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.

don't drink often... Of course, I wouldn't know. If

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

feel honored.

head to look at her, as if searching for something. "Why didn't I notice before that you're

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

usual irritation, but he didn't respond. While refilling his glass, he

him. But after so many years together, sitting with him like this didn't feel as unbearable. Habit could

responded or not. She continued, "If I disappear one day, will you

with me. If you wanted to leave, you would've done it

anything, then downed her drink in one go. This time, she didn't cough. The burning sensation in her

intoxication fully set in, Bella returned to