Shattered Longings

Chapter 8 We’ve Got Different Surnames

Dominic didn’t come home that night. However, Bella wasn’t worried. She had no interest in finding out where he’d gone. She had to figure out how to stop paying attention to him.

When Bella woke up at dawn, she slowly made herself a simple breakfast and enjoyed the rare moment

of calm.

She would be heading to Felix’s house in the afternoon to give piano lessons, so she had her morning free. It was time to deep clean the house.

Upon thinking about it, Bella realized she hadn’t enjoyed a day of rest for the past three years

After breakfast, she began tidying up the house. The gigantic Miller Manor was a chore to clean. Bella only finished cleaning the basement and the first floor at midday. After taking a short break, she started. cleaning Dominic’s study.

For the past three years, Dominic had locked the door to his study, so Bella had never cleaned it. Today, she noticed that he hadn’t locked it. Thus, she decided to help him tidy up.

When she walked in, there was the overpowering smell of dust, which made her choke. Bella had no choice but to put on a mask. Thankfully, the windows had been tightly closed. There wasn’t an exceptionally thick layer of dust on the floor.

the room and chased the darkness

of exhaustion. She pulled a random book out of his bookshelf. When she opened it, an old piece of paper fluttered to

study, and everything inside belonged to him.

there, she froze. The paper was an essay she had written in middle school,

torn from her book. Bella definitely hadn’t expected it

with Dominic

had yellowed slightly due to the passage of time. However, the words

young age. She had looping

mention of “brother” had been erased. Did Dominic hate her that

footsteps downstairs. Bella folded the paper and stuffed it into her pocket. Then, she slotted the book

study. Feeling a little nervous, she

“Who gave you permission to

replied, “I–I just wanted to help you clean up. Your study was too dusty. Aren’t you going to use it? I’m done cleaning it. If you don’t want me touching your belongings, you could hire a maid to help

and said, “I’ll get someone to clean it. You have no right to do that. Just because you’re living here doesn’t mean you own the place, got