Crushed Affections (Dominic and Bella)
Chapter 24

Chapter 24 Father

After resolving the housing issue, Bella's next priority was replaceing a job. She needed a steady income to continue paying back Dominic each month.

Before coming to the town, she had done some research. The town had developed quite well in recent years, and there was even a hospital where she could continue her previous line of work.

Being proactive, she headed to the town's hospital to apply for a job right after settling her belongings. Given her impressive qualifications, the hospital director didn't hesitate to offer her a position, though he was concerned she might be dissatisfied with the salary. Bella had anticipated this. The pay here was indeed much lower than in Joville, almost half as much, but the cost of living was lower too, so she could manage.

After leaving the hospital and returning home, Bella noticed Leonard lounging in the courtyard, soaking up the sun. She greeted him, "Are you not going out today?"

Leonard glanced at her lazily. "Nothing to do, so why go out? Someone came by looking for you earlier and left a business card. Here."

Bella walked over curiously and picked up the card. The moment she saw the name "Simon Kennedy", her pupils dilated, and she hurriedly pocketed the card, a bit flustered. "Thanks."

With that, she quickly turned and retreated to her room with a mixed emotion.

The name Simon had appeared in the letters Dorothy left behind. He was her father.

She had planned to replace him and give him the things Dorothy had left behind, but she never expected him to replace her first. Unexpected situations always caught people off guard.

After calming herself, she picked up her phone and dialed the number on the card. It seemed he had anticipated her call, as the phone was answered immediately. A deep, powerful voice of a middle-aged man.came through. "Is this... Bella?" Bella replied coldly, "Yes, it's me. Didn't you come looking for me? What do you want?"

Simon seemed to take a deep breath. "Bella... I'm sorry for what I did to you and your mother..."

Bella flared up instantly. "You're not worthy of mentioning my mother!"

Simon sighed. "I know, I'm not. It's my fault that you both suffered. Believe me, I'll do everything I can to make up for what I owe you. I'm staying at a nearby guesthouse for now. Let's meet if you want to."

Not long ago, Bella had resolutely decided to replace Simon. But now that he suggested-meeting, she felt a wave of hesitation.

Simon, her father whom she had never met... How much did she despise him? She wasn't sure how to

face him.

She remained silent for a long time. Simon seemed to sense her inner conflict and gently said, "Take your time and let me know when you're ready. I'll be here for a few days. Take care of yourself out there. If you heed money, just ask." Bella found his belated concern laughable and hung up the phone angrily.

As night fell, the constant chorus of insects and frogs created a symphony in the fields,

Bella couldn't sleep. She took out Dorothy's box and examined it repeatedly before sending a message to Simon, setting a time and place to meet.

Chap 24Father

It was inevitable, so she might as well get it over with in this one meeting. Afterward, she would sever their ties for good..

As she was about to leave with the letters, Leonard suddenly emerged from the house. "Where are you going?"

Bella was a bit uneasy and replied, "I... I couldn't sleep, so I'm going for a walk."

With a cigarette hanging from his lips, Leonard said, "I'll go with you."

Bella felt a bit awkward. "That's not necessary. I'm quite familiar with the area. I'll be back soon, but thanks." Leonard said nothing more, watching as Bella walked away. Reluctantly, he decided to follow her at a distance.

He had never done anything like this in his life, but if anything happened to Bella, he wouldn't be able to face Dominic.