Crushed Affections (Dominic and Bella) novel Chapter 5

Bella slowly began to regain her senses, opening her eyes to meet the deep gaze of the man before her. She had thought he would be asleep at this hour.

The morning light shone through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting dappled shadows across the room. The soft golden glow landed perfectly on Dominic, lending a gentle warmth to his usually stern features. He looked so captivating that she couldn't look away.

Bella was completely entranced. Whether she was five years old or nearly 25, every time she looked at him, her heart would skip a beat.

"Aren't you a cardiologist? What were you doing in the gynecology department?"

Dominic suddenly changed the topic, asking about the day before. Why had she been in the gynecology department with Mandy?

Bella was a bit confused. Clearly, her exhausted mind couldn't keep up with his.

Suddenly, darkness crept into her vision. Panicking, she broke free from Dominic's grip and grabbed onto the staircase railing. "Let's talk later. I'm too tired and need to rest."

Without waiting to see his expression turn angry, she numbly made her way back to her room.

She didn't realize it at the time, but for the first time ever, she had been the one to let go of Dominic's hand. Up until a moment ago, it had always been him pushing her away.

…

That afternoon, the sound of her alarm jolted Bella awake. She reluctantly opened her eyes, still enveloped in a heavy drowsiness.

God knew how much she wanted to stay curled up in bed forever, but she couldn't. She had a private piano lesson to teach that afternoon. It was a well-paying gig, one of the most lucrative side jobs she could find. She couldn't afford to miss it.

After getting ready and applying light makeup, she headed downstairs.

She was cautious in her every movement, only regaining her usual composure when she noticed that Dominic wasn't home.

She was always walking on eggshells around him, careful not to provoke his irritation. But honestly, had there ever been a single day, or even a moment, when he didn't despise her?

It was her first time going to this particular job. After a half-hour car ride, she arrived at an upscale neighborhood. The residents here were wealthy, and their fees reflected that.

At the door of the employer's house, she rang the bell. Soon, a woman in her 40s opened the door. "You must be Ms. Jones, here for the lesson. Come in."