Chapter 149: What Do You Hope For?

Since Dominic had already made up his mind, there was no need to tell Bella. She couldn't have stopped him anyway. Amber was right—Bella wasn't suited for him, and their relationship was doomed. Even if it was just a fleeting dream, Bella felt it was enough.

After a moment, Dominic turned to leave. Bella panicked and asked, "Will you come back?"

Dominic paused but didn't look back. "What do you hope for?"

Bella bit her lip. "I wish you a safe journey and hope you come home soon."

Dominic turned his head slightly, a smile playing on his lips. "Got it."

Bella froze. His smile felt like a brilliant star, illuminating the darkness in her heart and chasing away the negativity of the past twenty years.

After he closed the door, her heart raced. She no longer cared why he'd told Frederick she was his sister. All that mattered was that she still liked him, regardless of his public acknowledgment of their relationship.

The next day, Lia returned from her trip abroad and invited Bella to lunch. Summer in Joville was brutally hot; the entire city felt like an oven. Luckily, their restaurant had strong air conditioning, providing a welcome respite from the heat.

As soon as they met, Lia showed Bella a photo of her new boyfriend.

"Look! Isn't he handsome? He's a pilot! Best of all, he doesn't want kids, so we won't have to worry about that. His name is Marcus Taylor, and I think it sounds nice."

Bella studied the photo seriously. "Yeah, he's definitely good-looking and stylish. And if he doesn't want kids, that's good for you."

Lia smiled. "I knew you'd approve! My taste is never wrong."

Bella smiled but remained noncommittal. She couldn't judge a stranger she hadn't met. As long as he treated Lia well, that was all that mattered.

Lia noticed Bella's lack of enthusiasm and pouted. "Did you and Dominic fight again? You always look like this when you're upset. It's so boring!"

Bella shook her head. "No, it's really not like that this time. I hope you and your boyfriend tie the knot quickly. Remember, I want to be your bridesmaid!"

Lia beamed. "Thanks for the good wishes! You'll definitely be my bridesmaid. Don't worry about that!"

Throughout lunch, Lia talked incessantly about Marcus and barely ate. Bella felt dizzy from the cloying sweetness of their romance.

"Can you focus on eating? Is he really that busy? If not, why not invite him to join us?"

Lia covered her mouth and giggled. "He just got home from a flight and needs to rest; I'd feel bad calling him out. Why don't we have dinner together tonight? You two can meet. You can't wear makeup, though. I can't have you stealing my spotlight. That's because you're way prettier than me!"

Bella rolled her eyes. Women in love had such strange logic.

After lunch, Bella and Lia strolled around. Near dinner time, they headed to their reservation. Marcus hadn't arrived by 7:00 pm. When Bella finally saw him, she understood Lia's attraction. He was even more handsome in person and had a commanding presence. He was impeccably put together, and even drove an expensive car. But as soon as he sat down, he said, "Lia, let's end this. This will be our last meal together."

Both Lia and Bella were stunned. Bella couldn't help but think of Oscar.

Why did Lia's boyfriends always break up with her so suddenly?

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