Chapter 91 Homeless Bella stood by the entrance, not sure if she should go inside, until Sylvia noticed her. âMs. Jones, why are you standing out here?â
Bella, feeling anxious, quickly shook her head. âI just remembered something I needed to handle at the hospital. Iâll be on duty tonight, so I wonât be coming back. Can you tell Dominic for me? I have to leave now.â
Before Sylvia could say anything, Bella had already turned and walked away.
When she got back to the hospital, a nurse looked surprised. âDr. Jones, didnât you already clock out? Are you volunteering for extra work? Youâre really dedicated!â
Bella couldnât admit that she had nowhere else to go, so she forced a smile and said, âA patient mentioned they might come in late... Iâm just waiting to see if they show up.â
As the night went on, more and more people asked why she was still at the hospital. Even though they were just being friendly, it made her feel even more uncomfortable, like she didnât belong anywhere.
Bella couldnât face going home, and hanging around the hospital felt awkward, so she decided to drive to Liaâs place. Having a friend like Lia kept her from feeling completely alone.
Liaâs studio was slammed with a big project, and she was working late. With just a few people on her team, they were all exhausted from the workload.
Seeing how tired Lia was, Bella didnât want to bother her with her own problems. She just sat quietly, looking at the beautiful wooden carvings around the studio. Lia took a quick break to drink some water and vented to Bella, âI donât know who ordered this huge project, but they picked the hardest carving style possible. âIâm not even thinking about the money anymoreâitâs draining me! If it wasnât for my studioâs reputation, Iâd just use a machine to do it. My hands are a mess!â Bella felt for her. âDidnât you meet the client when you signed the contract?â
Lia shook her head. âNo, I never met them. They sent an assistant who looked like bad news. If Iâd met the client, I probably wouldnât have taken the job. Itâs the most expensive and complicated carving weâve ever done, and itâs taken up all our time for the last three months.â
Bella tried to reassure her friend, âDonât worry. Iâm here to make sure you donât overwork yourself. You just focus on your work, and Iâll handle everything else.â
Lia chuckled, though she seemed halfâannoyed, âAre you guarding me? Or did you just come here because you had another fight with Dominic?â
Lia always seemed to know what was going on with Bella. She stayed quiet, which made Liaâs concern grow. âDid I guess right?
What happened this time?â
Bella shook her head. âItâs nothing. Just keep working. Iâll stay over at your place tonight.â
Seeing Bellaâs mood, Lia decided not to push further and went back to her tasks.
By 11:00 pm, when the other workers had left and the studio was quiet, Lia wrapped up her work. âLetâs go. If Dominicâs being a pain, youâre welcome to stay with me.â Bella tried to laugh but couldnât. âStop joking. Iâm so tiredâletâs just go home and get some rest.â
As Lia locked the door, she muttered something under her breath about Dominic, âIâm not joking. You know exactly what kind of person Dominic is. Even if you donât say it, itâs written all over your face that heâs upset you again. I swear, I just want to...â
Liaâs voice trailed off as she suddenly spotted a black RollsâRoyce parked outside. She froze and pressed herself against the door. âOh my gosh! When did he get here?â Bellaâs heart raced. It was definitely Dominicâs car. Why was he here? She had told Sylvia she wouldnât be coming home that night.