Chapter 24 Father After resolving the housing issue, Bellaâs next priority was finding 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 townâs hospital to apply for a job right after settling her belongings. Given her impressive qualifications, the hospital director didnât 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, âAre you not going out today?â
Leonard glanced at her lazily. âNothing to do, so why go out? Someone came by looking for you earlier and left a business card.
Here.â
Bella walked over curiously and picked up the card. The moment she saw the name âSimon Kennedyâ, her pupils dilated, and she hurriedly pocketed the card, a bit flustered. âThanks.â
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 find him and give him the things Dorothy had left behind, but she never expected him to find 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 middleâaged man.came through. âIs this... Bella?â
Bella replied coldly, âYes, itâs me. Didnât you come looking for me? What do you want?â
Simon seemed to take a deep breath. âBella... Iâm sorry for what I did to you and your mother...â
Bella flared up instantly. âYouâre not worthy of mentioning my mother!â
Simon sighed. âI know, Iâm not. Itâs my fault that you both suffered. Believe me, Iâll do everything I can to make up for what I owe you. Iâm staying at a nearby guesthouse for now. Letâs meet if you want to.â
Not long ago, Bella had resolutely decided to find Simon. But now that he suggestedâmeeting, she felt a wave of hesitation.
Simon, her father whom she had never met... How much did she despise him? She wasnât sure how to face him.
She remained silent for a long time. Simon seemed to sense her inner conflict and gently said, âTake your time and let me know when youâre ready. Iâll be here for a few days. Take care of yourself out there. If you heed money, just ask.â
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 couldnât sleep. She took out Dorothyâs 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. âWhere are you going?â
Bella was a bit uneasy and replied, âI... I couldnât sleep, so Iâm going for a walk.â
With a cigarette hanging from his lips, Leonard said, âIâll go with you.â
Bella felt a bit awkward. âThatâs not necessary. Iâm quite familiar with the area. Iâll be back soon, but thanks.â
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 wouldnât be able to face Dominic.