Shattered Longings Novel

Chapter 75 Horribly Ugly

Bella hoped Dominic wouldn’t notice her and didn’t want him to know about Simon. Just as she reached the entrance, he suddenly asked, “Where are you going?”

She tried to sound casual as she said, “I’m going out with Lia, I’ll be back soon.”

Dominic said nothing more, and she took his silence as agreement. She drove to the private dining room where she had arranged to meet Simon.

When Bella arrived, she couldn’t help but feel a bit amused. Simon could easily choose an expensive private restaurant or even a more upscale one for a meal, while she and her mother had been left to struggle alone for five years.

She often wondered if her mother’s life would have been different if she hadn’t loved Simon enough to have her. The most infuriating thing about Simon was that, even after abandoning them, he still gave her mother false hope by promising to return.

In her opinion, if a person didn’t love someone anymore, they simply didn’t. If they couldn’t take responsibility, they just couldn’t. Why ruin someone’s life with lies? After they sat down, Simon poured her a cup of tea. “This place doesn’t have a menu. The owner just brings out whatever they’ve got. I’ve been here a few times, and it’s pretty good. I hope you like it.”

Bella remained cold. “Just say what you need to say. I don’t have much time to chat.”

Simon was accustomed to her distance and wasn’t embarrassed. However, the smile on his face faded slightly. “I’ve never mentioned this before, but you have a younger sister. She’s five years younger than you.”

Bella sneered. “So? What exactly are you trying to say?”

She wasn’t interested in her so–called sister, especially since she already knew the truth. If she wouldn’t even acknowledge her own father, why would she care about a sister? Simon nervously clasped his hands together, his fingertips turning white from the pressure. “She’s been sick her whole life, with a heart condition. Last year, she was diagnosed with terminal kidney failure. She’s not even 20 yet, and she’s already been ravaged by illness.”

Bella was slightly surprised but kept her composure. “People get sick. What’s the point of telling me?”

After a moment’s hesitation, as if mustering up his courage, Simon finally revealed his intention. “I need you to donate a kidney to your sister. Please, I’ll give you anything you want. Just save her! Dialysis has been so unbearable for her lately that she has lost all will to live. I had no choice but to come to you.”

Bella frowned. Recalling the conversation she’d overheard between Simon and his wife at the hospital, she suddenly realized they’d been talking about this. It seemed Simon had been approaching her with this intention all along.

Layer by layer, the veil of deception was lifted, exposing only ugliness and shame.

Bella was taken aback, and she was furious. She had once believed Simon genuinely wanted to make amends out of guilt, but now reality had hit her hard.

At that moment, the waiter brought out a beautifully plated roasted turkey. The turkey looked delicious, surrounded by sage and other finely chopped ingredients. However, its glistening, golden–brown eyes seemed to be mocking something.

Bella couldn’t bring herself to eat the turkey, seeing it as a symbol of the situation. She pushed the plate toward Simon and offered a faint smile. Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t help you. Your daughter’s fate is none of my concern, just as my own and my mother’s are none of yours. In fact, given your situation, it almost feels like karma, even if it’s a bit late.”