Crushed Affections (Dominic and Bella)

Chapter 267 When I Think of You

After a long, busy day at the hospital, Bella glanced at the clock. It was almost time to head home, and the sky outside was already growing dark.

She stood up and walked over to the water dispenser to pour herself a cup of hot water. Suddenly, she heard footsteps behind her. When she turned around, she was surprised to see Dominic. She blinked. "What are you doing here?"

He walked over to the patient consultation desk, sat down, and slapped a registration slip onto the table. "Dr. Jones, that's a strange question. Why else would I come to a hospital? I'm here for a check-up.'

Bella frowned and returned to her seat. Glancing at the registration slip, she asked, "What's wrong? Where are you feeling unwell?"

Dominic gave her a pained look "This is the cardiac department. Where do you think?"

At first, she thought he was just teasing her, but a part of her was worried he might actually be feeling unwell. She grabbed her stethoscope and walked over to him. "Open your shirt."

He looked up at her, his hand moving slowly as he unbuttoned his suit jacket and shirt. He revealed his defined collarbone and the smooth, pale skin of his chest inch by inch.

Bella's heart skipped a beat at the sight. His slow, teasing movements were getting to her, so she reached out and undid the buttons herself, When the cold stethoscope touched his slan, he let out a soft gasp as if in complaint, but there was something oddly enticing about it. Bella cleared her throat. "It's just a little cold. It'll be over in a second."

After listening to his heartbeat, she pulled the stethoscope away. "Everything sounds normal. So, what exactly is bothering you?"

Dominic calmly buttoned up his shirt. "Sometimes, my heart races like crazy, and I feel like it's pounding out of my chest. I also get irritated for no

reason."

Bella rolled her eyes. "You've been irritable since you were a kid. What's that got to do with this? If you don't have any obvious symptoms, just watch your diet and get some rest.

"If you're still worried, go get an X-ray. I'm about to clock out, so if you want to do that, you'd better wait until tomorrow. Radiology's closing soon. A playful glint flashed in Dominic's eyes. "Why don't you ask when my heart starts racing? Or what triggers it? If you keep brushing off your patients like this, I'll file a complaint with the hospital director."

Bella's eyes twitched. "You... Why are you deliberately messing with me? If you were sick, you would've gone You're just bored "

e to see lan. You wouldn't have come to me.

Ignoring her protest, Dominic picked up his phone, making sure she could see he was about to call the hospital director.

Seeing that he was serious, Bella quickly gave in and snatched the phone from his hand.

She muttered through gritted teeth, "The universe must've placed me at your mercy! Fine, Mr. Miller. When exactly does your heart race and pound?" A satisfied smirk tugged at Dominic's lips. "When I think of you." Bella's heart skipped a beat, but she forced herself to stay c

His eyes narrowed slightly. "When you ignore me."

calm. "And what makes you feel irritated?"

Bella couldn't hold back anymore. "We can talk about this at home. Stop messing around... I'm off in five minutes. Just wait outside and don't trouble,"

Dominic replied seriously, "I'm not messing around. I'm dead serious, Only you can treat this condition. If you don't, I'll file that complaint." Bella's cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and frustration. I haven't been ignoring

cause

you Let's just go home together after my shift."

Relieved, Bella finished unde

Satisfied, Dominic didn't push any further and headed for the door. "I'll wait for you outside.

T

work and packed her things.

it outside

When she walked out of her office, she was surprised to see him waiting right there. She had expected him to be outside the hospital, not right

her office.

idea. II

As she stepped out, Dominic reached out his hand toward her. Nervous, she glanced around, worried someone might see. "Don't... It's not a good ide someone seca un, it'll be awoward " Dominic's expression darkened slightly. "Then, I'll check myself into the ER.