Crushed Affections

Bella fumed at her phone screen, grinding her teeth in frustration. Over an hour had passed, and she only got a single word in reply. It would've been better if Dominic hadn't replied at all! Although she was still irritated, she compiled a list of the books she wanted and sent it to him, including the prices of each book. She transferred the total amount of money to him. Dominic didn't respond or acknowledge the payment, and the screen remained frozen on the transfer notification.

On the day of her follow-up appointment, Dominic was already waiting downstairs, having arrived early.

Since the accident, Bella had been extra cautious. She walked carefully and took small steps, and Carla supported her, which she didn't refuse.

Carla took the front seat when they got in the car, and Bella sat in the safest spot-right in the back.

She had woken up early that day. So after she adjusted her position, she closed her eyes to catch some more rest. Dominic's voice suddenly cut through the silence. "The books are in the trunk. Don't forget to take them when we get back." Bella checked her phone. She received a notification that Dominic had transferred the money back to her. She sent him another message, reminding him, "Please take the payment. I won't spend your money on anything unrelated to the baby." Through the rearview mirror, Dominic glanced at her. "We'll talk about it after the baby is born."

Bella couldn't think of a counterargument. Did he believe that because she was pregnant with his child, he had to cover all her expenses since she wasn't working? The money he gave her each month was more than enough for her.

When they arrived at Horizon Hospital, lan conducted Bella's check-up. Bella was quite familiar with the procedures at this hospital, and the check-up went quickly as she cooperated with the staff.

lan remained casual and easygoing throughout, suggesting no significant issues.

Afterward, lan poured her a glass of warm water. "If it weren't for your check-up, I wouldn't be here today. I'm basically saying goodbye to this line of work."

Bella was surprised. "Why? Are you changing careers?"

lan clicked his tongue, hisThis is from NôvelDrama.Org.

expression tinged with reluctance. "I'm being forced into it. My father

wants me to take over the family et

business. I refused, so he sabotaged my work and froze my bank

account. I can't win against him, so I guess I'll have to wait until the day he dies."

Bella could see the complex emotions in lan's expression. The relationship between lan and his father, Steven, could never be a typical father-son bond.

After her check-up, Bella ran into

some former colleagues. She instinctively tried to hide her growing belly. She didn't want her pregnancy and her visit to the hospital with Dominic to become fodder for tabloid gossip.

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lan noticed her subtle gesture and laughed. "Stop hiding it. Everyone already knows about your car accident visit last time. The only reason it didn't make the news was because Dominic wasn't with you. But today? You might already be on someone's radar."

Bella ignored him, brushing it off as a joke. She tried to keep her distance from Dominic in public, putting all her energy into walking ahead as quickly as possible.

Carla jogged to keep up with her while Dominic trailed behind them leisurely, maintaining just the right distance to stay visible but not too close.

Suddenly, a kid ran out of nowhere and crashed into Bella from behind. She didn't see it coming and lost her balance, falling face-first.

Her first instinct was to protect her stomach. She reached forward with her arms to brace herself. But the expected impact never came. Instead, a pair of hands caught her from behind, steadying her.

Still shaken, she turned to thank the person who had helped her. Her eyes met Felix's, and she could see the anxiety still lingering in his gaze.

Instinctively, she glanced toward Dominic. He was only a few steps away, motionless in the crowd. His expression was as cold as ice.