Crushed Affections (Dominic and Bella)

Chapter 14 The Most Special Place

Dominic glanced sideways at Bella. "Aren't you going to open it to see if anything's missing? I just happened to find it in the warehouse. I didn't go out of my way to help you, so there's no need to thank me." Bella shook her head. "Nothing's missing, I'm sure... Actually, I don't even know what's inside, but this box was very important to my mom. Either way, thank you."

As she spoke, she couldn't hold back the tears. They fell onto the box, creating irregular, flower-like patterns on the surface.

Dominic frowned and stood up to grab a glass. He poured some liquor and handed it to her. "Swallow those tears down. They're annoying."

Normally, Bella wouldn't drink with Dominic, nor did she often get the chance. But her emotions were all over the place, and she felt like having a drink. Thus, she took the glass, wiped away her tears, and thanked him. The strong liquor burned as it went down, making her cough violently. "What kind of liquor is this?"

Dominic looked at her like she was an idiot and took a light sip from his own glass. "Can't you recognize liquor, or can't you read?"

Only then did Bella notice the large letters on the bottle-XO.

bit embarrassed, she said, "I don't drink often... Of course, I wouldn't know. If there's nothing else, I'll

to throw yourself at me. Are you trying to play hard to get now? Isn't it a bit too late for

should feel honored. At least

her, as if searching for something. "Why didn't I notice before that you're so good

Bella felt her face heating up. Since Dominic was in the mood to talk to her for a bit longer, she boldly sat down in the chair across from him. After tonight, she might not get another

respond. While refilling his glass, he poured

dislike for her was as deep-rooted as her love for him. But after so many years together, sitting with him

not. She continued, "If I disappear one day,

sentimental games with me. If you wanted to leave, you would've done it a long time ago. You wouldn't have

saying anything, then downed her drink in one go. This time, she didn't cough. The burning sensation in her throat seemed to carry all the pain into her stomach, leaving only a

the intoxication fully set in,