Chapter 37: How Long Did You Plan to Leave Me?

Amidst her confusion and internal struggle, Bella didn't fall asleep until dawn. When she finally woke, it was a sunny afternoon. She expected a reprimand from the hospital director for her absence, but, surprisingly, he hadn't mentioned it.

She went to the courtyard to freshen up, and Leonard followed, a smug expression on his face. "I told you you weren't going anywhere," he said. Bella, brushing her teeth, felt irritated. She wanted to spray him with toothpaste foam. How could he be so sure he understood her?

Though still conflicted, she was leaning toward staying, at least for now. If she left, it would be only after Dominic departed, to avoid the impression that she was leaving solely to avoid him.

Good weather is fleeting. After several days of sunshine, heavy rain arrived.

Raindrops pounded the grape trellis. The young vines, still bearing no fruit, seemed overwhelmed. Soon, the ground was littered with fallen green grapes.

The house's poor sound insulation was its only drawback. The rain was so loud that Bella couldn't sleep.

She took an umbrella and walked under the trellis, stepping into the icy rainwater. She reminisced about Dorothy scolding her for playing in water as a child. Dorothy was gentle, even when scolding. Yet her mother had only been with her for five years; Bella couldn't recall many details.

Suddenly, Dominic's door opened. He stepped onto the eaves to smoke, the flickering flame illuminating his handsome face. The smoke rose, quickly dissipated by the rain.

Bella instinctively straightened, stopping herself from splashing. Regardless of time or place, one instinctively maintains dignity in front of someone they admire.

Dominic finished his cigarette but remained outside. He seemed to be looking at Bella through the darkness.

The rain continued relentlessly. Dominic appeared to say something, but Bella couldn't hear him clearly. She saw him turn and enter the house, leaving the door ajar. [Remove the promotional text here]

Bella guessed he was inviting her in. After a moment's hesitation, she walked under the eaves, closing her umbrella. "What did you say?"

Dominic went to a small table, poured two cups of hot tea, and took a sip before saying casually, "How old are you, still splashing in the water? How childish."

Bella felt embarrassed, standing in the doorway, unsure what to say. Given the events before she left Joville, she expected no such calm conversation. This unexpected tranquility left her at a loss.

Chapter 37: How Long Do You Plan to Leave Me? (Corrected title)

Bella obediently shut the door. Sheltered from the wind and rain, they were in a small space.

The house had four rooms; Dominic occupied the largest and best, though it paled in comparison to Miller Manor.

They faced each other in silence. This was an opportunity to explain the situation with Felix, but Bella chose not to; it seemed unnecessary. Explanations not given at the right time lose their meaning.

After a long pause, Dominic broke the silence. "How long did you plan to leave me?"

Chapter 38: A Debt You Can Never Repay