Chapter 146: She's My Sister

Despite feeling blameless, Bella was strangely nervous. Entering the living room, she attempted a natural greeting: "Dominic, I heard you didn't go to the office this afternoon. That's rare for someone as busy as you."

Dominic looked up. "Come here."

Unease washed over Bella as she approached. Without a word, he snatched her handbag, rummaged through it, and produced her birth control pills. His expression was unreadable.

The ensuing silence felt agonizing. Bella braced for a confrontation, but Dominic merely tossed the pills in the trash. "Stop taking those," he said, then ascended the stairs.

Bella stared at the trash can, conflicted. Perhaps it was for the best. His action suggested future mindfulness, which was exactly what she wanted.

However, Dominic reverted to his previous behavior. They barely interacted, despite sharing a roof. Days were spent in separate work, nights separated by emotional and physical distance.

Their only connection was Pudding, their dog, blissfully unaware of the rift. She cheerfully sought their attention, flitting between them daily.

Even on weekends, at home together, they meticulously avoided each other. No shared meals, no garden time. Bella realized this was a cold war.

Around noon, a sleek black Maybach arrived at Miller Manor. Bella, hearing the car, went to the bedroom window.

It was unfamiliar.

A driver rushed to open the rear door. Amber emerged, accompanied by a distinguished-looking middle-aged man who strongly resembled her, confirming their familial relationship.

Bella discreetly closed the window, donned headphones, and began her yoga routine. Pudding remained obediently at her side.

Downstairs, Dominic, impeccably suited, awaited Amber and her father. His cold expression betrayed his displeasure.

Sylvia ushered Amber and her father, Frederick Yates, into the living room and offered drinks.

Frederick glanced around, smiling. "Dominic, where's Pudding? Amber said she's here. I haven't seen her in over a month." Dominic hesitated, but Sylvia interjected, "She's probably with Ms. Jones in her room. Pudding loves playing with her. I'll check and bring her down." [The promotional text "Search the FindNovel.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality." has been removed as it is irrelevant to the story.]

"Ms. Jones?"

Amber's expression darkened. "Dad, you don't know the full story, so don't ask."

Frederick sensed something was amiss and turned to Dominic. "I've been wondering, who is Ms. Jones? I hear she's living here. When you and Amber broke up, I thought it was just a young couple's spat. But could it be?"

Dominic coolly regarded Amber. "She's my sister."

Frederick visibly relaxed. "I see. Family."

Overhearing from the top of the stairs, with Pudding beside her, Bella lacked the courage to descend.

Gently petting Pudding, she whispered, "Go downstairs. Your owner is waiting."