Chapter 113: Habitual Submission
Just as Lia finished speaking, Bella's phone rang. It was Felix. Seeing the caller ID, Lia immediately backtracked. "Forget everything I just said. I actually think Felix is great, too. At least he's gentle and utterly devoted to you. One is someone you've liked for many years, and the other is someone who's liked you for many years. You decide—I'll stay out of it from now on." Seeing her change sides so quickly, Bella couldn't help but roll her eyes as she answered, "Hello?"
On the other end, Felix said, "Yvonne's on summer break, and I'm planning to take her abroad to visit family. Before we leave, can I take you to dinner?"
Remembering Felix had treated her on her birthday, Bella seized the chance. "Let me treat you this time. It's only fair, right? Don't argue."
Felix agreed, and they set a time before hanging up.
Bella casually told Lia, "Let's have dinner tonight—my treat."
Unexpectedly, Lia declined. "I need to head back to my mom's place tonight. You and Felix go ahead." Bella hadn't expected that, as Lia usually joined them.
Knowing Dominic's temperament, Bella called Sylvia early, claiming her phone was about to die and that she'd be having dinner with a friend. She asked Sylvia to pass the message on to Dominic. Her phone wasn't actually low on battery, but if Dominic found out she was having dinner alone with Felix, it would surely stir up another storm.
That evening, when she arrived at the restaurant and saw Felix, she turned off her phone. She didn't want Dominic's overbearing presence intruding on her personal life. After all, she never meddled in his world, nor could she.
Once they had ordered, Bella started the conversation. "Are you staying abroad with Yvonne until her summer break ends?"
Felix clasped his hands together on the table, looking at her intently. "Not necessarily. I might not come back at all. For the past few years, my parents' main business has been their overseas company. They've wanted me to go abroad to help manage it for a while now." Bella nodded. "Oh… that actually sounds pretty good."
Felix added, half-jokingly, "But if I go, I won't be able to see you anymore, let alone ask you out for dinner."
Bella wasn't sure how to respond, so she just gave a silly smile. "There's always time. A man should prioritize his career. Our friendship won't change."
He smiled and shifted the conversation. "I heard you moved back to Miller Manor. Was it Dominic who picked you up?"
She unconsciously started picking at her nails. She knew it was Lia who had told him. "Yeah… He's always so overbearing. I didn't have much of a choice…"
He said softly, "It's not that you didn't have a choice; it's that when it comes to someone you care about, you're habitually compliant."
Was that really the case? Bella wasn't sure. Inside, her feelings were muddled.
After dinner, as they left the restaurant, Felix said, "I suppose it wouldn't be appropriate for me to drop you off at Miller Manor. Should I call a cab for you?" Bella shook her head. "No need. You go ahead. I'll just get a ride from here. Safe travels."
Felix's gaze lingered on her wrist—she was still wearing the bracelet he had given her. A smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Alright. I'll be off then."
Watching him walk away, she felt a twinge of guilt. In terms of feelings, she and Felix were on the same page. She had considered being with him, but the idea of "settling" for comfort felt shameful. Felix was a good person—too good to be treated as a backup, and too good to be hurt.
A car horn suddenly snapped Bella out of her thoughts. She turned to see Dominic's car parked on the side of the road. Out of nowhere, a sense of guilt washed over her. Did he have a tracker on her? How did he always know where she was?