Chapter 24: Father

After resolving her housing situation, Bella's next priority was finding a job. She needed a steady income to continue repaying Dominic monthly. Before arriving in town, she had researched the area. The town had developed significantly in recent years, and even boasted a hospital where she could continue her previous line of work.

Proactive, she applied for a position at the town's hospital immediately after settling her belongings. Given her impressive qualifications, the hospital director readily offered her a job, though he expressed concern that she might be dissatisfied with the salary. Bella anticipated this. The pay was significantly lower than in Joville—almost half—but the lower cost of living made it manageable.

Returning home from the hospital, Bella found Leonard lounging in the courtyard, sunbathing. "Aren't you going out today?" she asked.

Leonard lazily glanced at her. "Nothing to do. Someone stopped by looking for you and left a business card. Here."

Bella curiously picked up the card. Seeing the name "Simon Kennedy," her pupils dilated. Flustered, she quickly pocketed the card. "Thanks," she murmured.

She hurried back to her room, a whirlwind of emotions. The name Simon appeared in Dorothy's letters; he was her father. She had planned to find him and give him Dorothy's belongings, but she hadn't expected him to find her first. Unexpected situations always took people by surprise.

Calming herself, she called the number on the card. He seemed to have anticipated her call, answering immediately. A deep, powerful voice—that of a middle-aged man—filled the phone. "Is this… Bella?"

Bella replied coldly, "Yes, it's me. You came looking for me. What do you want?"

Simon seemed to take a deep breath. "Bella… I'm sorry for what I did to you and your mother…"

Bella flared up. "You're not worthy of mentioning my mother!"

Simon sighed. "I know. It's my fault you both suffered. I'll do everything I can to make amends. I'm staying at a nearby guesthouse. Would you like to meet?"

Recently, Bella had resolutely decided to find Simon. Yet, his suggestion to meet brought a wave of hesitation. Simon, the father she'd never known… How much did she despise him? She wasn't sure how to face him.

Silence stretched between them. Sensing her conflict, Simon gently said, "Take your time. Let me know when you're ready. I'll be here for a few days. Take care. If you need money, just ask." Bella found his belated concern laughable and angrily hung up.

As night fell, the insects and frogs created a symphony in the fields. Bella couldn't sleep. She repeatedly examined Dorothy's box before messaging Simon, setting a time and place to meet.

Chapter 24: Father

It was inevitable; she might as well get it over with in one meeting. Afterward, she would sever ties for good.

As she prepared to leave with the letters, Leonard emerged from the house. "Where are you going?"

Bella felt uneasy. "I… I couldn't sleep, so I'm going for a walk."

A cigarette dangling from his lips, Leonard said, "I'll go with you."

Bella felt awkward. "That's not necessary. I know the area well. I'll be back soon, thanks." Leonard said nothing more, watching Bella walk away. Reluctantly, he followed at a distance. He'd never done anything like this before, but if anything happened to Bella, he wouldn't be able to face Dominic.

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