Marriage is a lot of things and usually, the reason for marriage determines how strong it’s foundation will be. Love works best in many situations, but in An Understated Dominance, we’re not so sure there’s much of that. What exists however, is something superficial and almost skin to a business transaction. Who wins, who loses? Can’t wait to find out.
This is your sort of book? Then, see the next.
Read Fated to my Timebound Mate
- Part 1: Plot Summary of An Understated Dominance
- Part 2: Main Characters of An Understated Dominance
- Part 3: Thoughts on the Story of An Understated Dominanc
- Part 4: Amazing Chapter from An Understated Dominance
Part 1: Plot Summary of An Understated Dominance
An Understated Dominance follows Dustin Rhys whose marriage is ruined when he’s served divorce papers by the hands of his wife’s secretary. Dustin could hardly believe what was unfolding right in front of his eyes.
Dustin refused to sign the documents unless his wife, Dahlia, came over to ask it of him on her own.
Not one to delay, Dahlia shows up and confirmed her desire for divorce from Dustin. He chose not to argue anymore, neither would he fight for someone who wanted nothing to do with him. Strangely enough, Dustin took nothing from Dahlia as settlement or alimony.
While it all could have come to an end on the matter, Dahlia’s family decided that since Dustin was leaving the marriage, he had to give them something first. Without the receipt of funds, Dahlia’s mother and her brother decided the crystal necklace around Dustin’s neck would do. The end of that conflict only served to strengthen Dustin’s resolve. He was done with the Nicholson family.
Meanwhile, for the reasons that Dahlia cited as the originator of her decision, it turns out she sorely miscalculated this time. Dustin isn’t in the habit of showing off his skills nor his wealth. He had more than enough to prove he didn’t need anyone really.
Rhys, newly single, has to figure out where he wants to go from then on. Maybe it was the fact that something bigger than the socialist world awaited him, or something else, but Dustin’s hesitation of before is completely washed off.
On the other hand, Dahlia would only begin to wonder if she had made the right decision by divorcing Dustin.
Part 2: Main Characters of An Understated Dominance
Dustin Rhys
He is a man, young and incredibly proficient in the field of medicine. Dustin has more than one identity that he uses out in the world. However, there is the possibility that his identities and their hidden status could have indirectly influenced the outcome of his marriage.
In An Understated Dominance, Dustin is forced to move on from the love he’d been very sure would make him happy forever. When he is set aside by Dahlia, there is an undertone that easily makes one confused by their own feelings on it. It’s hard not to see the good fortune he has by getting kicked out early. But the sadness and discomfort for what he had to give up makes for the strangest feeling.
Some of us are skeptical about love and we know it’s a feeling that could change or fade over time. However, it still doesn’t feel great having to see reality catch up with someone good like Dustin. In his shoes, a lot of us would have been just as blind to the fact that love had become conditional.
But how exactly do you test love to know that it’s completely real? Which of those so called ‘tests’ is even reliable?
Dustin is a character that very much highlights the great parts of being human. We follow him through heartbreak and into something more. His experience and success are so grounding that it is hard to picture a different character in his position and handling the same crap.
Dahlia
She is the famous and successful ex-wife of Dustin. She is a young woman full of expectations about what her ideal partner should be. It was unfortunate that Dustin was not right for her. Dahlia may have been swayed by the words of those around her into believing that she was better off away from Dustin. However, she must have held her own notions and dissatisfactions with him, and that made it easier to accept external influences.
But then again, with her family so unhappy about Dustin, how hard could she fight. Nevertheless, Dahlia is indeed a smart woman. Just foolish when it comes to love and loyalty. Dustin was there when her family was in need, but when he needed her, she abandoned him for her dreams.
The author is pretty honest and thorough in the making of Dustin’s character, and I think An Understated Dominance is something to dive into at the earliest chance. But don’t forget to see the next book, it’s pretty solid, too.
Read Fated to my Timebound Mate
Part 3: Thoughts on the Story of An Understated Dominance
I’m not exactly sure what people usually do in a marriage, but I’m pretty sure that you’re meant to love your partner and strive to build a bright home with them. I don’t think you’re supposed to view them as a means of furthering your political ambitions. You probably shouldn’t think of them as a means to an end, financially or otherwise. Or am I being too sentimental?
Isn’t marriage supposed to be comfortable? Like a sort of freedom from the expectations of the outside world and honing love, happiness and comfort in that one person.
An Understated Dominance makes a straight play for a dose of reality. It doesn’t fail to capture the essence of what it feels like to be wealthy and powerful. Truly, the rules do seem different in that situation, and marriage becomes a weapon.
The main character had prepared for a life of simple pleasures and domestic happiness, but all those expectations are turned to ash when, for the first time, he truly sees the kind of woman he married. Illusions are sweet, they let you live in bliss, but it’s only temporary. The fall back to reality is painful AF.
The author is magnificent in the craft of married life. Rotten is what some of these unions are. But I guess everyone benefits from everyone. But Dustin truly deserved better.
The conflicting interests and the selfish desires of other people seem to play a role in deepening the crevice between the main couple.
A marriage is between two people, so why do external forces seem to feast on the matrimony in one way or the other?
Will they survive?
Part 4: Amazing Chapter from An Understated Dominance
Chapter Six
Natasha was livid as she grabbed Dr. Jansen by the collar and yelled at him. After repeatedly telling the fool not to remove the acupuncture needles, he went ahead and did it anyway, now her grandfather was in a critical state.
Dr. Jansen shook his head fervently and tried to push the blame onto Dustin, but Natasha wasn’t listening to his crap. She slapped him and warned that nothing was to happen to her grandfather otherwise, she’d kill him.
Dr. Jansen turned pale as her words fell on his ears. The Harmon family was definitely powerful enough to get rid of him without anyone raising a brow.
At that moment, Dustin entered and saw Andrew’s state. He was displeased that they didn’t listen to his instruction and removed the acupuncture needles.
Natasha began to explain when Dr. Jansen shot forward and grabbed Dustin by the collar. He still wanted to escape blame and Dustin seemed like a convenient scapegoat.
Natasha threw Dr. Jansen off Dustin and pleaded with the latter to save her grandfather. Dr. Jansen was disregarded, and Dustin went to work. He requested certain elements to be brought in a container and told Natasha Harmon that after he finished his acupuncture treatment, she was to open the container which held fried caterpillars, spiders, and cockroaches, then place it in front of Old Mr. Harmon’s nose and mouth.
Dustin began his treatment. With every needle he placed, Andrew’s skin bulged slightly, as though something crawled underneath his skin. This was called miracle needling.
Soon Dustin reminded Natasha of the container. She did as she’d been instructed, holding the container before Andrew’s nose and mouth. Not long after, everyone was shocked as they witnessed a centipede crawling out of Andrew’s mouth and into the container, attracted by the smell.