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.

she wanted to stay curled up in bed forever, but she couldn’t. She had a private piano lesson to teach that afternoon. It was a well–paying gig, one of the most

getting ready and applying light makeup,

was cautious in her every movement, only regaining her usual

was always walking on eggshells around him, careful not to provoke his irritation. But honestly, had there ever been a single

this particular job. After a half–hour car ride, she arrived at an upscale neighborhood. The residents

woman in her 40s opened the door. “You must be Ms. Jones,

the woman inside, Bella could hear the faint, irregular sounds of piano playing. It was clear the student was a beginner, It seemed she would need

Bella couldn’t help but feel amused. The

dress–but the disdain on her face was impossible to

“So, you’re the

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5 Her Heart Would

young. Are you sure

not only expensive but also of great sentimental value. Do you really think you’re qualified to touch it with those claws of

guard. She glanced at her own slender fingers and replied humbly, “I believe these ‘claws‘ are up to

I’m not satisfied, you can leave

that a compliment or an

tested the keys. The