Chapter 187: Until the Time

Bella knew Dominic wouldn't release her easily. To leave, she needed Simon; only he dared defy Dominic to achieve his goals. She felt insignificant to Dominic; their relationship was built on hatred and vengeance. If Simon fought hard enough, Dominic would abandon her, freeing her from her burdens and fantasies about him.

Simon, remembering Dominic's phone call the previous night, felt anxious but quickly reassured Bella: "No problem. Leave it to me. Don't worry. Choose a time to officially become a Kennedy. Should we use the name your mother and I chose?"

Bella's disdain was evident. "No need. Just Bella Kennedy."

Simon, surprised by her directness, readily agreed: "Sure. Whatever you say."

After lunch, Bella returned to the hospital. Encountering Ian, she felt guilty, avoiding him by pretending not to see him. Ian, however, noticed and approached, teasing, "Usually takeout at noon? What's with the outing?"

She replied casually, "Tired of takeout. What's so weird about that?"

He leaned closer. "You splurged. Even red wine."

Bella frowned. "Your nose is amazing! It was ordinary table wine. Don't you have surgery? Shouldn't you be preparing?"

Ian shrugged. "Routine procedure. Nothing to prepare. You underestimate me. Alright, I won't bother you. I'm off."

Relieved, Bella watched him go. She wouldn't reveal her plans until everything was settled, especially not to Ian, who might tell Dominic. She'd wait. Chapter 187: Until the Time

After work, Bella returned home and saw Dominic. A complex mix of emotions surged within her—fear of his discovery, yet a longing to be near him and speak her mind.

Perhaps due to last night's offense, Dominic remained stern, ignoring her throughout dinner.

Afterward, it was time to walk the dog. Pudding nudged Dominic with the leash. He casually attached it, asking, "Do you want to join?"

Clearly not directed at Pudding, the question stunned Bella. "Hmm? Oh, okay, I'll come."

The air was crisp, the ground covered in golden leaves. Bella picked up a pretty one, intending to press it.

Dominic, however, seemed disgusted, staring incredulously. "Why did you pick that up?"

She showed him the leaf. "It's pretty. I'll press it; it'll become a specimen."

He plucked a fresher leaf from a nearby tree and offered it. "Those on the ground are dirty. Throw that away and take this."

She kept both. "Both are fine. I don't mind a little dust. Even the air has dust. Why don't you stop breathing, or wear an oxygen mask?"

Chapter 188: Her Courage Comes From Him