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.

embarrassed, she said, "I don't drink often... Of course, I wouldn't know.

in his chair, lazily swirling the liquor in his glass. "You used to throw yourself at me. Are you trying to play hard to get now? Isn't it a bit

guess I should feel honored.

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

longer, she boldly

he didn't respond. While refilling his glass,

so many years together,

"If I disappear one day, will

a cold voice, "Don't try to play sentimental games with me. If you wanted to leave, you would've done it a long time ago. You wouldn't have clung to me for so

smiled without 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

intoxication fully set in, Bella