Chapter 19: It Will Only End in Tragedy
Throughout the entire fiasco, Simon was the only one who had lost everything. Bella's situation, while pathetic, yielded some small victories. She understood her position: there was no escaping Dominic, and she couldn't stop him from doing as he pleased. Forced to comply, she lived in constant fear, especially of becoming pregnant. Determined to prevent this, she texted Dominic: "Do you have time? Let's meet at our usual place."
He replied, "OK." Bella went to the stairwell where he often smoked. Ian arrived shortly after, lit a cigarette, and asked, "What's up?"
"Help me get some birth control pills," she said.
He nearly dropped his cigarette. "You're joking, right? I never expected this. Honestly, this is between you and Dominic. I shouldn't get involved."
"You've known him for years. You understand his personality as well as I do. Just wait for him to cool off. You could still talk to him about this then," he suggested.
Bella, slightly dejected, replied, "I know I shouldn't involve you, but I have no one else. You know what's going on better than anyone."
Ian said, "I can do anything for you except this. Besides, don't you like him? Having a baby with him doesn't sound that bad."
Frowning, she responded, "And let the baby go through what I did? Without a complete family, the child will have a tragic life. Dominic will never marry me, let alone love me. I shouldn't have developed feelings for him. I didn't come to you with high hopes anyway. It's fine if you can't help me. I'll go then."
Watching her leave, Ian took a few drags on his cigarette. He could only see things from Dominic's perspective, so he couldn't help her.
Before Bella reached her office, Simon's wife, Elaine, stopped her. Instead of her usual elegant demeanor, Elaine was enraged. She grabbed Bella's arm, screaming, "You bitch! This is all your fault! Did you plan on ruining Simon's life from the beginning? You pretended to help us before using Dominic to bankrupt our company! You're nothing but a scheming witch! You toyed with two men at the same time. You even went after your own father! Are you proud of yourself?"
Before Bella could react, Elaine slapped her. Unable to defend herself against the deranged woman, Bella ended up on the floor, subjected to Elaine's violent kicks and punches. Bystanders were stunned, some watching, others hesitant to intervene due to the chaotic situation.
Fortunately, Ian, having finished his cigarette, happened upon the scene. He rushed over and pulled Elaine off Bella.
Bella, collecting herself, stood up. Injured and bleeding from the lip, she smiled at Elaine. "I know how you must be feeling, Mrs. Kennedy. The fall from grace must be devastating."
She continued, "You're overestimating my abilities. I'm not capable of what you claim. Now that your company has failed, I assume suing you for assault would only make things worse?"
Elaine lunged again, but Ian intervened, sternly warning, "Hold it! If you don't stay where you are, I won't be so civil."
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