Chapter 123: I'm Not Sleeping with Him

This was what social humiliation felt like, wasn't it? Bella should never have agreed to that call with Dominic. Her image was thoroughly destroyed.

On their way to the beach, Bella subtly asked Lia, "Lia, do I snore when I sleep?"

Lia glanced at Bella. "Nope. You're a quiet sleeper. If anyone snores, it's probably me. My sinus problems were acting up last night. Why? Did Dominic hear it? Let him hear it, then. It's not like I'm sleeping with him."

Bella sighed helplessly. Would it be too late to explain to Dominic that she wasn't the one snoring? But if she did, wouldn't that make her look like she was trying too hard?

When they reached the sunny beach, they found a perfect spot to relax. They weren't in a rush to swim. The sun's heat shimmered over the sand, the sky a deep blue above the glistening ocean. For Bella, this was all new and exciting. Having grown up in Joville, far inland, this was her first time seeing the sea. It was nothing like the photos she'd seen online. Here, everything felt vibrant, alive, and utterly real.

When Lia and Bella emerged from the changing rooms in their bikinis, Oscar's face turned beet red. He couldn't even look at them.

Bella wore a light cover-up over her swimsuit and bought herself a coffee to wake up. However, she couldn't resist a nap on a beach chair.

She woke to the sounds of chatter and laughter. The beach had gotten busier, and women in swimsuits were everywhere, leaving Oscar hopelessly overwhelmed.

Bella chuckled and nudged Lia. She suggested they change their plans for the next day—maybe some sightseeing, so Oscar could get something out of the trip besides awkward beach moments.

They spent the rest of the day enjoying the beach. By the time they returned to the hotel, exhaustion had taken over. None of them even bothered with dinner before collapsing into bed.

Bella was an early riser. Since they'd gone to bed so early, she was awake before dawn. Lia was still fast asleep, snoring softly beside her. Feeling hungry, Bella made herself a plate of spaghetti and sat by the window, gazing at the silent city. It was nothing like the bustling, lively scene from the day before. At this hour, the stillness gave the city a strange kind of beauty—a sense of being the only one awake in a sleeping world.

She checked her phone; no missed calls or messages. She felt an odd mix of relief and disappointment. Part of her had expected Dominic to text her. At the same time, it was probably for the best if he hadn't. Maybe his interest had been a fleeting whim.

Suddenly, a woman's voice rang out from the hallway. "Please don't leave me! I'm begging you!"

Bella was startled. This was a luxury hotel with good soundproofing. Yet, it was impossible not to hear someone shouting outside their door. Her curiosity piqued, she tiptoed to the door and pressed her ear against it. All she could make out was a woman's sobbing, followed by a heavy door slam.

The crying continued for over twenty minutes. Only the woman's muffled sobs could be heard.

Lia shifted restlessly. Bella steeled herself and opened the door slightly. She saw a woman sitting on the floor, sobbing, dressed to the nines. Her luxury handbag lay on the carpet beside her.

Hearing the door creak open, the woman quickly straightened and wiped her tears. However, she didn't leave. Her long, slightly tousled hair obscured most of her face. After a brief hesitation, Bella offered her a pack of tissues. "Here," she said.

The woman accepted them, her head still bowed. "Thank you."

Just as Bella was about to close the door, the door across the hall swung open. She froze. The name escaped her lips: "Ethan?"

(Note: The promotional text for FindNovel.net has been removed as requested.)