Crushed Affections (Dominic and Bella) novel Chapter 10

Bella wanted to ask Dominic why he was there, but the words got stuck in her throat. He wouldn't want people to know they were acquainted in a public place like this.

Seeing the indifferent expression on his face, she pretended nothing was wrong and walked past him into the operating room.

After changing into surgical scrubs and completing the disinfection process, she approached the operating table.

She glanced at Ian Clarke, who was performing surgery on the patient, and didn't seem surprised. The moment she saw Dominic, she knew that the doctor who had been transferred was Ian.

Ian had known Dominic for many years, and he was even a professor at her university once. He was a respected figure in the field, and having someone of his caliber transferred to her hospital was a blessing for everyone.

Ian was also the only person in Dominic's circle who knew about her.

Ian was meticulous during surgery. It wasn't until the operation was over that he had a moment to greet her, "Long time no see. How are you and Dominic?"

Bella was startled for a moment. He asked about her and Dominic together, not as separate individuals, which had a deeper meaning. "Uh… We're both doing fine…"

Ian stretched his shoulders, stiff from holding the same position for so long during surgery, and smiled. "I'm going out to eat with Dominic later. You should join us."

Bella hurriedly declined, "No, it's fine. I have something to do. You two go ahead."

She felt a bit frustrated. It would be a miracle if Dominic was willing to have a meal with her. As his long-time friend, didn't Ian know about the strained relationship between her and Dominic?

Ian didn't notice her reaction and continued, "These past three years have been tough on him. His father passed away suddenly, and with the branch office abroad just getting started, he wanted to come back but couldn't."

Bella didn't understand why Ian was telling her this, so she remained silent.