Shattered Longings Novel

Chapter 38 A Debt You Can Never Repay

Bella’s eyes widened as she looked at Dominic. She met his intense gaze before quickly looking away.

“I–I’ve been saving up since you left abroad,” she said. “After all, I owe you and your family so much; I can’t just leave it at that, right? I’m still a little short, but I will pay you back the rest every month. Did you receive the money I sent last month?”

Dominic’s expression hardened as he realized she was clearly trying to skirt around the issue. “I’m not asking for your money. Do you honestly think you can repay what you owe me with just money?”

Bella fidgeted with the hem of her shirt, her head bowed as she murmured, “I know… it’s not about the money, but this is all I can do. If there’s anything I can help with, please let me know. I’ll do my best to make it up to you until you feel I’ve repaid you.”

He wasn’t sure if he was more angry or amused by her words. “Until you’ve repaid me? You’ll never be able to! The only use I have for you is in bed.”

Her cheeks heated up, and she was at a loss for words. Even though that was true, the truth made her feel awkward and embarrassed.

Feeling the need to leave, she spun on her heel and scurried away. “I’m going to bed. You should get

some rest too…”

Bella had just opened the door when she heard a loud noise from above. Before she could see what it was, Dominic yanked her back. In the blink of an eye, à potted plant crashed to the floor, shattering into pieces.

The potted plant was a spider plant hanging high from the eaves. Bella figured it must’ve been knocked down by the strong winds that night.

A wave of fear washed over her. Had she stepped out just a moment earlier and gotten hit on the head, she might not have lived to tell the tale.

When she snapped back to reality, she realized she was nestled in Dominic’s arms. His towering frame and firm chest made her feel incredibly safe. He was holding her tighter than he ever had, and his breathing had quickened noticeably.

She looked up and met his deep, ocean–like eyes, feeling as though she was being pulled into a whirlpool, Her mind went blank when she realized he was inching closer.

Bella felt a little panicky as she felt his warm breath brushing against her face.

All of a sudden, he let go of her and walked away. “Go get some rest.”

Bella nodded in response before carefully walking around the shattered potted plant and returning to her room. Closing the door behind her, she pressed her hand against her heart, attempting to slow its rapid beating.

Had they almost kissed just now?

Looking back, even when he was drunk and intimate with her, he hardly ever kissed her. So, it was highly improbable that he would do so when he was sober. It was probably just a primal instinct. That must be it!

The next day, while Bella was freshening up, she noticed Leonard repotting the spider plant that had fallen the night before. He looked at it regretfully and sighed, “Well, whether you make it or not is up to

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you now. I’m afraid my gardening skills are rather limited.”

Bella, who also had a soft spot for plants, hadn’t had a chance to take care of it last night. “I’ll fix it up. later. And you’re right, your skills could use some work.

Leonard flashed her a mischievous grin. “I saw you bolting out of Dominic’s room last night. I was standing there as plain as day, yet you didn’t even notice me. What exactly were you two up to?”

Bella was splashing water on her face, so she splashed some on him. “Go away, I’m busy!”

Leonard didn’t even move an inch; he wiped the water off his face and grinned. “Come on, don’t be shy. We’re all adults here. I’m leaving today, and who knows when I’ll be back. Don’t miss me too much, okay?” Bella was about to snap back when it hit her–once he left, it would just be her and Dominic…