Chapter 75: Horribly Ugly

Bella hoped Dominic wouldn't notice her or learn about Simon. As she reached the entrance, he asked, "Where are you going?"

Trying to sound casual, she replied, "I'm going out with Lia. I'll be back soon."

Dominic said nothing, and she took his silence as agreement. She drove to the private dining room where she was meeting Simon.

Upon arrival, Bella felt a surge of amusement. Simon could easily afford an expensive restaurant, yet she and her mother had struggled for five years. She often wondered if her mother's life would have been different if she hadn't loved Simon enough to have her. Most infuriating was that, even after abandoning them, he continued to offer false hope of returning.

In Bella's opinion, if you no longer loved someone, you simply didn't. If you couldn't take responsibility, you didn't. Why ruin someone's life with lies?

After they sat down, Simon poured her tea. "This place doesn't have a menu. The owner just brings" Bella cut him off. "Just say what you need to say. I don't have much time."

Simon, accustomed to her distance, wasn't fazed, though his smile faltered. "I've never mentioned this before, but you have a younger sister. She's five years younger than you."

Bella sneered. "So? What are you trying to say?"

She wasn't interested in this so-called sister, especially knowing the truth. If she wouldn't acknowledge their father, why would she care about a sister? Simon nervously clasped his hands, his fingertips white. "She's been sick her whole life, with"

Bella was surprised but maintained her composure. "People get sick. What's the point?"

After a moment's hesitation, Simon revealed his purpose. "I need you to donate a kidney to your sister. Please, I'll give you anything. Just save her! Dialysis has been unbearable; she's lost her will to live."

Bella frowned. Recalling a hospital conversation between Simon and his wife, she realized this had been his plan all along. Layer by layer, the deception revealed only ugliness and shame.

Bella was furious. She'd believed Simon genuinely wanted to make amends, but reality struck hard.

The waiter arrived with a beautifully plated roasted turkey. It looked delicious, but its glistening eyes seemed to mock the situation.

Bella couldn't eat it. Pushing the plate toward Simon, she offered a faint smile. "I'm sorry, but I can't help you. Your daughter's fate is none of my concern, just as mine and my mother's were none of yours. In fact, given your situation, it almost feels like karma, even if it's a bit late."

(The repeated promotional text at the end has been removed.)