Chapter 196 Encountering Caleb Again
Anna blushed and said, "That was before. Now, I don't deserve a $46,000 dress, and I can't afford it. Bella, you're pregnant now, you need money, and raising a baby costs money too."
Bella felt a pang of sadness hearing Anna's words. She said, "No, Anna, you deserve it. A $46,000 dress is not $460,000."
Bella paused and then continued, "I still have a card Sterling gave me, but I don't know if he has canceled it. Should we give it a try?"
Anna thought Bella was crazy, but Qiana was already heading to the cashier with the dress, calling out to Bella, "Bella, come pay for it!"
Anna closed her eyes, nearly fainting on the spot. Bella gently pulled her and whispered, "Let's just try it."
Bella took out the card Sterling had given her. It was black with gold embossing and had Sterling's signature on the back.
She had used this card many times before, but this time, holding it felt different, almost as if it were burning her hand.
When Sterling gave her the card, he said it represented the highest authority of the Windsor Group and could access all his funds.
But Bella hadn't used the card for months and didn't know if it would still work.
Bella handed the card to the cashier, watching as the cashier swiped it through the POS machine.
Bella held her breath, fearing the embarrassment if the card was declined.
The cashier swiped the card, and after a few seconds, the POS machine printed a receipt.
Bella exhaled in relief. Thankfully, Sterling hadn't canceled the card; he still had some decency.
After Bella put the card away, Qiana suddenly pushed her luck, asking Bella to buy her a few more dresses.
Anna, not wanting to be humiliated any further, dragged Bella away, ignoring Qiana's protests and leaving her behind.
Anna cried in frustration, "Even though it's Sterling's money, I'll find a way to pay it back."
Bella softly said, "It's okay, consider it a gift from me to your mother. You've been helping me a lot lately."
Bella thought for a moment and then added, "Maybe I should find an apartment and move out. What do you think?"
Anna nodded, "That might be best. I don't know what else my mom might do. I'm sorry, Bella. You're pregnant, and I'm letting you live alone. I'm really sorry."
Anna felt genuinely guilty, but she couldn't control Qiana, who would endlessly take advantage. She couldn't let Bella become Qiana's ATM.
Bella smiled and comforted Anna, "It's fine. It's just a dress. Sterling didn't cancel my card. I don't feel bad spending his money at all."
Anna laughed, "You don't feel bad, but don't you feel guilty? After everything he's done to you, you're still spending his money? Don't you feel inferior?"
Bella fell silent.
Anna's words made Bella feel worthless, and she instantly felt troubled. "What should I do then?"
Anna also fell silent.
They sat down on a bench in the mall, sighing repeatedly.
After countless sighs, Anna finally said, "Bella, after you have this baby, if Sterling doesn't want to raise it, I'll help you. I'll be the godmother."
Bella laughed, "Sterling wouldn't refuse to take care of the baby, but who knows? After what happened last time, he might not even acknowledge the baby as his."
Bella gave a bitter smile.
Anna said, "If he dares to think that, I'll go after him with a knife."
This reminded Bella of their first child, when Sterling refused to believe the baby was his.
Bella feared a repeat of that incident, worried that Sterling wouldn't believe her again. She sighed inwardly, uncertain of what lay ahead.
As they chatted, their mood inexplicably improved. Anna said, "Forget it, let's go shopping. I have the day off tomorrow, let's enjoy it."
As they wandered, Anna suddenly stopped. Bella turned to see Anna staring at a jewelry store.
Following her gaze, Bella was stunned to see Qiana and Caleb together inside the store.
Before Bella could react, Anna rushed in, and Bella quickly followed.
She knew Anna would lose control whenever she saw Caleb, but she understood; Anna and Caleb had truly loved each other.
Before they even entered, Bella heard Qiana arrogantly say, "You said you wanted to compensate Anna, so I can choose any jewelry here, right?"
Caleb smiled gently, "Yes, pick whatever you like. I'll pay for it."
Qiana's heart leaped with joy, and she immediately began selecting jewelry.
At that moment, Anna rushed in, grabbed Qiana without even looking at Caleb, and pulled her away, causing Qiana to stumble.
"What are you doing?" Qiana shook off Anna's grip.
Caleb followed them out, and Bella quickly tried to calm Anna down.
"Mom, what are you doing? Why are you with him?" Anna glared at Qiana and demanded.
Qiana nonchalantly replied, "What's the problem? He offered to buy it for me. Besides, he said it's to compensate you, so why should I refuse?"
Qiana's words made Anna want to cry, but with Caleb standing nearby, she held back, not wanting to give him the satisfaction.
"What do you mean? Are you pitying me or mocking me?" Anna coldly questioned Caleb.
Caleb sighed and explained, "Anna, don't be so sensitive. I just ran into your mother and wanted to give her a gift."
Ignoring Caleb's explanation, Anna turned to Qiana and said, "You believe everything people say. He doesn't owe me anything anymore. When we broke up, he gave me $2 million, which you used to pay off your gambling debts. Did you forget? Are you trying to embarrass me?"
Anna nearly screamed at Qiana, who, seeing Anna genuinely angry, reluctantly softened her tone and said impatiently, "Fine, I get it. Do whatever you want."
Qiana stormed off in a huff.
Anna felt humiliated and pathetic. Who wouldn't want to appear glamorous in front of an ex? But Caleb always saw her at her worst.
Caleb was a man she had truly loved. How could she be indifferent upon seeing him again?
But all her feelings were destroyed by Qiana, leaving only shame and embarrassment.
Anna stood with her back to Caleb, silent for a long time.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
