Chapter 13: Look After You

Dominic froze. Bella seized the opportunity, slipping under his arm and running away.

Early the next day, Bella arrived at the hospital and received a message from Dominic: "Oscar requested a transfer. He wants to go as far away as possible. Conveniently, I have an opening at an overseas company. The details are settled, but I suspect his breakup with Lia is more complicated than it seems."

After reading the message, Bella sensed something was amiss. Everything had been fine during her vacation with Lia and Oscar. Their breakup was sudden, and the excuse Oscar gave was one he'd previously said he didn't mind. Using it now felt forced.

She considered asking Dominic for help, but decided against it, knowing he wouldn't pry into his employees' private lives. Since they'd broken up, she let it go. Whatever Oscar's reason, there was no need to dwell on it. Lia's heartbreak, however, gave Bella a perfect excuse for a late night. She immediately went to Lia's studio after work. Although she appeared calm, she was terrified of being alone with Dominic. Since that night, she'd been on edge, trying to avoid him. She'd rushed to Lia's so quickly that Lia found her behavior suspicious.

"Rather than caring for me, why do I feel like you're just trying to hide from Dominic?" Lia asked. "Is it that easy to avoid him?"

"What happened this time? You two have been together for years. Do you really think it'll be that easy?"

Bella pursed her lips. "Don't overthink it. I'm just worried about you. Oscar's been transferred abroad—he requested it himself."

Lia reacted minimally. "Oh, his business is none of my concern. I'm not upset. We were only together briefly; my feelings weren't strong. It's just that his excuse for breaking up was hurtful."

Bella sighed. "Dominic thinks there's more to it. What do you think he's hiding? I called Oscar yesterday. He doesn't seem to be handling the breakup well."

Lia paused. "What could he hide? He probably feels guilty about going back on his word. I don't think I'll ever marry. You know my condition. I look healthy, but managing a family and having children… I don't want to burden anyone. I'm okay being alone."

Bella was upset by Lia's forced smile. How much courage did it take for Lia to accept a life of solitude?

By 11:00 pm, Bella arrived home. The manor was silent; everyone was asleep. She crept to her room, her heart pounding as she passed Dominic's. She was relieved to see his door closed.

Back in her room, she dropped her bag and switched on the light. She jumped at the sight of Dominic sitting on her bed.

"Why are you here?"

Dominic checked his watch. "What time is it? You might as well have stayed out all night." He looked displeased, but not furious.

Bella breathed a sigh of relief. "I was with Lia until she finished work. She's heartbroken; I should look after her."

Dominic stood up. "Be prepared for consequences if you're not home by nine on non-work nights."

A chill ran down Bella's spine. "I'm an adult. Do you really need to restrict my freedom like this?"

Dominic patted her shoulder. "Haven't you heard that an older brother's responsibility is like a father's? It's my duty to look after you. Now, I'm going to sleep."

Bella was stunned as he left. He always hated being called her older brother. Whether he was joking or not, his initiative shocked her.

(The final sentence and the website reference were removed as they were irrelevant and promotional.)