Shattered Longings Novel

Chapter 98 Unrequited Love

Ian paused before speaking, “What I’m saying is, you can compete in love, but the way you’re doing it isn’t smart and will only push men away. It’s not right for someone like you. If you’re in love, you need to stay graceful–don’t brag when you win, and don’t be bitter when you lose.”

Amber smiled bitterly. “Do you think I don’t know how foolish my actions are? Do you understand what it’s like to be desperate? I’ve tried so hard, but I’m still rejected, while Bella doesn’t have to do anything and gets to live with Dominic for 20 years.

“Ian, with your playboy ways, you don’t understand the pain of unrequited love. One day, when you truly fall for someone you can’t live without, you’ll understand.”

Ian didn’t expect the conversation to turn to him. He cleared his throat awkwardly. “Alright, if I can’t change your mind, I won’t push it. But at least… you’re the one living at Miller Manor now, not Bella, right?”

Amber felt a bit reassured. “I’ll leave now. Don’t tell Dominic I came by.”

Ian stayed quiet. Whether Dominic would find out wasn’t up to him. Besides, he had no control over whether Bella would say anything.

After work that night, Bella, tired and sore, walked to the bus stop. She wasn’t used to not driving and felt a bit lost without her car.

As she waited and waited for the bus, she thought she might actually fall asleep standing up. She laughed to herself, realizing how spoiled she’d become with Dominic’s help.

Suddenly, Lia pulled up in her car and called out from the window, “Hurry up! I can’t stay parked here for long!”

Bella jogged over. “What are you doing here? Isn’t your studio really busy?”

Lia quickly buckled Bella’s seatbelt. “Even if I’m busy, I have to look after you. Dominic gave me money, so I need to do something to earn it.” Bella sighed at the mention of Dominic, “Can we not talk about him? If you’re only picking me up because of his money, then forget it.”

Lia shrugged. “If he hadn’t told me what time you’d be done at the hospital, do you think I’d be here right now?”

Bella’s heart raced. “He told you? How does he know when I finish work?”

Then she realized–Ian must be Dominic’s

S

spy at the hospital.

She told Lia about Amber and why she couldn’t

go back to Miller Manor.

Lia was furious. “So, Dominic’s suddenly being all nice because he’s got his own issues. He kicks you out but keeps his ex there? Taking his money is a win in my book!” Bella looked down. “He didn’t kick me out. I left ΟΠ

own.”

Lia was stunned. “But he asked you to be his girlfriend, right?

Pat’s/

this about?”

Bella’s frustration grew. “Lia, that was just a joke. I was drunk, and he was just being nice. I’ve been with him for years without being his official girlfriend, while Amber was his real girlfriend for two and a half years. I can’t compete with that. I actually wanted to leave anyway, so it’s fine.”