Chapter 92: Your Home

Bella was frustrated and didn't know how to cope. She wanted nothing to do with Dominic. She asked Lia to drive her in Lia's old, beat-up car; using the fancy car Dominic had given her felt like surrendering. Winning an argument wasn't her goal; she simply wanted to avoid him.

Lia had trouble starting her car, but eventually got it going. "You really think this old thing can outrun his car? It's like comparing a cheetah to a stray dog—actually, more like a bunny!" Bella just waved Lia on.

A mile down the road, Dominic’s car blocked them. Lia was scared. "What if we’d crashed? Who would be responsible?"

"It would be his fault," Bella replied, frustrated. "If we’d crashed, he’d have to pay. He has plenty of money."

Lia fell silent. The cars remained stationary. After ten minutes, tired and hungry, Lia yawned. "What's he waiting for? I'm exhausted. You should tell him off. I've got your back!"

Knowing inaction wouldn't help, Bella called Dominic. He saw her through his windshield and answered, "Why aren't you coming home?"

"That's your home," Bella retorted.

Dominic was quiet, then said coldly, "Do whatever you want." He hung up and drove away.

Lia was confused. "What happened? What's going on with you two?"

Feeling drained, Bella said, "It's nothing. Let's go back. I might stay at your place for a while."

The next morning, Bella woke up in Lia's apartment, feeling sad about the unfamiliar surroundings. Dominic had always insisted she come home every night, so despite her closeness to Lia, she'd never stayed there before. Lia had left for work, leaving Bella the spare keys and some food.

Bella got up, opened the curtains, and checked her phone. No messages or missed calls. Remembering the car and high heels she'd seen at the Miller manor the previous night, she felt uneasy. She set her phone aside and got ready.

At the hospital, she saw Ian. They usually just nodded, but today, he seemed to want to speak. Bella avoided him; she wasn't ready to hear about Amber.

She went to her office. Ian followed. Rubbing her temples, she said quietly, "I have a lot to do today—two surgeries—and need to get ready. Do you need something?"

Ian looked at her. "If you don't want to hear what I have to say, I won't. But if you want to know anything, just ask."

Bella hummed noncommittally. Dominic had already brought someone else home; what was the point of asking?

After her surgeries (it was 2:00 p.m.), Bella ate bland takeout, which filled her but didn't satisfy her. Annoyed, she threw the half-eaten food away. A nagging voice urged her to talk to Ian. Her curiosity about Dominic and Amber was growing stronger.