Chapter 11: The Choice

As soon as Dominic got into the car, he locked the doors. Bella grabbed his hand, preventing him from driving. "Even if I'm returning," she said, "it shouldn't be like this. My phone and everything are still at Lia's place. Let me go get my stuff first." Heath—presumably Dominic—wasn't falling for it. "Anything you left behind can be replaced. It doesn't matter. Now, let go of my hand, or you're trying to seduce me."

He let go as if his hand were on fire, and seeing him start the car engine, she gave up. She used to think he was cold and aloof. When did he develop such a shameless side?

Suddenly, Dominic's phone chimed. He seemed cautious, likely worried about the photo on the screen, so he quickly glanced at it and said, "Lia said she knows you're not coming back. Oh, and she ate your half of the watermelon."

Bella curled up in her seat, feeling a bit sorry for herself. Even in this situation, Lia was more focused on eating watermelon. Well, she was the one who chose her best friend, so she accepted it.

When they arrived at Miller Manor, Bella exited the car and rushed inside. Sylvia noticed her bare feet and asked, "Ms. Jones, why aren't you wearing shoes? It's good to have you back. I'll go tidy up your room."

Bella waved her off. "No need. I'll do it myself. I'm only staying for one night."

Before she could finish, she heard Dominic loudly instructing the household staff, "From now on, arrange for someone to drive her to and from work. Besides the hospital and home, she can't go anywhere else. Once she behaves, I'll reconsider." Bella spun around and shot him a furious glare. Seeing that he might chase after her, she bolted for her room and locked the door behind her.

Watching her "escape," he laughed—a carefree, spontaneous laugh.

Sylvia couldn't help but chuckle. "Mr. Miller, you're in an excellent mood today."

Dominic quickly masked his smile and calmly instructed, "Make sure she has whatever she needs."

The quiet night concealed the emotions behind the closed doors. Bella's frustration and resentment didn't affect Dominic.

When she came downstairs the following day, he was already seated at the table, having breakfast.

She tried to slip away unnoticed, but somehow, he seemed to have eyes everywhere. "Come eat."

Bella walked over reluctantly. "Can you stop being so domineering and give me some freedom?"

He glanced at her indifferently. "You have two choices: either I force you to move back and follow my arrangements, with someone driving you to and from work every day, or you can obediently stay here, and you'll have your freedom. Both choices have one thing in common—you're living here, no matter what. Is that enough freedom for you?"

She gripped her spoon tightly. These two choices were the same. He was negotiating how much room she had to move around in a cage. A forced decision didn't count as freedom.

Dominic glanced at his watch occasionally, as if he were in a hurry to leave.

Gritting her teeth, she decided to confront him. "Amber is pregnant. Are you two planning to get married?"

He was caught off guard and choked on his coffee. "What did you just say?"

She frowned. "Isn't she? That's why I think your behavior is unnecessary. If your only goal is to make me miserable, you shouldn't risk your happiness and interests. Amber won't tolerate my presence, even if you're just trying to get back at me."

He gave her a mysterious look. "Who told you she's pregnant?"

Bella trusted what she had seen with her own eyes. "I saw her at the hospital for a check-up. She had a pregnancy test report in her hand."

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