Shattered Longings

Chapter 5 Her Heart Would Skip a Beat

Bella slowly began to regain her senses, opening her eyes to meet the deep gaze of the man before her. She had thought he would be asleep at this hour.

The morning light shone through the floor–to–ceiling windows, casting dappled shadows across the room. The soft golden glow landed perfectly on Dominic, lending a gentle warmth to his usually stern features. He looked so captivating that she couldn’t look away.

Bella was completely entranced. Whether she was five years old or nearly 25, every time she looked at him, her heart would skip a beat.

“Aren’t you a cardiologist? What were you doing in the gynecology department?”

Dominic suddenly changed the topic, asking about the day before. Why had she been in the gynecology department with Mandy?

Bella was a bit confused. Clearly, her exhausted mind couldn’t keep up with his.

Suddenly, darkness crept into her vision. Panicking, she broke free from Dominic’s grip and grabbed onto the staircase railing. “Let’s talk later. I’m too tired and need to rest.”

Without waiting to see his expression tum angry, she numbly made her way back to her room.

She didn’t realize it at the time, but for the first time ever, she had been the one to let go of Dominic’s hand. Up until a moment ago, it had always been him pushing her away.

That afternoon, the sound of her alarm jolted Bella awake. She reluctantly opened her eyes, still enveloped in a heavy drowsiness.

to teach that afternoon. It was a well–paying gig, one of the most lucrative side jobs she could find. She couldn’t

ready and applying light makeup, she headed

in her every movement, only regaining her usual

But honestly, had there ever been a single day, or even a moment, when

particular job. After a half–hour car ride, she arrived at an upscale neighborhood. The residents here were wealthy, and

bell Soon, a woman in her 40s opened the door. “You must be Ms.

the faint, irregular sounds of piano playing. It was clear the student was a

finally met her student, Bella couldn’t help but feel amused. The girl, around seven or eight

dress–but the disdain on her face was impossible to ignore. Was this young girl already

of snide remarks. “So, you’re the piano teacher my brother chose

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5 Her Heart Would Skip a

young. Are you sure you

expensive but also of great sentimental value. Do you really think you’re qualified

rude comments caught Bella off guard. She glanced at her own slender fingers and

reluctantly moving aside. “Play something for me. If I’m not satisfied, you can

that a compliment or an

the keys. The instrument