Dominic glanced sideways at Bella. "Aren't you going to open it to see if anything's missing? I just found it in the warehouse. I didn't go out of my way to help you, so there's no need to thank me."

Bella shook her head. "Nothing's missing, I'm sure. Actually, I don't even know what's inside, but this box was very important to my mother. Either way, thank you." Tears welled up in her eyes, falling onto the box and creating irregular, flower-like patterns on the surface.

Dominic frowned, stood up, grabbed a glass, poured some liquor, and handed it to her. "Swallow those tears. They're annoying."

Normally, Bella wouldn't drink with Dominic, nor did she often have the chance. But her emotions were overwhelming, and she felt like a drink. She took the glass, wiped away her tears, and thanked him. The strong liquor burned going down, making her cough violently. "What kind of liquor is this?"

Dominic looked at her disdainfully and took a sip from his own glass. "Can't you recognize the liquor, or can't you read?"

Only then did Bella notice the large letters XO on the bottle.

Feeling embarrassed, she said, "I don't drink often… Of course, I wouldn't know. If there's nothing else, I'll go to bed."

Dominic sat back, lazily swirling the liquor in his glass. "You used to throw yourself at me. Are you trying to play hard to get now? Isn't it a bit late for that? Trying to make me think you're special? There's no need. For me, you've always been special… especially loathsome."

Bella laughed. "Really? Well, I guess I should feel honored. At least I occupy the most special place in your life."

Suddenly, Dominic turned to her, as if searching for something. "Why didn't I notice before that you're so good with words?"

The alcohol was taking effect, and Bella felt her face heating up. Seeing an opportunity, she boldly sat in the chair opposite him. After tonight, she might not get another chance. She lowered her head and softly said, "Dominic"

His eyes flashed with irritation, but he didn't respond. While refilling his glass, he poured another for her.

His dislike for her was as deep-rooted as her love for him. But after so many years, sitting with him didn't feel as unbearable. Habit could be scary.

Bella didn't care whether he responded. She continued, "If I disappear one day, will you ever think of me, even once?"

Dominic frowned. "Don't try to play sentimental games with me. If you wanted to leave, you would have done it a long time ago. You wouldn't have clung to me for so long."

Bella smiled, said nothing, and downed her drink. This time, she didn't cough. The burning sensation seemed to carry all the pain into her stomach, leaving only a searing warmth.

Before the intoxication fully set in, Bella returned to her room. Looking at the box Dorothy had left behind, her heart felt unbearably heavy. This was the only thing Dorothy had left her.

The lock was old and worn; it didn't take much effort to open it. Inside were old photographs, envelopes, pictures of her as a child with Dorothy, and…

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