Chapter 194: Kind of a Buzzkill

After Lan's intervention, the crowd moved closer to the three of them.

"What do you think you're doing?" one bystander shouted. "This is a hospital, not your private property! Are you looking to get locked up? If you don't leave now, we'll call the cops!" another added.

Defeated, Elaine's shoulders slumped. Despite her situation, she muttered curses at Bella under her breath. "You'll get what's coming to you, Bella Jones—just wait and see! I wonder how long you can keep this up! Someone like you is destined to end up like your mother. You'll be unwanted, and you'll die a tragic death!"

Bella scoffed. "My mother wasn't unwanted. She dodged a bullet by not marrying that piece of scum. The scum in question ended up with you. How did that work out? He took all your money, leaving you with nothing."

Furious, Elaine screamed at Bella. Security intervened, taking her to a nearby police station.

Bella didn't bother informing Simon. Their affairs were no longer her concern.

Elaine had been brutal. When Bella treated her injuries, she discovered numerous open wounds and countless bruises; she'd been kicked in the ribs. An X-ray confirmed no broken bones, and Bella finally relaxed. Elaine's reasoning was peculiar: How could she believe Bella had set up two men simultaneously? Did she think Bella used Dominic to get back at Simon?

Bella found the idea laughable. She was incapable of such a thing, and Dominic wouldn't allow himself to be manipulated. On the way back to Miller Manor after work, she assumed Dominic knew about her altercation with Elaine; he was aware of her every move, after all. When Sylvia saw her injuries, she exclaimed, "What happened? Did you get assaulted by a patient's family member?"

Bella replied, "How is that possible? No patient has died under my watch. I'm fine. I'm just a bit hungry."

Sylvia quickly got her some food.

Bella walked upstairs listlessly. Nearing the top, she saw Dominic standing a few steps above her. She stepped aside to let him pass. He glanced at her briefly before continuing on; neither made eye contact.

Later that night, they were in bed together—a routine for the past few days. When Dominic touched her stomach, she winced and curled into a ball.

He froze, turning on the light to see her body covered in wounds and bruises. His gaze darkened. "Why didn't you fight back?"

"I didn't react quickly enough," Bella answered honestly, pale-faced. "If you think this is a buzzkill, should we not do anything tonight?"

With a blank expression, he went to the window and lit a cigarette. "It is kind of a buzzkill."

She sat up, a small breath escaping her lips. The blanket covered her chest. Her slender, elegant figure, the dark bruises contrasting sharply against her flawless skin, looked surprisingly beautiful.

Since the assault prevented Dominic from having sex with her, she considered it a small victory. After ensuring he didn't plan on taking things further, she carefully left the room. At least tonight, she could sleep well.

For the following week, Dominic didn't touch her. He was particular about many things; perhaps he found her injuries unsightly.

For Bella, this was ideal. She paid little attention to her wounds; the slower they healed, the better.