Chapter 5 Her Heart Would Skip a Beat Bella slowly began to regain her senses, opening her eyes to meet the deep gaze of the man before her. She had thought he would be asleep at this hour.
The morning light shone through the floorâtoâceiling windows, casting dappled shadows across the room. The soft golden glow landed perfectly on Dominic, lending a gentle warmth to his usually stern features. He looked so captivating that she couldnât look away.
Bella was completely entranced. Whether she was five years old or nearly 25, every time she looked at him, her heart would skip a beat.
âArenât you a cardiologist? What were you doing in the gynecology department?â
Dominic suddenly changed the topic, asking about the day before. Why had she been in the gynecology department with Mandy?
Bella was a bit confused. Clearly, her exhausted mind couldnât keep up with his.
Suddenly, darkness crept into her vision. Panicking, she broke free from Dominicâs grip and grabbed onto the staircase railing.
âLetâs talk later. Iâm too tired and need to rest.â
Without waiting to see his expression tum angry, she numbly made her way back to her room.
She didnât realize it at the time, but for the first time ever, she had been the one to let go of Dominicâs hand. Up until a moment ago, it had always been him pushing her away.
That afternoon, the sound of her alarm jolted Bella awake. She reluctantly opened her eyes, still enveloped in a heavy drowsiness.
God knew how much she wanted to stay curled up in bed forever, but she couldnât. She had a private piano lesson to teach that afternoon. It was a wellâpaying gig, one of the most lucrative side jobs she could find. She couldnât afford to miss it.
After getting ready and applying light makeup, she headed downstairs.
She was cautious in her every movement, only regaining her usual composure when she noticed that Dominic wasnât home.
She was always walking on eggshells around him, careful not to provoke his irritation. But honestly, had there ever been a single day, or even a moment, when he didnât despise her?
It was her first time going to this particular job. After a halfâhour car ride, she arrived at an upscale neighborhood. The residents here were wealthy, and their fees reflected that.
At the door of the employerâs house, she rang the bell Soon, a woman in her 40s opened the door. âYou must be Ms. Jones, here for the lesson. Come in.â
Following the woman inside, Bella could hear the faint, irregular sounds of piano playing. It was clear the student was a beginner, It seemed she would need to be patient.
When she finally met her student, Bella couldnât help but feel amused. The girl, around seven or eight years old, was named Yvonne Quinn.
She was an adorable childâdressed in a pink, puffy princess dressâbut the disdain on her face was impossible to ignore. Was this young girl already looking down on her?
Yvonne unleashed a barrage of snide remarks. âSo, youâre the piano teacher my brother chose for me?
2/2 Chapper 5 Her Heart Would Skip a Beat Youâre so young. Are you sure you can play the piano?
âThis piano was my motherâs. Itâs not only expensive but also of great sentimental value. Do you really think youâre qualified to touch it with those claws of yours?â
Yvonneâs rude comments caught Bella off guard. She glanced at her own slender fingers and replied humbly, âI believe these âclawsâ are up to the task.â
Yvonne pouted, reluctantly moving aside. âPlay something for me. If Iâm not satisfied, you can leave immediately. I donât like beautiful women like you.â
Bellaâs mouth twitchedâwas that a compliment or an insult?
She sat down at the piano and tested the keys. The instrument was in excellent condition, and it was absurdly expensive.
She decided not to impress Yvonne with anything too complicated, so she played a simple, improvised piece. Yvonneâs expression shifted almost immediately.
The woman from earlier couldnât help but praise her. âAs expected from the teacher Yvonneâs brother chose. Iâll leave her in your hands now. I have some other matters to attend to.â
Finally, Yvonne softened. âMs. Jones, what was that piece called? Iâve never heard it before.
Bella said, smiling slightly, âIt doesnât have a name. Itâs an improvised piece, just.... the burst of emotion I feel when I think of someone.â
âThat person must make you feel very suffocated... Itâs someone you care about, right?â
Suddenly, a deep, magnetic voice came from the doorway.
Yvonne quickly ran over. âFelix! I like this teacher. Letâs keep her!â
Bella turned her head, and her breath caught. âFelix? This... This is your home?â
â Chapter 6 Couldnât Love Anyone