Chapter 61: Time to Face Reality

After leaving the crowded reception room, Bella arrived in the courtyard, where a large swimming pool shimmered vibrant blue. She crouched to play with the water, finding it pleasantly warm. She couldn't help but think the Sawyers certainly knew how to live well.

Suddenly, she heard footsteps approaching from behind. Afraid of being seen in such an undignified position, she hastily stood and turned. Seeing Felix, her eyes darted around nervously. "What are you doing here?"

Felix, dressed in a bespoke suit, held a wine glass steady as the crimson liquid swirled within. He didn't ask about her recent disappearance. However, upon noticing her suit jacket, a smile plastered itself on his face, concealing the flicker of emotion beneath. "I'm here for the same reason as you," he answered.

Bella fell silent. She felt she needed to explain, but before she could speak, he said, "You don't have to say anything. I understand. I just want to know if you really want to go back to him."

She frowned, unwilling to involve him in her mess with Dominic. "I'm sorry, Felix, but I can't answer. Let's just pretend I was childish and dragged you and Lia into this."

He turned to the pool and sighed softly. "But you know I've been serious about this from the very beginning"

The sadness in his eyes pained her. "I'm sorry"

At that moment, she could only think of her own actions: she had been the one to initiate the relationship, yet she had walked away without explanation.

He turned to her, a warm smile returning. "It's okay. I'll just consider it another rejection. It's not the first time. From the moment Dominic answered your call, I knew it was time to face reality." Bella felt terrible. Her pursuit of Dominic had been a fundamental mistake. Dominic was right; she wasn't worthy of a normal relationship. Her head bowed, she whispered, "What did he say on the phone?"

Felix shrugged. "Not much. He just said you were doing well and that you couldn't contact me for a while, that's all."

She eyed him suspiciously. Yet, since he didn't seem to be lying, she wondered if Dominic was truly that affable.

As if reading her mind, he assured her, "It's true. That's all he said. I need to take care of something. I'll be right back."

Watching him walk away, Bella was filled with regret. She wanted to slap herself. Felix was the last person she wanted to disappoint. He was the ideal boyfriend, and she was simply inadequate. "I told you not to get your hopes up, but you must be feeling pretty upset now that you've encountered someone you like but can't have."

A voice, dripping with sarcasm and malice, came from behind. Bella knew, without turning, it was Dominic.

However, she wasn't upset; she simply couldn't believe his unreasonableness. She had once thought him perfect, but now saw him for who he truly was. Was this a sign of her finally coming to her senses? Bella didn't respond, and he seemed unbothered. He walked to her side, both of them staring at the pool. "You're coming inside with me. Don't even think about staying here." "I'm already doing you a favor by coming here with you. What more do you want?" she retorted.

Dominic abruptly marched over, wrapped his large hand around her slender neck, and emptied his wine glass into her mouth. Leaning in, he whispered, "I just don't want others to think I can't even control my own woman. You came here with me, so why are you sneaking off to meet other men?"

Note: The website promotion was removed as it was irrelevant to the story and seemed spammy. Some minor word choices were altered for improved flow and clarity. The final sentence's exclamation points were reduced for better pacing.