think I don't deserve to address him like that anymore?'

But she kept her thoughts to herself. Theodora wasn't the type to initiate conversation, and the air inside the car, scented with a faint hint of sandalwood, slowly calmed her.

When they arrived, Theodora thanked him and got out of the car.

She was in a prime location, in one of the most expensive areas in the city. She had a spacious penthouse here, a home she'd always considered hers, but now it felt a little different.

After a hot shower, she received a call from Pedri Belbin, her former older brother.

His voice, commanding and sharp, made her stomach tighten. Before she could say anything, he launched into an accusation. "You've got some nerve, running away like that! Have you lost your mind? We've spoiled you too much. That's your problem!"

The venom in his voice only stirred up a tiny ripple of emotion inside Theodora, but she remained calm. "Have you even heard the full story?"

"Chez told me everything. Tania just freaked out—why are you fighting with her?" Pedri's words were like stone, unyielding. "Remember, you owe Tania seventeen years of love! She suffered because of you."

Theodora couldn't hold back a laugh. She hadn't reacted to these kinds of accusations before, but today, she couldn't help but mock. "Ha, really? Back then, I was just an infant. What could I have possibly done? Wasn't it you who mixed up babies and abandoned the real one? Wasn't it you who caused Tania's suffering?"

With that, Theodora ended the call abruptly.

Pedri flooded her phone with more messages and insults, but she blocked him. 'Out of sight, out of mind.'

She glanced at Winston's jacket on the sofa. It was clearly custom-made, at least worth a million. 'I'll have to return it next time,' she thought with a smirk.

She slept soundly that night.

The next morning, after a quick breakfast and a short preparation, Theodora left for the clothing store.

Located in the heart of Benwell's upscale district, the store was a three-story building—a true symbol of status.

Most of the people coming in were wealthy women, accustomed to luxury.

Since Floria's new collection had launched today, the store was packed with eager customers.

At the front of the crowd were Laura and Tania, admiring the window displays.

A beautiful white gown caught their attention, its intricate crystal butterflies shimmering under the lights. It was a masterpiece—elegant, simple, yet dazzling.

This was Floria's genius.

She didn't need complicated designs to create something captivating.

Her clothes had an effortless charm that could elevate anyone who wore them.

Tania, stunned, couldn't stop staring at the dress. "It's so beautiful! No wonder so many people are desperate to get Floria's designs! Mom, you should try it on. You'd look amazing in it!"

Laura raised her chin confidently and nodded towards the manager. "Mrs. Belbin, please follow me. We've saved a piece just for you."

As the manager spoke, the other wealthy women cast envious glances towards Laura.

"How lucky. I wish I could try that one on."

"Too bad, I've been trying to get a spot for a year. You know Floria only accepts reservations a year in advance."

"Seems like Floria really likes Laura."

Laura basked in the attention, her heart soaring with pride. "Is Floria here today?"

"Yes, madam. Let me check with her if she'd like to meet you," the store manager replied.

Laura nodded in satisfaction.

The other women were practically drooling with envy, wishing they were in Laura's shoes.

Meeting Floria? That was like a dream come true. And it seemed that Floria really did like Laura.

Laura savored the moment, her self-esteem higher than ever.

Just a while ago, these women had snubbed her for being a nouveau riche, refusing to associate with her. But now, they were all desperately trying to get in her good graces, and she had Floria to thank for that.

But her moment of triumph was interrupted when she caught sight of Theodora.

Theodora, wearing a hat, was admiring the new collection.

She seemed to be assessing each piece, and Laura felt a stab of annoyance.

Her voice rang out sharply. "Theodora? What are you doing here?"

Everyone turned to look at Theodora.

The manager was about to greet her with a smile, but Laura cut him off, striding over. "This is not the place for you."

Tania, too, seemed surprised. She hadn't expected Theodora to show up here, but it seemed like she had a fondness for Floria's design too.

Tania's voice softened, trying to sound sweet. "Theodora, do you like Floria's clothes too? Mom is going to meet Floria later. Why don't you apologize and stop being so difficult? Mom may take you along and introduce you to Floria."