Crushed Affections (Dominic and Bella) novel Chapter 322

Bella's words struck a nerve. Dominic slammed the door behind him as he stormed out and threw one last parting shot, "Fine, you win. Twenty years and I never saw through you. But hear me out. Don't even think about having another man other than me—not in your lifetime!"

The moment he was gone, the world fell silent. Bella slumped onto the couch and thought about it, letting out a soft, helpless laugh. If it meant no dating and no marriage, then so be it. Getting involved with him had just been bad luck anyway.

Later that night, as she was about to go to bed, she saw a message from Lia. It was gossip about the Klein family.

Apparently, the Klein family couldn't hold up under the pressure from the Sawyer family. Their entertainment venues and restaurants had all shut down, and their assets shrunk.

While they hadn't yet sold Klein Manor, it was only a matter of time. Going up against the Sawyers meant there was no way the Kleins could survive in Joville.

However, Bella felt indifferent about it now. Dominic had told her there was nothing between him and Gloriana, and that was enough. Still, it was satisfying to hear the Kleins had brought trouble on themselves.

On one of her days off, Bella invited Lia and Felix over for lunch. She had decided to cook herself this time because there was no way she could finish the groceries Dominic had bought before they went bad. Hence, she figured she might as well share.

It was Lia's first time visiting Bella's apartment. She wandered around and marveled. "How is your place so much better than mine? They're both small apartments, but the difference is crazy. My mom's always nagging me about how messy my place is every time she visits."

Bella said modestly, "I only sleep here. Most of the decor came from the landlord. She has good taste, so I played no role in the interior."

Bella gave an awkward laugh, unsure of how to respond. Even though Felix was always considerate, there were still moments when Bella felt pressured when being around him. Being friends with someone who cared that deeply wasn't as easy as it seemed.

By noon, the food was ready, and Lia was setting up the table. The three of them gathered around the small dining table in Bella's living room. The atmosphere was cozy and relaxed.

Lia sampled every dish and then remarked, "Felix's cooking is way better than yours, Bella. You really need to practice more. Back at Miller Manor, you didn't have to lift a finger, but things are different now."

Bella let out a helpless chuckle. "Thanks for the reminder that my life's gone downhill since I left Dominic. But honestly, I like being on my own. No arguments, no headaches—just peace and quiet. Why look for trouble? By the way, has Leonard been coming to your studio lately?"