Chapter 250 Anna's Thoughts
Bella shyly nodded, aware of how much Sterling had been holding back lately. Her body was still recovering, and Sterling had been considerate enough not to touch her.
She hadn't brought it up, but tonight felt different, almost like they were on fire. Bella found it natural and enjoyed the way she and Sterling were connecting.
In a daze, she felt like she was swimming in the ocean, floating and sinking.
She didn't remember how she fell asleep, only that she had screamed herself hoarse without Sterling stopping.
Bella thought he was terrifying after such a long period of abstinence.
When she woke up in the morning, Sterling was already gone. She was about to go downstairs to find Zoey when Anna called.
Anna's voice was full of excitement. "Bella, guess what? Colin and I kissed last night."
Bella was shocked. "What? You and Colin kissed? But aren't you with Caleb..."
She paused, realizing that if Anna ended up with Colin, Caleb would be out of the picture, and she wouldn't have to worry about Anna being deceived by Caleb. That would be better, wouldn't it?
Bella and Anna planned to meet up later, so Bella quickly got ready and went downstairs, only to find Sterling still at home.
"Come have breakfast," Sterling said, putting down his tablet and looking at Bella standing at the top of the stairs.
Bella was still a bit upset with him after the way he had worn her out last night, so she came down with a stern expression on her face.
Sterling, looking refreshed and satisfied, saw Bella's cold expression and knew exactly why.
"What do you want to do today? Why didn't you sleep a bit longer?" Sterling asked casually.
Bella glared at him. "You have the nerve to ask."
"Don't blame me; you were the one who seduced me last night," Sterling said confidently.
Bella's face turned red instantly. She glanced around, not seeing Zoey or the housekeeper in the dining room.
"Sterling, do you have no shame? Saying things like that out loud. Besides, I..." Bella was too angry to continue.
Sterling saw her mix of shyness and anger and knew he should change the subject before she got really mad.
"Bella, what are your plans for work? Are you going back to Micah to continue your design work, or are you thinking of being a full-time housewife?"
Sterling asked with genuine concern, making it clear that she was the only one feeling awkward.
Bella shook her head lightly, her eyes reflecting both hope and uncertainty about the future.
"I've decided not to continue in the design industry. I want to try something new, but I haven't figured out what yet. I definitely won't stay idle at home; that's too boring. We're going to Oakridge, right? I'll think about it when we get back."
Sterling's eyes lit up with a smile. "That's awesome. Trying new things is how we grow. When you figure out what you want to do, if you need a place, I can help. We've got some empty shops and office spaces at home; you can pick any of them and save on rent. Take your time to think about your new gig."
Bella felt a warm surge in her heart. His words made her feel like part of the family. The fact that she could use the family shops surprised and touched her. "Thank you! I didn't expect you to support me like this."
Seeing her genuine smile, Sterling couldn't help but smile too. It felt like even the scorching sun outside was less annoying, as if her smile made the world a better place.
Around noon, Bella met Anna at a restaurant.
As soon as they sat down, Anna said she wanted to quit her job.
Bella asked, "Anna, be straight with me. Do you want to quit because you're tired of the job or because of what happened with Colin last night?"
Anna blushed at the mention of last night. They had both been drinking, and it seemed like the alcohol was to blame.
But Anna knew that deep down, she had been yearning for it too. She couldn't blame it all on the alcohol, yet it felt like last night was just a hazy dream.
Seeing Anna's silence, Bella's smile grew. "Anna, just be honest. Do you think there's a chance with Colin?"
Anna immediately denied it. "No way! How could I possibly have a chance with that playboy?"
Bella was unsure about Anna's feelings for Colin. She asked, "Then why did you get so close to Colin? Are you sure it wasn't you who kissed him?"
Anna quickly denied it. "No way."
Anna explained everything, and Bella understood immediately.
"I know you don't like Colin, but Colin likes you. Have you thought about why you let Colin kiss you if you really have no feelings for him? Do you understand your true feelings?"
Anna felt uncertain after Bella's words, but she wouldn't betray her boyfriend.
Anna said, "I'm just confused and conflicted. After what happened with Colin, does that mean I've wronged Caleb?"
Bella was unhappy hearing Caleb's name but didn't show it.
"You don't have to think that way. Are you and Caleb officially dating?" Bella asked tentatively.
Anna stirred her coffee, unsure how to answer, and sighed. "I don't know what our relationship is. It's strange that Caleb suddenly became Sterling's brother. If Sterling accepted him so easily, why did Caleb suffer outside for so long? Do you think Sterling would easily accept his father's illegitimate child? It's weird. Anyway, let's not talk about it."
"I just feel Caleb has been through a lot. But I can't find that spark with him anymore. You know, he went to my house and told my mom he wanted to marry me. My mom is all about money, and now Caleb is rich and powerful. So she agreed to his proposal."
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