Chapter 71: Inescapable Loneliness

Chasing the robber had already drained Bella's energy, and it was clear she was completely exhausted. She regretted her actions a thousand times. Why had she been so foolish as to chase him alone? She could have lost her life over a few belongings. Staring down the alley, she told herself to hold on; she was almost out. Once she reached the street, she could shout for help. Suddenly, someone grabbed her arm and pulled her to the ground.

The water puddle soaked her thin clothes, clinging to her skin and accentuating her curves. The robber crouched, grabbing her neck. A gleaming knife pressed against her cheek. "I've never met a woman as bold as you," he sneered. "Come have some fun with me, and I'll give you your stuff back. Don't be a bitch."

Bella dared not breathe as her mind raced, but the robber gave her no time. He seized her like a small bird and dragged her deeper into the alley. She didn't dare struggle, with the knife pressed against her lower back and fear consuming her. She knew what was coming. Like most women in her situation, she was terrified and cried, but she didn't beg, knowing it would be useless.

"Who's there? What are you doing?"

A sudden shout from the alley entrance gave Bella hope. "Help!"

The robber, interrupted, flew into a rage. Abandoning Bella, he charged forward with his knife. Bella was dazed as she saw a single person enter the alley. Panic set in when she realized the robber had a knife. By the time she tried to warn him, it was too late. The robber had already injured him and run away.

Bella hurried to check on the injured person—Simon. Without hesitation, she asked, "Where are you hurt?"

Simon clutched his wound, struggling to straighten up. "I'm I'm fine. Are you okay?"

Bella nodded. The hospital was nearby. She rushed Simon there and performed the surgery herself. His injury wasn't serious; the knife had penetrated his ribcage but missed his internal organs. A few stitches would suffice.

After checking on Simon, she collapsed onto a bench outside the ward. Desolation washed over her, breaking her last bit of resilience. She couldn't understand fate's cruelty. If she hadn't been saved, her life would have been ruined, even if she had survived.

It was midnight. Covered in dirt and grime, she had just escaped death. Her phone was silent; no messages, no missed calls. It seemed no one cared. In a world of billions, she felt utterly alone. It wasn't hardship that could break a person; it was the invisible loneliness.

Her finger hovered over Dominic's number. On impulse, she dialed. She knew he wouldn't answer, so she didn't put the phone to her ear. Instead, she stared at the dialing screen. Suddenly, the screen changed, and the call timer started running. 1, 2, 3 He had answered.

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