Crushed Affections (Dominic and Bella) novel Chapter 444

The quiet murmurs of late-night conversation faded, and the world settled into stillness.

Early the next morning, Bella heard Pudding's paws patter across the floor as Pudding slipped out of her room. Bella rolled out of bed half-asleep and followed to see what had caught Pudding's attention.

The dog would only respond to her or Dominic.

When she reached the living room, Dominic was seated on the couch, playing with Pudding. He had clearly just arrived. Judging by the time, he must have driven back overnight from his business trip. Yet, even after such a grueling schedule, his tailored suit was immaculate. He always carried himself with the same composed confidence.

Yawning, Bella shuffled into the kitchen and poured him a glass of warm milk. Carla had nearly finished preparing breakfast by now, so the milk's temperature was just right.

Dominic didn't even reach for it when she handed it to him. "I don't like milk. You drink it."

Ignoring his resistance, she pressed the glass into his hand. "Drink it. Milk's good for you. You're always busy running around. You probably don't even get a proper meal half the time."

This time, he didn't argue. With a resigned sigh, he drank it all in one go.

As she heard her phone ringing upstairs, Bella quickly excused herself and returned to her room to answer it. It was Sean calling at the perfect time.

Leaving her bedroom door slightly ajar, she answered the call. "Hello? I'm surprised you're up this early."

Sean's voice had a teasing tone, fully leaning into their plan. "When talking to someone I like, I've got to put in the effort. How else will you know how I feel?"

Bella wasn't sure if this playful banter was too much, but she went along with it, her grogginess dulling her caution. "Stop messing around... Dominic just got back. He's here with me. I'll call you back later today. Maybe we can grab a meal. How does that sound?"