24 Distrust and Deception

24  Distrust and Deception Alex arrived at the hospital, his mind racing with thoughts of Bella. The chaos at her room, with onlookers and medical staff crowding the area, immediately caught his attention. "What's going on here?" he demanded, his voice cutting through the murmurs of the crowd. Startled by his presence, the onlookers dispersed quickly, leaving the hallway eerily quiet. Alex entered Bella's room, his frustration mounting at the disarray. The mess was a clear sign of a struggle or an outburst. He found Bella huddled in a corner, sobbing. Her distress seemed genuine, but Alex couldn't help but feel a twinge of suspicion. "What happened here, Bella?" he asked, his voice softening despite his doubts. Bella recounted the morning's events – the reporters' invasion, their probing questions, her panicked reaction. Her version of events painted her as a victim, overwhelmed and frightened. Alex listened, his expression unreadable. "Did you tell them anyth