Chapter 189: Actually, You're Quite Gentle

Simon didn't pressure her further, likely fearing she might reconsider. Afterward, he mentioned his wife's relatives disbelieved he had a daughter and insisted on meeting her, even demanding a paternity test requiring Bella's cooperation. She agreed to the test, refusing further engagement; she lacked the time to deal with them.

During her lunch break, she went with Simon for the test, the results due in a few days. Bella secretly hoped the test would reveal they weren't biologically related, offering some redemption for her and her mother's difficult life. But deep down, she knew it was impossible. Her cold and sinusitis persisted despite medication, leaving her tired all day. Thankfully, no important surgeries were scheduled; otherwise, she would have been in trouble.

After work, she skipped dinner, took her medicine, and collapsed onto her bed. She awoke to someone touching her forehead. Assuming it was Sylvia, she mumbled, "I'm okay. I took medicine, and I'll be fine after some sleep." Instead, Dominic's voice mocked, "How did you manage to survive this long?"

Startled by his voice, Bella opened her eyes. "I'm okay"

He pulled her from bed. "You have a fever. Get up and go to the hospital."

She sat up, feeling the fever raging through her body. Her entire body was unbearably hot; unable to sweat, the fever was severe. Weakened and nearly fainting, she struggled to move. He supported her, helping her into her slippers. "Let's go."

Bella struggled to her feet, but her legs gave way, and she fell into his arms. She felt his chest and heartbeat, her brain momentarily lapsing. She remained there, her face buried against him.

Dominic, having no other choice, lifted her and carried her downstairs. As they descended, she noticed his heavy breathing and recalled his injury. She instantly struggled to free herself, apologizing, "I'm sorry. I forgot about your injury. How do you feel? Does it hurt?"

He only grimaced, carrying her down the stairs. She didn't notice the faint sweat on his forehead, clearly not from exertion.

At the hospital, Bella received an IV drip. She hadn't anticipated her condition's severity. It was late, and the infusion room was nearly empty, so Dominic stayed with her.

Overcome by drowsiness, she leaned against him and fell into a deep sleep. He gently held her hand, careful not to disturb the IV.

By daylight, her fever had broken, and she felt much better. She awoke to find the IV finished and removed, yet Dominic hadn't woken her. A wave of emotion washed over her; she wondered if she could find a reason to stay with him, but found none.

On the drive back, noticing his fatigue, she offered to drive, and he didn't object. She suggested he rest, but he kept his eyes on her while she drove, clearly skeptical of her driving skills, perhaps even fearing for his life.

Meeting his gaze, she broke the silence. "You know, you can be quite gentle sometimes. The woman who marries you will be fortunate. If you can be this nice to someone you dislike, imagine how well you'd treat someone you care about."

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