Chapter 154 Just This Once
Suddenly, Dominic grabbed Bella and pulled her into the room. “If you don’t want me to leave, just say it. Stop acting all sad like we’ll never see each other again.”
As soon as he finished speaking, he kissed her as if it were the most natural thing in the world. It was a kiss that came effortlessly, like something a couple might do without a second thought.
This time, Bella didn’t resist. She thought to herself, “Just this once, I’ll let myself give in…”
On the bed, her hands were pinned above her head. He liked it that way.
When she realized what was about to happen, her face flushed deep red. Her lips were soft and glistening, while the blush on her cheeks spread to the tips of her ears.
When she buried her face in her arm, her delicate features were outlined in the soft glow of the room, as if captured perfectly in a painted portrait.
The lights above felt too bright, leaving her no place to hide her embarrassment. Maybe it was the look in her eyes that mesmerized him, but Dominic lowered his head and playfully nipped at her chin, making her heart race.
When he pressed his body down against hers, Bella moaned. At that moment, she couldn’t help but feel a deep affection. It welled up inside her when she looked into his affectionate gaze.
Outside, the storm raged on, drowning out the moaning inside the room. It was impossible to tell how long they had sex before Bella finally fell asleep, utterly exhausted,
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the windows. The storm from last night was long gone, leaving behind a beautiful day with a gentle breeze.
Dominic was already gone by the time Bella woke up. As she got dressed, she caught sight of the trash can, where a few used condoms had been tossed. Her cheeks flushed–red, but at least this time, she wouldn’t need to take any pills.
She had surgery scheduled for the afternoon, but Bella handed it off to Ian. She wanted to get home early, hoping she might get to see Dominic before he left. However, by the time she made it back, there was no sign of him.
Sylvia told her that Dominic had left in the morning and wouldn’t be coming back today. Bella nodded, looking at the spot on the couch where he always sat.
Everything in the house was the same as always, except for one thing he wasn’t there
–
anymore.
Chapter 154 Just This Crof
Three years ago, when he left, it hadn’t felt this empty inside.
Not wanting to stay at home, Bella decided to head over to Lia’s studio.
Lia was one who always bounced back quickly. She looked perfectly fine, as if nothing major had happened.
Sitting in a chair, Bella stared at her and asked softly, “Can I stay at your place for a while?”
Lia gave her a sideways glance. “What for? Are you avoiding Dominic again? My place is practically your hideout by now.
Bella looked down. “It’s not that. He’s not home. He won’t be home for a while.”
What she was really avoiding was the loneliness in her heart.
Lia looked puzzled. “If he’s not home, why are you hiding? You’re such a weirdo.”
Then, as if realizing something, Lia immediately fell silent. These days, any mention of the word “weirdo” made her think of Leonard, and it frustrated her to no end.
Bella didn’t give up. She said while acting cute, “Come on, let me stay with you. I’m not going to bother you. I’m a woman, you know.”
Lia sighed. “You can have the keys, but my mom found out about my episode yesterday, so she’s making me move back home for a while.
“I’ve gotten used to living alone, so I won’t be gone for long. If you stay at my place, you’ll be on your own, so it won’t be any different from being at your house.”
With that, Bella gave up on the idea. She had really wanted to be around Lia, but if Lia wasn’t going to be at her apartment, it was the same as if Bella were to stay in Miller Manor.
At around 7:00 pm, it started raining again. Lately, it seemed to rain every night without any sign of stopping.
The rain reminded Bella of how Dominic had come to pick her up last night. It made her realize just how comforting it was to have someone to rely on in a moment of need.
If that person happened to be someone
