Shattered Longings Novel

Chapter 77 His Wallpaper Is a Picture of Her

Bella was so used to his taunts that she replied indifferently, “You should get some rest. I’m going back to my room.”

As she passed him, he grabbed her wrist.

She looked at him with a puzzled expression and asked, “What is it?”

Their eyes met. His gaze was calm and steady as he asked, “Lia’s not in Joville. Who did you meet?”

Bella’s breath hitched. He hadn’t seemed concerned when she left. How could he have checked on this? She didn’t even know if Lia was in Joville.

She lowered her head and said softly, “It was that patient, Simon. He got hurt saving me, and he’s being discharged today. He’s leaving tomorrow, so I thought I’d treat him to dinner. I was going to ask Lia to join us, but when I called, I found out she wasn’t in Joville.”

Dominic’s eyes narrowed slightly as he focused on her delicate, fair fingers. She had a habit of picking at her nails when she was lying or nervous. “Don’t say anything if you can’t tell the truth.”

Bella was terrified he might investigate Simon’s identity and uncover their connection. She looked up at him anxiously and said, “I didn’t! I really just wanted to thank Simon with dinner.” Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

In fact, what she said was close to the truth. She had indeed gone out to see Simon.

Dominic released her wrist and said with an indifferent shrug, “I was just asking. No need to be so nervous. Since you can’t sleep, stay with me and have a couple of drinks.” With that, he went downstairs.

Bella hesitated briefly before following him, realizing his tone had been an order, not a request.

She hadn’t had dinner and had only had a glass of liquor. Her stomach was upset, and the alcohol was starting to make her feel a bit dizzy.

Dominic turned his back to her as he opened the liquor cabinet, and his phone lit up with a notification on the table.

Bella glanced over subconsciously. The first thing her eyes caught was a WhatsApp notification, followed by a glimpse of his phone’s wallpaper.

Bella’s eyes widened in shock. She recalled Mandy saying at the bar that Dominic had a photo of her on his phone, but she hadn’t expected it to be his wallpaper!

In the photo, she wore a white shirt and a light gray plaid skirt. Her long hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and she had a bright smile on her face. She looked so young and full of life.

Her hand was raised high, with a small parrot perched on it. It was the parrot that Richard used to keep. Sunlight filtered through the branches, casting dappled shadows on her, and everything looked so perfect.

The photo was taken in the manor garden. If Bella remembered correctly, she was 17 at the time. Since she didn’t recall taking it, Dominic must have snapped it without her knowing.

When Dominic turned around, the phone screen had gone dark. Bella pretended she hadn’t seen anything, lowering her head and nervously picking at her neatly trimmed nails. Due to her profession, she wasn’t in the habit of growing her nails long or painting them bright colors. However, her fingers were long and slender, with elegant joints that needed no embellishment.

Noticing her small movements, Dominic picked up his phone and tucked it into his pocket. Then, he poured her a drink.

Bella carefully took the glass and avoided his gaze. If he disliked her, why would he take a photo of her?

Based on the photo’s details, Dominic must have taken it from the upstairs balcony. With his keen eye for photography, it was likely the best photo of her ever taken. Should she pretend she doesn’t know or come right out and ask him?