Crushed Affections

Lia leaned in, her eyes gleaming with excitement. She suggested, "Then seduce him! Get him hooked and so obsessed he can't think straight. Once you've got him in that state and with a baby on the way, you pick the right moment to bring up marriage. Men are the least

rational when they're completely hooked on something!"

Bella reached down to stroke Pudding, who was lying at her feet. "I've been trying to win him over, but it's just not working. What else can I do? Do you honestly think I stand a chance against someone like Gloriana? She's got the looks and the youth, and she knows how to charm everyone. Just thinking about it makes me want to give up."Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

Lia wasn't one to back down in the face of despair. Instead, her mind kicked into high gear, and her face lit up with inspiration.

"The more competitive and possessive a guy like Dominic is, the better that'll work. If you're carrying his baby but start cozying up to another man, there's no way he won't react. You just need to make it seem like you're considering a backup plan because he won't commit. That'll definitely light a fire under him."

Bella's mind suddenly felt clearer. "So, who do I get to help me pull this off? Do I hire someone? That feels risky. He might figure it out."

Lia rolled her eyes like Bella was missing something obvious. "You've already got someone perfect for the job. Not Felix-he's no match for Dominic-but what about Sean? He's perfect! And we're not even being sneaky about it. Just be upfront with Sean, tell him what's going on, and ask for his help. He used to like you, didn't he? He's pretty easy to convince. He's a straightforward guy."

Bella hesitated, feeling uncomfortable. "I don't know... This feels manipulative, like I'm some kind of villain."

Lia gave her a look, exasperated. "No pain, no gain. Sometimes, you've got to make sacrifices to get what you want. It's fine if Sean doesn't want to help. But if he does, isn't that exactly what you need?"

After mulling it over, Bella finally decided to follow Lia's idea. But to make this work, she'd need to meet Sean in person, which would be tricky because Carla followed her everywhere. There was no way Carla would let Bella meet up with Sean alone.

After brainstorming with Lia, they devised a plan to distract Carla. The first step was calling Sean to set up a time and place to meet. Sean agreed without hesitation.

Once Bella had made herself presentable, she and Lia headed downstairs together.

As soon as they reached the front door, Carla appeared, her expression firm. "Ms. Jones, are you heading out?"

Bella kept her tone calm as she said, "Yeah. I'm just stepping out for a bit. I'll return on time, and my friend will accompany me. You don't need to tag along. I'll be riding in her car. We'l keep in touch the whole time."

Carla shook her head, resolute. "That won't do, Ms. Jones. Mr. Miller was very clear. I need to be with you no matter where you go or with whom. Please don't make things difficult for me"

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Bella glanced at Lia for help. Lia didn't miss a beat, looping her arm through Carta's in a friendly way. "Oh, come on! We're just going out for a bit, and we'll be right back. You'retreating her like she's under house arrest. She just needs some fresh air. I swear on my life that I'll bring her back safe and sound."

Carla still wouldn't budge. "I'm sorry, but I can't allow it. If you're headed out, I have to come with you."

Lia sighed, throwing her hands up in defeat. "Fine! Then how about we don't leave? We'll just walk around the neighborhood to stretch our legs. That should be okay, right?"

Carla hesitated but finally relented. "Alright. But only around the neighborhood. Be back within two hours, or I won't be able to explain it to Mr. Miller."