Crushed Affections (Dominic and Bella)

Bella wanted to ask Dominic why he was there, but the words got stuck in her throat. He wouldn't want people to know they were acquainted in a public place like this.

Seeing the indifferent expression on his face, she pretended nothing was wrong and walked past him into the operating room.

After changing into surgical scrubs and completing the disinfection process, she approached the operating table.

She glanced at lan Clarke, who was performing surgery on the patient, and didn't seem surprised. The moment she saw Dominic, she knew that the doctor who had been transferred was lan.

lan had known Dominic for many years, and he was even a professor at her university once. He was a respected figure in the field, and having someone of his caliber transferred to her hospital was a blessing for everyone. lan was also the only person in Dominic's circle who knew about her.

lan was meticulous during surgery. It wasn't until the operation was over that he had a moment to greet her, "Long time no see. How are you and Dominic?"

Bella was startled for a moment. He asked about her and Dominic together, not as separate individuals, which had a deeper meaning. "Uh... We're both doing fine..."

lan stretched his shoulders, stiff from holding the same position for so long during surgery, and smiled. "I'm going out to eat with Dominic later. You should join us."

Bella hurriedly declined, "No, it's fine. I have something to do. You two go ahead."

She felt a bit frustrated. It would be a miracle if Dominic was willing to have a meal with her. As his long-time friend, didn't lan know about the strained relationship between her and Dominic?

lan didn't notice her reaction and continued, "These past three years have been tough on him. His father passed away suddenly, and with the branch office abroad just getting started, he wanted to come back but couldn't." Bella didn't understand why lan was telling her this, so she remained silent.

He suddenly added, "If I were him, I wouldn't feel at ease leaving you at home alone either."

Bella narrowed her eyes as she looked at lan, who was smiling like a fool. Despite his excellent medical skills and good looks, he seemed a bit clueless. He seemed to be wasting his talents by being so naive.

Did he really not know how much Dominic resented her, or had he just misunderstood their relationship all these years?

As they were talking, Dominic walked over. Ian, oblivious as ever, cheerfully suggested, "Let's all go have dinner together." Bella was about to leave, but lan grabbed her, "Why are you running away? Are you afraid that Dominic's going to eat you?" Her head was starting to throb. How did she end up dealing with someone so oblivious?

To her surprise, Dominic said calmly, "Let's go together."

Bella was stunned. This was the first time in years that she would be having a meal with Dominic outside, and it was even his idea.

His face showed no emotion, and she couldn't decipher what he was thinking. She assumed he was just humoring lan and not wanting to embarrass her too much.

They drove to a Clantonian restaurant. When they sat down, Bella instinctively chose a seat next to lan. It might annoy Dominic if she sat next to him.

Over the years, she had become ingrained in the habit of reading Dominic's mood. She couldn't help but glance at his expression and noticed that his face had grown cold.

Her mind buzzed. What had she done to upset him?

lan seemed unaware of the subtle shift in the atmosphere and casually chatted with Dominic, "Did you handle that matter? I still don't understand why you brought Mandy to Horizon Hospital."