Justin took a step forward and reached out to embrace Bella.
His eyes were red, and his hot and trembling breath enveloped Bella.
âDonât touch me!â Bella exclaimed, taking a step back.
Her guard was up like a porcupine with all its spikes raised.
In desperation, she threw the ice cream in her hand at Justinâs shirt.
âBella! Iâm telling the truth!â Justinâs arms froze in mid-air. He was torn between wanting to be close to
her and fearing her rejection. He was almost on the verge of losing his sanity. âI called you many times
tonight, but you didnât answer! I thought something had happened to you. I was worried about you all
night!â
Bella was stunned.
âMany missed calls? When did that happen?â She wondered. âIs he making it up? I didnât receive a
single call from him! What a lying
scoundrel! He couldnât even come up with a decent lie?â
âLater, I received several photos from an anonymous number. In
those photos, you were hugging a stranger and walking into a hote
with him! I was afraid you were in danger, so I went to the hotel to
find you. That was when I was surrounded by the reporters.â Justin explained desperately.
Bella looked at him with a mocking gaze. âJustin, if youâre going to make up an excuse, at least make it
somewhat believable. If I had
known you were going to spew such nonsense, I wouldnât have
bothered coming to see you at all.â
âI have evidence!â Justin insisted.
Justin gritted his teeth and pulled out his phone from his pocket with trembling hands.
Bellaâs heart raced as she pursed her lips in silence, feeling hopeful and willing to give him a chance.
âThese are the photos I received. Look, isnât the person in this photo â¦â Justin continued to explain.
Suddenly, he stared blankly at the phone screen. He repeatedly checked his message inbox, but the
photos sent to him were all gone!
His trembling fingers frantically swiped the screen. His bewildered gaze almost bore a hole through his
phone. In the end, he couldnât find any trace of the photos he intended to use as evidence.
âGone!â Justin exclaimed, his voice filled with frustration. âTheyâre all
gone!â
Bella smiled, but there was not a hint of warmth in her eyes, icing Justin to the core. âJustin, if you
havenât found a good excuse, yo donât need to rush to see me. I donât want to see you, not now, a
not in the future.â
Watching her brush past him, Justin felt a chill run through his body. Bella⦠Bella, donât go!â He called
out, reaching out to stop her, when another voice interrupted, âBella.â
Bella suddenly looked up and saw Christopher standing a few steps away. He was wearing a patientâs
gown, with only a cashmere coat draped over his shoulders. His face was paler than the snow.
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âChris! How did you get out of the hospital? Donât you know that youâre still injured?â Bella ran to
Christopher, her tone filled with reproach. âWhy did you come here? How did you know I was here?â
âAfter you left the hospital, I couldnât rest well, so I had someone follow you. But please donât
misunderstand my intentions. Iâm not stalking you. I just want to protect you.â Christopher explained
weakly, his voice filled with concern. âHow could I let a girl like you go out alone late at night? Iâm not
that heartless.â
Justinâs handsome face turned cold, and his eyes were filled with killing intent. He wanted to tear
Christopher apart.
âItâs too cold out here. Letâs go back.â Bella said, lowering her gaze
and helping Christopher.
âWas it your doing, Christopher?â Justinâs voice cut like a sharp blade,
hoarse with underlying anger.
âMr. Salvador, you and Ms. Hoffman were caught having a secret rendezvous in the hotel. How is that
my doing? Are you accusing me?â
Christopher couldnât help but laugh, his eyes full of derision. âWasnâ it just you two having some fun
together?â