Crushed Affections (Dominic and Bella)
Chapter 372 Not Into Your Type

Bella felt like she was going through withdrawal as if breaking an addiction. There was no cure, only a painful struggle.

She knew that taking one more step back toward Dominic might bring temporary relief, but in the end, it would be self-destructive. She understood this all too well. That afternoon, after a long nap, she got the landlord's permission to change the locks.

She didn't think Dominic would come back, so she wasn't entirely sure why she was doing it either.

After the locksmith left, she stood at her door, testing the new keys. Just then, Wesley returned. He looked in a much better mood than he had been in that morning. With a grin, he walked over and asked, "Changing the locks? Did you break up?"

Bella gave him a look, silently noting that he really knew how to hit a nerve.

His grin widened as he casually slipped his car keys into his pocket. She noticed that he was driving a Lamborghini. It turned out that he was another rich kid. Then, half-jokingly, he said, "Well, now that you're single, how about giving me a chance?"

Bella looked at him like he was crazy. "I'm not into fresh-faced kids like you. Don't joke around like that."

Wesley's smile turned even more mischievous. "But I'm into someone like you. And I'm pretty sure I could make you like me too. How do you know if you don't try?"

Bella had no interest in this kind of banter with someone she saw as a kid. She replied seriously, "No need to try. I'd never go for someone like you. Even if I wanted to get married right now, you're not even old enough according to the law. Just stick to calling me 'miss-it sounds better. Anyway, I need to go make dinner. See you."

After shutting the door firmly, Bella thought to herself, "Has this kid lost his mind? We just met, and he's already acting so casual. Young people these days are something else."

After dinner, Bella made herself a coffee and settled onto the balcony with a book.

She hadn't realized until now that her balcony and Wesley's were only separated by a narrow gap-close enough that if he came outside, they could have a conversation without even raising their voices.

Just as she was thinking this, she heard Wesley's footsteps approaching his balcony.

Startled by his earlier flirtations, she quickly crouched down in the corner, hiding herself where he wouldn't be able to see her.

She heard the flick of a lighter. He was smoking.

If she made even the slightest movement, he'd definitely notice her. She had no interest in forced small talk with him.

After a moment, Wesley started a phone call, and his voice sounded agitated. "I told you to leave me alone. You can just pretend I don't exist. Haven't you been doing that all these years anyway?"

It sounded like he was talking to a parent, though Bella couldn't hear the other person, only Wesley's outbursts. "Announce what? Forget about it. I don't care. Besides... it's not like I'm your only son, right?"

The argument ended abruptly as he hung up, and then he started blasting loud, heavy music from his phone.

Bella's heart sank as she realized he had moved closer, right up against the shared part of the balcony.

She held her breath as the music grew louder, wondering why she was even hiding.

Her legs were starting to go numb from crouching, but she didn't dare move. She found it ridiculous. She was acting like a thief in her own home. Finally, he went back inside.

Bella exhaled in relief, grabbed her

coffee and book, and retreated

indoors, locking the balcony door

firmly behind her. She decided she was done using the balcony. This kid

was definitely going to be trouble.

Just as she was starting to relax, there was a knock on her door. She heard Wesley's voice calling out, "Hey, miss! I know you're home. Wanna go out and have some fun?"