Shattered Longings Novel

Chapter 78 No Intention of Getting Married

After hesitating for a long time, Bella decided not to ask him directly. Despite her curiosity, she lacked the courage to confront him.

When they were together, they rarely had anything to talk about. Bella knew nothing about Dominic’s business dealings, and Dominic had no interest in Bella’s work in the operating room.

It seemed fate had brought these two people from entirely different worlds together. A rocky start rarely led to a perfect ending.

“Why did you decide to become a doctor?”

Dominic initiated the conversation while holding a wine glass in one hand and tapping his fingers rhythmically

It was the first time he had ever shown any interest in asking about her.

Bella paused for a moment before responding, “It was probably because my mother got sick and couldn’t get the treatment she needed in time. I felt decided to become a doctor when I grew up. I wanted to help more people avoid that kind of pain.”

Her voice trailed off as she mentioned her mother, and Dominic’s expression darkened noticeably.

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regret,

She suddenly realized how naive she had been. The mother she adored was nothing more than a homewrecker to Dominic. And as the daughter of that homewrecker, she was mistake for even being in his presence. How could she have casually mentioned her mother and risked upsetting him?

Their conversation ended abruptly. Dominic didn’t respond to her. Instead, he took a sip of his wine, and his expression grew dark and ambiguous.

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The atmosphere grew tense and uncomfortable for Bella. Setting down her glass, she said, “It’s getting late. Maybe you should drink less and get some rest. I’m heading to bed

Dominic suddenly turned to her and said, “From now on, you’re not allowed to leave without my permission.”

Bella was a bit baffled. She didn’t understand why he was bringing this up again, especially since it had been a long time since she’d left. After a moment’s hesitation, she said, ” Alright.”

Finally, she added, “When you get married, I can leave, right? I hope that day comes soon. It would be a relief for both of us. I won’t forget the sins I’ve committed, but you don’t need to atone for them with me. I hope you can let go of the past and stop living in its shadow.”

Dominic burst into laughter. “Is that what you’ve been thinking? Well, you might be in for a disappointment. I have no plans to get married, at least not anytime soon.”

Bella was surprised. With his qualifications, he needed nothing but a good partner. Why did he have to keep her around?

What she meant was that holding her captive with past hatred wasn’t worth it. She wasn’t leaving for her own sake; she just wanted him to be free.

His attitude left her feeling drained and exhausted. After nearly 20 years, it was she who had grown weary.

She said nothing more and turned to leave.

Suddenly, a strong force yanked her toward the nearby wall, and her thin back hit it with a muffled thud.

Dominic leaned in, his large hand easily encircling her delicate neck. A wave of pressure washed over her, mingling with his breath, which was inches from her face.

Fear flickered in Bella’s clear eyes as she looked up at him like a startled rabbit with her gaze full of helpless vulnerability. Her rapid breathing slightly parted her lips, and the blush on her cheeks from the alcohol added a touch of allure to her appearance.

Neither of them spoke; they simply stared at each other. Bella anxiously tried to understand his thoughts but couldn’t pinpoint the source of the intense anger on his face.