Chapter 36: I Bet You Can't Leave

The air grew tense. After a brief pause, Dominic walked away, his expression cold. Bella wished she could bite her tongue. She hadn't meant her words that way.

Leonard seemed amused. "Wanna bet? I bet you can't leave," he said.

Bella was close to tears. "Bet, my foot!" she exclaimed. She was too scared to curse, but she wanted to tell him exactly what she thought. Leonard might seem friendly now, but if he turned against her, she wouldn't even have time to cry. She couldn't afford to antagonize someone so powerful. He had generously refunded her rent and deposit, confident she wouldn't leave. His earlier refusal to return the deposit had been a joke; he didn't need the money.

Determined to leave, Bella packed her bags that night, planning to resign from the hospital in the morning.

Simon somehow learned of her plans. Knowing she wouldn't answer his calls, he sent a text: "I heard you don't want to stay there anymore. Come to Holha. I'll set you up with a job. Someone as talented as you should be in a big city."

Annoyed, Bella immediately blocked him. Then she wondered how he knew her plans, especially since he wasn't around. The thought that Simon might be spying on her made her sick. What was he trying to do? Hadn't he already ruined Dorothy's life? Did he want to ruin hers too? She would rather starve than accept his help.

Hearing the courtyard was quiet, Bella ventured out to look for food. But as soon as she stepped outside, she saw Dominic sitting under the grape trellis. Since she had to pass through the courtyard to reach the kitchen, she felt trapped. Dominic had already seen her.

Reluctantly, she approached him, trying to ease the tension. "It's not because of you that…" she began, but Dominic interrupted.

"Come here," he said.

She sat across from him, remaining silent. Despite his apparent dislike, she didn't consider him a bitter enemy.

After a moment, Dominic said calmly, "I'm only staying for half a month, so there's really no need."

Bella felt helpless. Why hadn't he let her finish? That wasn't what she meant at all. This was all Leonard's fault.

While she felt uneasy, Dominic suddenly asked, "Why did you cut your hair?"

Bella glanced at him, unable to read his expression. "Uh… it was inconvenient to wash it with my injury. I've had long hair for so many years, so I thought I'd try a different style. If there's nothing else, I'm going to the kitchen to make something to eat. You should get some rest."

Without waiting for a response, she stood and left.

"Bella…"

Hearing him call her name, she stopped but didn't turn around. "Is there something else?" she asked.

After a brief silence, Dominic stood and walked away. "Nothing," he said.

What had he been about to say? Watching him go inside, Bella felt melancholic. His attitude was far better than she'd expected. At least their encounter wasn't hostile.

Because of that brief conversation, Bella stayed awake all night. If she left, Dominic would certainly think it was because of him. However, she still didn't want to stay.

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