Chapter 140: My Girlfriend

What happened next shocked Bella. Pudding, surprisingly quiet and obedient, walked into the shade where a window offered a cool breeze from the air conditioning. Seeing Bella's shocked expression, Dominic said sarcastically, "Don't you think Pudding is smarter than you?"

Bella was speechless.

Later, at the hospital, Bella ran into Ian. "Do you know about Pudding, the dog Dominic and Amber raised?" she asked.

Ian nodded. "Yes. Did Amber bring Pudding to see Dominic? I knew she would eventually, but I didn't expect it so soon. You'll probably face some drama, but hang in there. Dominic's already frustrated with Amber; you don't need to add to it."

Bella pursed her lips. "Amber left Pudding at Miller Manor, but she didn't stay. I'll be fine. Pudding's cute, but… Amber had its vocal cords removed, so it can't bark."

Ian's expression fell. "Amber's disgusting. That's why Dominic could never love her. I have to go. Take care of yourself."

Bella was baffled. She hadn't said anything requiring that advice, and she certainly wouldn't provoke Amber again. She'd learned her lesson.

Having no overtime, Bella went home early. She felt a special connection with Pudding. She'd never had a pet growing up, never daring to ask. Living in someone else's home, it wouldn't have been appropriate.

At home, Pudding barely glanced at her before ignoring her. No matter how she tried to interact, Pudding reacted calmly, never making an effort to please her. However, the dog transformed when Dominic arrived, immediately running to him happily and excitedly. Bella was annoyed by the differential treatment but could do nothing about it.

After dinner, Dominic held a leash. "Do you want to walk Pudding with me?" he asked.

Confirming it was a request to her, Bella hesitantly replied, "Sure…"

That night, the manor path was quiet as they strolled. Dominic held the leash in one hand, the other in his pocket. Pudding mirrored his pace, making the leash seem unnecessary. Pudding was a perfect dog, its only flaw being its inability to bark.

The silence bothered Bella. "Pudding doesn't seem to like me. It ignores me when I try to play," she said. Dominic paused, patting Pudding's head. "That's because you haven't told Pudding it can trust you."

Bella was skeptical. "Can it really understand us?"

He patted Pudding's back. "She's my girlfriend. You should treat her well, or you won't be able to enter my house. Be sensible."

Bella's heart skipped a beat. She didn't know if he was teasing the dog or being serious. It was the first time he'd called her his girlfriend, and it was to a dog.

Pudding looked at her, seemingly confused. Dominic called it an idiot, then pulled Bella into an embrace and kissed her.

Bella tensed, closing her eyes. The rustling leaves, their embrace, and the obedient dog created a perfect picture. After a light kiss, Dominic released her, and Pudding finally reacted. As they continued their walk, it circled them occasionally. Dogs were clearly smarter than she'd thought; they understood everything.

(Note: I removed the promotional text for FindNovel.net. It was disruptive to the flow of the story.)