Crushed Affections (Dominic and Bella)
Chapter 319

Chapter 319 He Seems to Care

Bella's patience wore thin. She barely knew Lana, yet the woman had the nerve to gossip like they were close friends. It left a bad taste in her mouth. "Everybody knows that. There's nothing worth discussing. We're at work, so let's keep it professional." With that, she turned to walk away.

11

Ethan caught sight of her and hurried after her. However, Lana stepped in his way. "What's the rush?"

Ethan held up two steaming bags of breakfast. "Move, I've got something to do."

Lana sneered, "You're not seriously trying to chase after Bella, are you? Her ex is Dominic. Do you really think she would go for a small-time doctor like you?"

Ethan's expression darkened. "Move!"

With a bitter scoff, Lana folded her arms. "Go ahead and humiliate yourself, then. Running after someone who couldn't care less. You're pathetic."

Ethan ignored her, not wanting to fight with her. He held out the breakfast to Bella. "I grabbed it on my way over. It's still hot."

Bella waved her hands. "No thanks, I already ate. But thanks for walking my dog. I really appreciate it. By the way, did anything happen when you ran into Dominic?"

Ethan adjusted his glasses with a shy smile. "Nothing happened. But he seemed bothered that I've been coming around to your place."

Bella rolled her eyes. "That's just how he is. Even after the breakup, he still acts like my older brother. I grew up with the Miller family, so don't read too much into it. It's just his nature."

Ethan's smile stayed warm. "It's fine. I don't mind it at all. If you're ever busy again, I can walk your dog anytime. We live in the same building, so it's no trouble. You probably need to get back to work. I'm going to leave now."

As Ethan reached the door, he caught sight of Lana lingering nearby. She had clearly been eavesdropping. His good mood evaporated. "Do you really have nothing better to do?"

Lana flushed with embarrassment. "I was just passing by. What's your problem? Did she appreciate your effort? Can't you see how you're throwing yourself at someone who doesn't care?"

Ethan had a gentle nature, but he, too, had a bottom line. His tone sharpened. "What I do is my business, not yours. I like her, so I'm pursuing her. I'm not doing it for anything in return. What can you do about it? If you're bored, how about checking on your patients instead of wasting my time?" Chapter 319 He Seems to Care

Lana's eyes reddened with frustration as Ethan walked away. She stomped her foot in anger and said to herself, "Why are you chasing after someone who doesn't even like you? And you turn a blind eye to the one who likes you. Why can't you like me?"

Later that day, Bella took a quick break to stop by her house. She didn't have time to eat, so she stopped by a small restaurant near the hospital.

Coincidentally, several colleagues from the ER were already there. The only person she got along with was Ethan, so she gave him a polite nod. Ethan immediately pulled out a chair for her. "Join us! We can eat together and head back to the hospital later."

Bella was about to accept when Lana interjected with an unhappy expression, "It's too crowded. How are we supposed to eat?"

Recognizing the tension, Bella said, "It's fine. I'll sit at another table."

After ordering her meal, she settled down by herself. Ethan picked up his plate and sat across from her. "I'll eat with you.

Lana huffed in frustration and stormed out. Her irritation was obvious to everyone.

Once their other colleagues left, Bella asked, "Lana likes you, doesn't she?"

Ethan nodded. "She does, but I don't feel the same. I don't think we're compatible. She's not a bad person, though. Don't let her attitude bother you."

Bella shook her head lightly. "It's fine. I get it. But honestly, given my situation, it's probably better if you keep some distance. People will talk, and I don't want you getting caught up in unnecessary drama."