Page 40 of Of Oaths and Secrets

“I think she can love you, and you can make her happy. But what do I know anyway, huh? I’m single as fuck.”

“Indeed.” I keep my eyes on my phone, finally giving in to the idea that’s been nagging at me all week. “Before we go home, can we stop at Paws of Hope on Abbey Street? It’s a dog rescue.”

Paolo raises an eyebrow. “Are you giving me up for adoption?”

I flip him off but keep looking straight ahead. “She mentioned when we picked out her engagement ring that she loves dogs. She seems like the type who’d appreciate a rescue.”

“Yes, she does seem like the type to go for sad and broken.”

I glare at him, but he’s focused on the road, a mocking smile tugging at his lips. The drive continues in silence, the tensionbetween us easing slightly as the cityscape gives way to quieter, tree-lined streets. Eventually, the car turns onto a narrow road, and we pull up to Paws of Hope, the sign worn but welcoming.

As we step out of the car, I feel a shift in the atmosphere. This place is a far cry from the world I usually inhabit—no power struggles, no double-dealing, just a place where second chances are given. I push the thought aside as we head inside.

The woman at the front desk gives me a once-over, her eyes widening slightly. It’s clear she wasn’t expecting someone like me to walk into a dog rescue—dressed in a tailored suit, with an air of authority that’s hard to miss. Paolo catches the look and smirks, clearly enjoying the situation.

Paolo grins as we approach the desk. "Don’t worry," he says lightly. "We’re not here to drop him off. We’re here to get his wife a present."

The woman’s expression shifts from surprise to mild confusion before she quickly regains her composure. "Uh, can I help you with something?"

"Yes," I reply, ignoring Paolo’s remark. "I’m looking to adopt a dog."

Her surprise lingers, but she nods and leads us to the back, glancing over her shoulder as if trying to piece together what kind of man walks in looking for a dog as a present.

Paolo leans in, whispering, "You’ve got everyone on edge, you know that?"

I grunt in response, focusing on the task at hand. As we walk through the rows of cages, my eyes are drawn to a small dog sitting quietly at the back of one. Her fur is a soft blend of cream and white, giving her an almost angelic appearance despite the somewhat scruffy, yet endearing, trim. Her round, dark eyes are full of curiosity and a hint of hope, following my every move as I approach.

Her ears, larger than I’d expect for her petite frame, stand alert, slightly flopping at the tips, giving her an adorable, almost whimsical look. She has a fluffy tail, curling over her back like a delicate plume, with a gentle, expressive face with a sweet and soulful expression that catches me off guard. I feel something in my chest tighten.

She sits on her haunches, her small body barely taking up any space, yet she radiates warmth and a calm energy that stands out in the otherwise noisy and chaotic environment. When she catches my gaze, her tail begins to wag tentatively, as if she’s hopeful but not entirely convinced that I might be the one to take her home.

I glance up at the info taped on the door. ‘Pomeranian/Havanese mix. Neutered female, Two years old. Name: Fate.’

"It’s her," I say, more to myself than anyone else.

Paolo peeks over my shoulder. "Fate, huh? Sounds poetic for you, Rafa."

I ignore him and turn to the woman. "I’ll take her."

She blinks, taken aback by the speed of my decision. "Would you like to spend some time with her first? Maybe see if she’s a good fit?"

"No need," I say, my voice firm. "I know she’s the one."

The woman hesitates for a moment before nodding. "Alright. Let me just get the paperwork."

As she walks away, Paolo nudges me. "You’ve got a soft spot, after all."

I shoot him a look. "Shut up."

He chuckles but says nothing more, watching as I kneel down by the cage. Fate’s tail wags a little faster as I reach out a hand, and she tentatively sniffs my fingers before licking them.

"Good choice," Paolo finally says, and for once, there’s no sarcasm in his voice.

I stand up as the woman returns with the paperwork. "Ready to take her home?"

"Yes," I reply, a sense of excitement washes over me. "Let’s go home, Fate."

As we continue walking through the shelter, Paolo nudges me with his elbow. “You know we’re gonna have to buy stuff for her, right? At least the basics. Nora can handle the rest.”

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