Crushed Affections (Dominic and Bella) novel Chapter 397

Rosa's death was ultimately swept under the rug by the Clarke family. It was labeled a suicide, and the case was quickly closed. It had indeed been a suicide anyway.

As Ian stepped out of the police station, he felt as if he had emerged from a different world. The wind blew gently, and the sun shone brightly. Everything seemed unchanged, yet somehow it all felt different.

As always, Steven's face showed no emotion. "When are you coming home, Ian?"

Ian raised a hand to shield his eyes from the glaring sunlight. "When you're dead."

Steven replied coolly, "I was already pretty merciful to Rosa. Her death isn't my fault, and neither was your mom's. They brought that on themselves. If you want to hate me, go ahead. I have countless ways to make sure you can't survive out here."

Ignoring him, Ian drove away without a backward glance. Just seeing Steven made him feel sick.

When he arrived at Dominic's office, he found both Leonard and Dominic there. He greeted them casually before sinking into the couch, quietly grappling with the turmoil inside him.

His relationship with Rosa hadn't been dramatic.

When they started dating, he had been looking forward to marriage while Rosa had still wanted to play the field. Her version of playing around had no boundaries, and he couldn't handle it. In a fight, she used her freedom as an excuse to break up.

Eventually, he became like Rosa. And ironically, she settled down and hoped to reconcile. Then, Rosa became his stepmother.

Upon seeing Ian's expression, Leonard and Dominic exchanged puzzled glances.

Leonard moved closer and sat beside Ian. "Dude, did you take something? Why are you here being all sentimental instead of being at the hospital?"

Instead of responding with a joke, Ian leaned against Leonard's lap. "Borrow me your lap for a minute. I need some peace and quiet."

Leonard felt goosebumps rise. He raised his hands and shot Dominic a desperate look for help. It just felt strange to have a grown man resting on his leg.