Crushed Affections (Dominic and Bella)

Chapter 219

Chapter 219 I'll Take Care of You

It was the same familiar path, but now, the trees lining both sides stood bare. Their leaves had fallen, leaving only a few stubborn ones clinging to the branches, swaying against the cold wind

The path was dull without the gold-streaked carpet of fallen leaves while the vibrant colors of autumn had faded to gray.

Bella moved slowly, careful not to let her breathing quicken because the movement would tug on her healing wound. That was why she quickly fell

Dominic noticed she had fallen behind. Since no one else was around, he unlocked Pudding's leash, letting her wander freely. He then stood by the side et the path, lit a cigarette, and waited for Bella to catch up

By the time Bella reached him, he had already finished smoking. He stretched out his hand naturally. "Let Pudding do her thing. No need to keep an eye

She hesitated for a moment before placing her hand in his. With his palm against hers, even if it wasn't real, it was worth it.

Bella recalled being absent from the hospital for the past couple of days. "I feel much better now and plan to head back to the hospital in a couple of days. I've been away for too long."

a year off, they'll

"Rest a while more. You don't need to worry about being away from

isn't as bad as yours from last time. I'm

gave her

care

a teasing smile tugged at the corners

the mood

can take care of myself. Besides, I still owe you over ten grand. I need to

faded. "Who said anything about paying me back? You have this special talent for making me mad. you know that? Can you stop making excuses? What's wrong

come a time when she needed to face reality. Dominic

orbit again, Bella stayed quiet

just as rain began to fall. The drizzle quickly turned into a downpour, with the wind rattling the windows

window, trying to block out the sound of the storm. She lay on her bed, staring

that first time she left, she could've started a new life by now. Maybe she wouldn't be

punishment enough. Loving him felt like a penance she would never escape. A loud clap of thunder roared. Instinctively, Bella pulled

to the Miller residence, she li in their small town would often go out, It would plunge the

On stormy nights, when Dorothy went out to find work