Chapter 14 The Most Special Place Dominic glanced sideways at Bella. âArenât you going to open it to see if anythingâs missing? I just happened to find it in the warehouse. I didnât go out of my way to help you, so thereâs no need to thank me.
Bella shook her head. âNothingâs missing, Iâm sure... Actually, I donât even know whatâs inside, but this box was very important to my mom. Either way, thank you.
As she spoke, she couldnât hold back the tears. They fell onto the box, creating irregular, patterns on the surface.
flowerâlike Dominic frowned and stood up to grab a glass. He poured some liquor and handed it to her. âSwallow those tears down. Theyâre annoying.
Normally, Bella wouldnât drink with Dominic, nor did she often get the chance. But her emotions were all over the place, and she felt like having a drink. Thus, she took the glass, wiped away her tears, and thanked him.
The strong liquor burned as it went down, making her cough violently. âWhat kind of liquor is this?â
Dominic looked at her like she was an idiot and took a light sip from his own glass. âCanât you recognize liquor, or canât you read?â
Only then did Bella notice the large letters on the bottleâXO.
Feeling a bit embarrassed, she said, âI donât drink often. Of course, I wouldnât know. If thereâs nothing else, Iâll go to bed.â
Dominic sat back in his chair, lazily swirling the liquor in his glass. âYou used to throw yourself at me. Are you trying to play hard to get now? Isnât it a bit too late for that? Are you trying to make me think. youâre special? Thereâs no need. For me, you have always been special... Especially loathsome.â
Bella laughed at herself. âReally? Well, I guess I should feel honored. At least I occupy the most special place in your life.â
Suddenly, Dominic turned his head to look at her, as if searching for something. âWhy didnât I notice before that youâre so good with words?â
The alcohol was starting to take effect, and Bella felt her face heating up. Since Dominic was in the mood to talk to her for a bit longer, she boldly sat down in the chair across from him. After tonight, she might not get another chance like this.
She lowered her head and softly called his name. âDominic...â
His eyes briefly flashed with their usual irritation, but he didnât respond. While refilling his glass, he poured another for her as well.
His dislike for her was as deepârooted as her love for him. But after so many years together, sitting with him like this didnât feel as unbearable. Habit could be scary.
Bella didnât care whether he responded or not. She continued, âIf I disappear one day, will you ever think of me, even just once?â
Dominic frowned as he said in a cold voice, âDonât try to play sentimental games with me. If you wanted to leave, you wouldâve done it a long time ago. You wouldnât have clung to me for so long.â
Bella smiled without saying anything, then downed her drink in one go. This time, she didnât cough. The burning sensation in her throat seemed to carry all the pain into her stomach, leaving only a searing Chop The Most Special Place warmth.
Before the intoxication fully set in, Bella returned to her room.
As she looked at the box Dorothy had left behind, her heart felt unbearably heavy. This was the only thing Dorothy had left her.
The lock on the box was old and worn, and it didnât take much effort to open it.
Inside were old photographs, envelopes, and pictures of her as a child with Dorothy, along with...