Mandy was about to finish her sentence when a tall figure blocked the doorway.

"Mandy."

The man stood with an effortlessly noble bearing. His cold eyes held a sharp, piercing gaze. His thin lips were slightly pursed, conveying aloofness.

Mandy was surprised to see Dominic. "Dominic, I knew you wouldn't leave me alone," she said flirtatiously.

Bella inhaled sharply. Just as she was about to speak, Dominic took Mandy's hand and left, without a glance at Bella.

She could only swallow her words. Watching the "perfect couple" walk away, she felt ridiculous. Anyone but her would look good with Dominic.

No matter how many times they had slept together, Dominic would never want to be seen with Bella; she wasn't the right one for him.

They were in the elevator lobby when Dominic shook off Mandy's hand with displeasure.

Puzzled, Mandy hesitated before stepping forward and pressing her chest against his arm. "Dominic what's wrong?"

Dominic turned his head and glared at her. "I don't sleep with women who have been with other men, especially my friend."

Mandy froze. She had assumed their relationship might be more serious, since he hadn't rejected her affection. She never expected him to pull away so quickly.

A chime announced the elevator's arrival. Dominic stepped inside and patted his sleeve, his eyes filled with disgust.

Mandy didn't follow; Dominic's stare was terrifying. She stood there, pale. A "plaything" in the wealthy circles like her would never attract Dominic's attention. She knew her worth; he had only been playing along.

Evening came. Bella decided to switch shifts with her colleagues, as she wasn't planning to go home.

Since she'd be working all night, she wanted to text Dominic about dinner. However, she hesitated. When would she break this habit of fussing over him?

She had decided to leave three years ago. She shouldn't reconsider just because Dominic was back.

She admitted her heart fluttered whenever she saw him. However, she would never let herself give in again. Besides, the feeling was never mutual.

An emergency operation arose in the middle of the night. By the time she finished, it was 6:00 AM, and dawn was breaking.

Bella was exhausted; she could barely stand. Her vision was blurry, and she was seeing double.

Surgery demanded intense concentration, which was as taxing as physical labor. Any carelessness could be fatal.

After resting briefly in the office, she changed clothes before going home in the foggy morning.

Watching Miller Manor in the morning light, she felt sentimental. She had always imagined it as her home, with the man she loved. But none of it was hers; it was all in her imagination.

Bella was 24, and Dominic was three years older.

A man should be established by 30. With Dominic's wealth, talent, and looks, marriage was inevitable.

She had finally learned to let go to avoid unnecessary pain.

After a long night, she entered her familiar home, her body giving way to exhaustion. She drifted off to sleep.

She wanted to simply kick off her shoes, drop her bag, and sleep. However, she knew Dominic disliked mess. Therefore, she carefully arranged her shoes. Unbeknownst to her, Dominic was watching from the staircase.

Her eyes were half-closed when she bumped into him. Dominic frowned, his hand gripping her wrist. "Stand up straight!" he ordered sternly.