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.

but for the first time ever, she had been the one to let go of Dominic's hand. Up until a

...

sound of her alarm jolted Bella awake. She reluctantly opened her eyes, still enveloped in a

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,

cautious in her every movement, only regaining her usual composure when she

honestly, had there ever been a single day, or even a moment, when he

half-hour car ride, she

a woman in her 40s opened the door. "You must be Ms. Jones, here

the woman inside, Bella could hear the faint, irregular sounds of piano playing. It was clear the student was a beginner. It seemed she would need to be patient. When she finally met her student, Bella couldn't help but feel amused. The girl, around seven or eight

my mother's. It's not only expensive but also of great sentimental value. Do you really think you're qualified to touch it with those claws of yours?" Yvonne's rude comments caught Bella off guard. She glanced at her own slender fingers and replied humbly, "I believe these 'claws' are up to the task." Yvonne pouted, reluctantly moving aside. "Play something for me. If I'm not satisfied, you can leave immediately.

the piano and tested the keys. The instrument was in excellent condition, and

decided not to impress Yvonne with anything too complicated, so she played a simple, improvised piece.

brother 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 called? I've

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