Crushed Affections

Felix helped Bella straighten up, then released his grip. He scolded, "You're pregnant, yet you're still rushing around like that. Be more careful when you walk." Felix looked like an angel in his doctor's coat-warm and comforting.

Bella couldn't help but smile at him. "Got it, Dr. Quinn. I'm fine. You can go back to work."

Felix was about to ask something else, but he thought better of it when he saw so lively and well. The main reason was his inability to stand Dominic's stifling gaze. He nodded, waved goodbye to Bella, and walked away. Dominic's icy demeanor hadn't softened back in the car, but he didn't lash out.

For Bella, it had been just an accident and a chance encounter. She wasn't at fault, and neither was Felix. So, she ignored Dominic's foul mood, putting on her headphones and humming softly along with the music. Suddenly, Dominic's restrained voice broke the silence. "Are you happy?"

Bella pulled one earphone out to confirm if he was really asking. "What?"

He didn't repeat himself. His fingers gripped the steering wheel so tightly that the knuckles were turning white from the pressure, as though the wheel itself was to blame.

At the perfect moment, Carla stepped in and took the blame. She said, "Sorry, Mr. Miller. It's my fault. I didn't follow Ms. Jones right away to ensure her safety."

Dominic didn't pursue the matter further.

When they reached the neighborhood entrance, Bella noticed that he wasn't leaving the car. She inquired, "lan said that I'm fine. Has the car accident been fully investigated? Can I go out now?" Dominic only told her that Carla would relay the detailed information to her.

When Carla retrieved the books from the trunk, Dominic drove off.

Bella felt somewhat confused. Why couldn't he just tell her directly? Was talking to her some kind of burden?

In the afternoon, Carla received a

call from Dominic. It wasn't good news for Bella. She was forbidden from going out for an undetermined amount of time. The only time she would leave the house would-be for her prenatal check-ups, which Dominic would personally

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The car accident details had been thoroughly covered up, and no results were expected soon. This precaution was considered the safest approach to prevent future incidents. Bella, longing for freedom, didn't voice her complaints. The baby came first, after all.

Lia, amid her newlywed hustle, finally found some time to visit. Upon hearing that Bella was under house arrest, Lia insisted on going over to "check on her" as a good friend.

Bella sat on the couch, reading while watching Lia devour shrimp with grease dripping down her mouth. Bella was irritated. "Is this what best friends are supposed to be? What did I do to deserve this?"

Lia laughed boastfully. "How often

do I get to bully you in my lifetime? Since I married, I've had to pretend to be a lady in front of Zion's mom graceful and composed, not making a sound while eating or drinking. I haven't enjoyed a meal

like this in forever.

"Every time something's wrong, she stays silent and just gives me that look-I can't stand it. Thankfully, Zion's away in the army, and I can stay in my own apartment for work. If I had to face his mom every day, I think I'd lose my mind." Bella couldn't quite relate to that feeling. But from Lia's words, it was clear that Zion's mother, Lisa Williams, was an elegant, etiquette-driven woman. Lia, with her outgoing personality, clearly struggled with that.

Lia sighed deeply when the topic

turned to the most important part of the wedding night. "Zion and I are still more official' than anything. have a heart condition. Every time he touches me, I get nervous, and my heart races. He's so scared that I have an episode. After trying a few times, I think he has some trauma now..."