Crushed Affections (Dominic and Bella)

Chapter 5 Her Heart Would Skip a Beat

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.

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

...

awake. She reluctantly opened her eyes, still enveloped in a heavy

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

every movement, only regaining her usual

careful not to provoke his irritation. But honestly, had there ever

job. After a half-hour car ride, she arrived at an upscale neighborhood.

her 40s opened the door. "You must be Ms. Jones,

playing. It was clear the student was a beginner. It seemed she would need to be patient. When

child-dressed in a pink, puffy princess dress-but the disdain on her face was impossible to ignore. Was this young girl already looking down on her? Yvonne unleashed a barrage of snide remarks. "So, you're the piano teacher my brother chose for me? You're so young. Are you sure you can play the piano? "This piano was my mother's. It's not only expensive but also of great sentimental value. Do you

tested the keys. The instrument was in

so she played a simple, improvised piece. Yvonne's

chose. I'll leave her in your hands now. I have some other matters to attend to." Finally, Yvonne softened. "Ms. Jones, what was that piece

said, smiling slightly, "It doesn't have a name. It's an improvised piece,