Bella slowly regained consciousness, opening her eyes to meet the deep gaze of the man before her. She hadn't expected him to be awake at this hour.

Morning light streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, dappling the room with shadows. The soft, golden glow illuminated Dominic, softening his usually stern features. He looked so captivating that she couldn't look away, completely entranced. Whether she was five or nearly twenty-five, her heart always skipped a beat when she looked at him.

"Aren't you a cardiologist? What were you doing in the gynecology department?" Dominic abruptly changed the subject, questioning her actions from the previous day. Why had she been in the gynecology department with Mandy?

Bella was confused; her exhausted mind struggled to keep pace with his. Suddenly, darkness clouded her vision. Panicking, she broke free from Dominic's grasp, clutching the staircase railing. "Let's talk later. I'm too tired and need to rest."

Without waiting for his reaction, she numbly returned to her room. She didn't realize it then, but for the first time, she had let go of Dominic's hand; until that moment, he had always been the one to push her away.

That afternoon, her alarm jolted Bella awake. She reluctantly opened her eyes, still heavy with sleep. She desperately wanted to remain in bed, but couldn't afford to miss her well-paying private piano lesson—one of her most lucrative side jobs. After preparing and applying light makeup, she went downstairs.

She moved cautiously, only relaxing when she saw that Dominic wasn't home. She always walked on eggshells around him, fearful of provoking his irritation. But honestly, had there ever been a moment when he hadn't despised her?

It was her first time at this particular job. After a half-hour drive, she arrived in an upscale neighborhood, where the residents' fees reflected their wealth.

At the employer's door, she rang the bell. A woman in her forties answered. "You must be Ms. Jones, here for the lesson. Come in."

Inside, Bella heard faint, irregular piano playing; clearly, the student was a beginner. Patience would be required. When she met her student, Bella was amused. The girl, around seven or eight, was Yvonne Quinn.

The adorable child, dressed in a pink, puffy princess dress, possessed an unmistakable air of disdain. Was this young girl already looking down on her? Yvonne launched into a series of snide remarks. "So, you're the piano teacher my brother chose for me? You're so young. Are you sure you can play the piano? This piano was my mother's. It's not only expensive but also of great sentimental value. Do you really think you're qualified to touch it with those claws of yours?"

Yvonne's rudeness startled Bella. She glanced at her slender fingers and replied humbly, "I believe these 'claws' are up to the task." Yvonne pouted, reluctantly moving aside. "Play something for me. If I'm not satisfied, you can leave immediately. I don't like beautiful women like you." Bella's mouth twitched—was that a compliment or an insult?

She sat at the piano and tested the keys. The instrument was in excellent condition and absurdly expensive. Opting against anything too complex, she played a simple, improvised piece. Yvonne's expression changed immediately.

The woman praised her. "As expected of the teacher Yvonne's brother chose. I'll leave her in your hands now. I have other matters to attend to." Yvonne softened. "Ms. Jones, what was that piece called? I've never heard it before."

Bella smiled slightly. "It doesn't have a name. It's an improvised piece, just the burst of emotion I feel when I think of someone."

"That person must make you feel very suffocated It's someone you care about, right?"

A deep, magnetic voice echoed from the doorway.

Yvonne ran over. "Felix! I like this teacher. Let's keep her!"

Bella turned, her breath catching. "Felix? This This is your home?"

The extraneous promotional text was removed. The writing was improved for flow and clarity.