Crushed Affections (Dominic and Bella)

Chapter 443 Gotta Seal the Deal

Zion had managed to snag a rare trip back home. As soon as Lia hung up the phone, she started packing up.

Half-asleep, Bella mumbled encouragement from the bed. "Make sure you finish what you started. Don't act like a fake couple."

Lia's cheeks turned bright red. "Alright. I know. Zion's finally back, so I'm definitely sealing the deal. Go back to sleep, will you? I'm heading out."

Lia lived in her own apartment, and that was where Zion was meeting her. When they saw each other, there were no warm hugs or lingering embraces-it all felt surprisingly bland.

Lia headed straight to the kitchen. "I'll whip up a late-night snack. You've got an early start tomorrow, right?"

Zion leaned against the counter, watching her move around, though his mind seemed elsewhere. "Yeah... Thanks for this."

Without turning around, Lia smiled. "Thanks? It's just a snack. We're married now, so stop being so formal."

While Zion ate, Lia slipped into the bedroom, rummaged through his jacket, and found his wallet inside. Recalling Bella's words, she secretly opened it-and, as expected, there was a photo tucked inside.

didn't feel hurt or angry. There wasn't even a flicker of a desire to confront him. She calmly put the wallet back where she found it

him finish eating, clean up, and showering from the other room.

and teasingly wrapped her arms around him. "So, does it mean that we're not

momentarily before leaning in to kiss her forehead. He laughed softly. "I was just worried about you, that's all. And... we didn't exactly plan for it. What if you got pregnant? I wouldn't be here to take care of you. It wouldn't be fair." Lia's expression turned serious. "If none of that was an issue, would you even have the

He looked a

Summoning her courage, Lia

his hand and placed

Ive been to

el.nét

regard.

How could

know you're tired. Just get some sleep. I was asleep at Bella's place when you

even let out a theatrical yawn for effect

from