Chapter 22 Ambiguous Atmosphere
Right then, Bella felt a wave of shyness hit her. Even though Sterling turned his face away while helping her with her pants, he still didn't leave the bathroom.
"Can you, like, step out for a sec?" Bella whispered, hoping Sterling would get the hint.
Sterling, with his back to her, shot her down. "Nah, I'm staying. Once you're done, I'll help you pull 'em back up."
"I'll call you when I need help," Bella whispered again, trying to sound firm.
"No, you won't. You'd totally tough it out or use your hurt hand to pull 'em up. I said I don't like causing trouble," Sterling replied, his tone icy.
Bella was out of options, and after all the stalling, she could barely hold it in.
Sterling suddenly heard the sound of running water behind him and realized he'd been so focused on her not getting hurt again that he missed her shyness.
But it was too late for him to leave now.
When the water stopped, Bella's shy voice came from behind. "I'm done."
Sterling lowered his head, turned around, and walked towards her. When he saw her toes, he grabbed her pants and slowly pulled them up.
During the process, his fingers brushed against her skin.
Sterling could feel goosebumps forming on Bella's skin where his fingers touched.
Soon, he had her pants back on and took her back to the ward.
Back in the ward, Bella's face was still red with embarrassment. Just then, Owen walked in with a food box.
"Mr. Windsor, Ms. Grey, here's lunch from Zoey. She added some stuff to Ms. Grey's porridge to help her get better," Owen said as he opened the box and set the food on the table.
"Thanks, Owen. Tell Zoey I said thanks," Bella said, looking at Owen.
Owen looked at Bella, puzzled. "Ms. Grey, why's your face so red? Is it an allergic reaction to the meds?"
Owen's expression turned serious, but Bella was too embarrassed to explain.
"She's fine. You can go now," Sterling dismissed Owen.
Bella finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Sterling picked up the bowl of porridge from the table, felt the temperature, and then brought it to Bella, scooping up a spoonful and bringing it to her mouth.
"Let's eat first," Sterling said in his usual indifferent tone.
Bella looked at him and then opened her mouth.
The porridge Zoey made was delicious.
While feeding her, Sterling suddenly asked, "Why did you save me back then?"
Bella blinked. "Do I need a reason to?"
Sterling smiled slightly, but it quickly vanished. Bella thought she might have imagined it. How could Sterling smile in front of her?
"After all, your family died because of my dad. Saving you is my way of repaying that debt," Bella said honestly, but she noticed Sterling's previously happy expression instantly darkened.
Sterling's hand stopped mid-air, his eyes locked on her face. "Is that what you think?"
Bella nodded seriously, but all she saw was Sterling slamming the bowl onto the table and storming out of the ward.
'Why's he mad again? Did I say something wrong?' Bella couldn't figure out why Sterling was suddenly angry. She guessed mentioning his parents had hit a nerve.
In the days that followed, Bella was surprised that someone as busy as Sterling visited her at the hospital every day.
Even though Bella kept saying she could eat on her own, Sterling kept feeding her. It was annoying, but at least she didn't need his help in the restroom anymore.
Bella spent almost half a month in the hospital before getting discharged.
She was worried about falling behind in her studies, but her health had improved, and she wasn't as frail as before.
Soon, it was Christmas Eve.
Bella, Zoey, and the other servants were busy decorating the house for Christmas.
The door suddenly opened, and Sterling walked in, shaking off the snow from his coat.
Bella, who was hanging decorations on the Christmas tree, instinctively hid behind it. Sterling glanced at her but didn't say anything and went upstairs.
At dinner, Sterling, now in casual clothes, and Bella sat at the dining table.
With Christmas coming up, even the meals were more festive, each bite filled with holiday cheer.
Suddenly, Sterling's voice broke the silence.
"Come to my room after dinner. We need to talk." Sterling's words made Bella pause.
Bella nodded without looking at him, her eyes fixed on the food.
After Sterling finished his meal and went upstairs, Bella kept eating slowly, trying to stretch the time.
When she couldn't eat any more, Bella sighed and stood up, knowing she couldn't avoid it any longer.
She walked up the stairs to Sterling's bedroom. She knocked lightly on the door and, after hearing his voice, pushed it open and walked in.
Sterling stood by the window, watching the snow fall. Hearing her footsteps, he beckoned her over.
As soon as Bella reached his side, he pulled her into his arms.
Bella bit her lip but didn't resist. She could clearly smell the faint scent on him.
Sterling didn't do anything else; he just held her.
"I want to take you abroad," Sterling said.
Bella shook her head immediately. "I don't want to go abroad. Going to an unfamiliar place makes me feel insecure."
Bella was being honest. She felt uncomfortable in places with many strangers. Even though she had handed out flyers on the street before, talking to strangers made her so nervous that her heart felt like it would stop.
Bella noticed Sterling hadn't said anything and thought he was angry. She spoke again, "I really don't like the atmosphere abroad, but I'll wait for you at home."
As soon as Bella finished speaking, Sterling suddenly turned her around and kissed her on the lips.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
