Crushed Affections

Before lan could finish speaking, Dominic suddenly cut him off with a stern look. "Shut up. No one will think you're mute if you don't speak." The room fell silent. Ian glanced at Bella with a hint of concern, and Bella, sensing the awkwardness, stood up. "I'll just head to the restroom."

She knew that staying would only make things more uncomfortable. But what she hadn't expected was that lan actually knew about Mandy's existence, and it seemed like they were quite familiar with each other. This meant that, among the women around Dominic, she was the only one who couldn't be seen in public-the one who wasn't worthy of being acknowledged.

The question lan asked was one she wanted the answer to as well. Why had Dominic brought Mandy to Horizon Hospital, where she worked? Was it deliberate to make sure she found out? To make her back off?

As this thought crossed her mind, she let out a bitter laugh. He didn't need to go to such lengths. She had already decided to step back, and her resolve was firm. He didn't need to waste any more effort.

She stood by the sink and played with her phone aimlessly, deliberately taking her time. Suddenly, a lively little figure appeared in her line of sight. "Ms. Jones!"

The child's loud voice almost made her drop her phone. Realizing it was Yvonne, she reached out to pat her head. "Yvonne, what are you doing here? Who are you with?"

Yvonne dodged her hand and pouted with displeasure. "Don't touch my hair! Felix braided it for me. Don't mess them up. I came with Felix. You want to see him, right? He said you two have known each other for a long time. Did you date?" Bella was taken aback, her mind full of questions. "You're so young. How do you even know what dating is?"

Yvonne struck a pose like a little adult. "Of course I know! Dating is when you hold hands, eat together, and kiss!"

Bella's mouth twitched. Kids these days were really mature. "Weren't you here to use the restroom? Hurry up and go."

Only then did Yvonne head into a stall.

Soon, she was back. She washed her hands while eyeing Bella suspiciously. "You didn't come here just because you knew Felix would be here, did you?"

Bella thought over her words. Could it be that Felix had been in a bad relationship before, leaving a shadow in Yvonne's heart? Was that why she was so guarded?

Bella sighed. "No. You don't need to be so wary of me. If I wanted to be your sister-in-law, it would've already happened. I'm just here to eat. If there's nothing else, I'm going back."

She was telling the truth. If she had agreed to date Felix back then, they might be married by now.

Yvonne looked like she wanted to say more, but Bella had already stepped out. Sure enough, Felix was waiting right outside. He was always an overprotective brother, never staying far from Yvonne.

When he saw Bella, he hesitated for a moment. "What a coincidence."

Bella smiled at him. "Yeah, I finished work at the hospital and came here to eat. I didn't expect to see you here. I'll head back now."

Felix nodded, but Yvonne was already tugging at his sleeve in displeasure. Bella couldn't help but laugh and quickly made her way back to her seat.

Upon noticing the smile still lingering on her lips, Dominic's eyes darkened almost imperceptibly.

lan commented on purpose, "Bella, I didn't expect you to know the Quinns."

Bella answered honestly, "I was Felix's classmate back in university. We just know each other, nothing special."

lan's tone suddenly turned strange. "Really? Then why have I heard that he pursued you before?"