Crushed Affections (Dominic and Bella)
Chapter 316

Chapter 316 More Than Just Acquaintances

Bella noticed the apprehension in Ethan's eyes. "Are you afraid of big dogs?"

Ethan quickly replied, "No, no! I just thought a quiet woman like you would have small dogs. If I'm going to help you walk Pudding, you'll need to give me your house keys, right? I can bring them back to the hospital after I'm done."

Feeling embarrassed about making him run another errand, she said, "No need to go out of your way. Just keep the keys after walking the dog and bring them to the hospital tomorrow. I'll wait for you after my shift. Thank you for helping me out." With work duties calling, she handed her keys to Ethan. She was too occupied to notice the joy on his face. She simply wanted to resolve the issue of walking Pudding and didn't realize that giving her keys to a man signified trust and intimacy. Back in the apartment building, Ethan stood in front of Bella's door and faintly heard the sounds of a big dog moving inside. A bead of sweat trickled down his brow. He was terrified of big dogs, especially after being bitten as a child. Steeling himself, he opened the door and was met with Pudding, who stared back at him. He nervously adjusted his glasses and stammered, "Uh... Your owner asked me to take you for a walk. Is that okay with you?" His nerves got the best of him, and he spoke as if Pudding could understand.

Noticing the leash on the cabinet, he carefully put it around Pudding's neck. However, she showed no signs of excitement and remained seated on the floor, unmoving.

While trying to coax the dog, Ethan took the opportunity to observe Bella's apartment. It was tidy and pleasantly fragrant, with no traces of pet odor. It enhanced her image in his mind.

Realizing Pudding wasn't budging, he began to sweat nervously. "Come on, why won't you go? Let's go have some fun!"

Feeling desperate, he called Bella for help. "Your dog won't come with me. What should I do?"

She paused for a moment. "Put the phone on speaker. I'll talk to her."

Skeptically, Ethan adjusted the volume and held the phone close to Pudding's ear. "Pudding, I won't be home today. Have fun with Mr. Shaw, okay? Don't worry, he'll take you back home afterward."

Upon hearing her voice, Pudding finally reacted, looking at Ethan with a friendlier demeanor.

Ethan sighed in relief and successfully led Pudding out for a walk

The neighborhood was spacious and green, ideal for a dog walk. After walking Pudding, Ethan returned to Bella's place, only to bump into Dominic.

In Joville, everyone knew Dominic. Ethan recognized him immediately. "Are you looking for someone in this apartment?

Dominic's gaze fell on Pudding, sitting obediently beside him, and his expression darkened My dog stays here."

Pudding slipped out of the leash in Ethan's hand and obediently sat beside Dominie. Seeing this, Ethan realized that Dominic was Pudding's owner. Curious about the connection between Bella and Dominic, he couldn't help but ask, "Do you know Bella?" Dominic replied coldly, "More than you know her

Ethan felt intimidated by Dominic's imposing presence, and a shiver ran down his spe Bella is working tonight. She won't be off until tomorrow morning. I was just helping her walls the dog."

216 More Than List Acquaintances.

Without needing to be told, Dominic noticed the keys in Ethan's hand and snatched them away. "You can leave now. This isn't your concern anymore."

Frowning, he felt dissatisfied with Dominic's attitude but said nothing as he turned to walk away. It felt as though Dominic had been antagonistic from the start.