Crushed Affections (Dominic and Bella)
Chapter 223

Chapter 223 No Longer the Woman He Once Fell For

lan realized he had been too emotional. Once he calmed down, he apologized, "I'm sorry. Thank you for helping me out back there. I'm fine now." Bella wasn't bothered by it. "It's fine. I was just curious what happened between the both of you. Why did things end up like this?"

Lan walked over to a nearby vending machine, bought two drinks, and handed her one. The storm in his expression from earlier had been replaced with a complete im

spy first love, the only woman I've ever really loved. I'm the heir to the Clarke family, but my dad and I never got along. So, I had always refused nd his money. When I was dating her, she thought I was just some broke kid." bella frowned.

what happened next?

lan let out a bitter chuckle. Then one day, she went to a fancy party with her friends. The glitz and glamor got to her. She started feeling dissatisfied with what we had. My income wasn't enough to support the life she wanted.

"She got involved with other guys behind my back. They could buy her things I never could. She insisted that she never technically cheated, but don't you think emotional betrayal is just as bad as physical cheating?"

He spoke like he was recounting someone else's story, with no visible emotion. However, Bella could tell he was deeply hurt back then.

After a brief pause, lan continued, "I believe she loves me. At least she used to. When I broke things off, she begged me to take her beck almost every day. But she couldn't let go of her need for luxury,

"To be fair, she only slept with someone else after we broke up.

But by the

by then, it didn't matter. I wasn't going to take her back

"Somehow, she found out who my dad was and thought she could use that to get back at me. But honestly? She's no longer the woman I once fell for. If anything, she disgusts me

"In the end, she got what she wanted by marrying into wealth. She can call it revenge all she wants, but it's laughable to me.

Bella's eyes widened as the realization hit her. "You were played, and that's why you're out here playing the game yourself?"

Jan gave her a helpless shrug. "You think I'm a player? I just don't see the point in investing my feelings anymore. With the women I see now, everything is clear-cut. There are no emotional games, just mutual benefits. How am I a player? I don't deceive anyone, and I've never betrayed anyone

either."

Bella wasn't sure if she could fully grasp his logic. However, in her mind, lan's reputation had now evolved into a Casanova. She knew she would never understand the thrill of being one.

However, the thought that lan had been played before made Bella admire his ex's skills. People who could mess with lan didn't come around often

After finishing her conversation with Jan, Bella returned to the office, only to find lan's ex waiting for her. The woman's gaze was sharp and carried a distinct lack of friendliness. Bella was confused. "Can I help you?"

The woman shot Bella an accusing look. "What's your relationship with lan? We've met before, right? In the hotel hallway? You were with him that night.

Bella didn't appreciate her tone. Instead of rushing to explain, she kept her voice calm

"As his stepmother, it's not really appropriate for you to dig into his personal life, is it? You chose this role, so you should know your place You've broken up with him, so let him go."

The woman let out a mocking laugh. "Please. I married his dad because of him. Listen, I don't care what you think you have with him, but here's my advice. Know your place, or you'll end up with nothing. After we broke up, plenty of women came and went. None of them lasted "That means he still hasn't gotten over me.