Crushed Affections

Dominic's hands clenched into fists, his gaze sharp and cold. He curtly said, "Excellent. Remember what you said today."

With that, he spun around and slammed the door behind him, the noise so loud that even Cara, who had been in the kitchen, heard it. Bella's calm demeanor finally wavered. Her mind was so distracted that she could no longer focus on the book in her hands.All content is property © NôvelDrama.Org.

Cara stood at the kitchen door, looking helpless. "Mr. Miller finally came over. Things were fine just a moment ago... What happened?"

Bella didn't respond. She stood and walked over to the living room's large floor-to-ceiling window, watching Dominic's figure pass by on the street below, gradually fading into the distance. For a moment, she felt a pang of loss. However, that feeling was fleeting. Early the next morning, Bella went to the mall with Cara. It was almost summer, and she had no summer clothes. Her belly was growing, and none of her old clothes fit anymore.

She never imagined that even something as minor as shopping for clothes would be reported to Dominic. She only found out when she received a transfer notification from him.

Beyond the conditions agreed upon in their contract, she didn't want to accept any other benefits from him. So, for the first time, she spoke coldly to Cara. "I'm saying this for the last time-don't tell Dominic everything about my life. He's just the father of my child. We have no other relationship. If I go shopping for a few clothes, it's none of his business. He doesn't need to pay for it. Got it?"

Cara was taken aback. She didn't expect something as ordinary as shopping to set Bella off. "I understand... I won't tell him again."

The store was quiet at this time of the morning, which was why Bella insisted on coming early. She preferred the peace and quiet.

Maternity clothes were rare. After searching the entire floor, she found only one store that sold them.

As soon as she entered the shop, she spotted a familiar figure. It was Sean. She wondered what he was doing there.

A mature, elegant woman's voice came from the side. "Sean, what do you think of this one?"

Sean glanced up, then nodded. "That looks good. It will fit her."

The saleswoman approached Bella. "Welcome. Is there anything I can help you with?"

Bella replied calmly, "I'm looking for maternity clothes."

Sean, who had been lounging on a couch and playing with his phone, immediately got to his feet when he heard her voice. "What a coincidence..."

Bella smiled faintly. "It's quite the coincidence. Maybe a little too much. What are you doing here?"

Sean quickly covered up his discomfort. "I... I'm here with my mom. She's buying something for a niece."

The lady was Victor's wife, Hallie,

who had never shown her face

before. Bella became curious,

wanting to see what she looked like. However, Hallie stood behind a

clothing rack, blocking Bella's view.

Bella had some interaction with the Morse family, so it was only natural that she should greet Sean's mother. She walked over. "Mrs. Morse, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Still facing away, Hallie turned when Sean reminded her of Bella's identity. She responded coolly but politely, saying, "Nice to meet you."

Bella was slightly puzzled when she

saw Hallie. The latter was wearing very dark, oversized sunglasses, covering almost half of her face, making it impossible to see ber features clearly.

Still, it was apparent that even

though Sean was already grown, she still exuded an elegant charm. Her blue-and-white, three-quarter-sleeve dress fit her figure perfectly, showing no sign of age. Her hair was neatly styled into an elegant updo. This was truly the picture of a wealthy, sophisticated S wife-graceful, poised, and dignified.