Chapter 26 The Suddenly Appearing Woman
The woman in the burgundy dress clung to Sterling's hand like her life depended on it. The second she spotted Bella, she switched it up and latched onto his arm instead.
She had this sugary sweet smile plastered on her face, acting all innocent. She and Sterling strolled over, laughing and chatting, but to Bella, it felt like a side chick trying to stir the pot with the main woman.
Bella just stood there, feeling all kinds of confused. Her marriage to Sterling was just a business deal, but seeing that woman made her heart feel like it was getting jabbed with needles. It hurt bad.
'Maybe it's just some girl-on-girl rivalry. There's no love between us, so why am I tripping?' Bella tried to calm herself down.
Then Sterling walked over, towering over her with his extra six inches of height.
"What are you doing here?" Sterling's voice was the same old, same old, even his tone towards Bella hadn't changed.
Bella looked up at him and forced a small smile. "Isn't it normal for a wife to pick up her husband?"
Out of the corner of her eye, Bella saw the woman's expression shift. She clung even tighter to Sterling's arm.
Sterling's eyes lit up with interest as he gave Bella the once-over. Compared to three years ago, she had this mature vibe and a sharp, professional edge.
"And who might this lady be?" Bella asked, eyeing the woman next to Sterling.
The woman glanced at Sterling, and seeing he wasn't gonna introduce her, she spoke up.
"My name is Debra Foster, Mr. Windsor's personal assistant." Debra put extra emphasis on "personal assistant," like she was trying to tell Bella her relationship with Sterling was something special.
"Thanks, Ms. Foster, for looking after my husband. But now that he's back, we'll take it from here. You got a place to stay, right?" Bella's professional smile stayed put, but her words were staking her claim.
Debra's face went pale, clearly hoping Sterling would back her up.
Sterling patted Debra's arm and said, "You go rest at the hotel first. I'll come find you when I'm free."
Debra nodded obediently, shooting Bella a nasty look before leaving, but Bella didn't even flinch.
Once they were in Owen's car, Sterling finally asked what was on his mind.
"Was that jealousy back there? It seems you have changed a lot in these three years. You are a different person now." Sterling's tone had a teasing edge.
Bella stared out the window and said calmly, "I was just doing what a wife should do, even if our marriage is just a contract."
"What a wife should do? Like marking your territory?" Sterling smirked.
Bella shook her head, turned to look him in the eye, and said, "Your return isn't a secret. Who knows how many reporters are lurking around, ready to snap a pic. Even though we've got people clearing the area, there's no guarantee someone won't sneak in."
Sterling's face went ice-cold, a flicker of disappointment in his eyes. "Is that really what you think?"
Bella just nodded, keeping her mouth shut.
Sterling turned to Owen and said, "Owen, step on it. I'm starving."
Owen nodded and hit the gas.
The car was dead silent again, with Owen sighing to himself, feeling the tension between Bella and Sterling.
When they finally rolled up to the Windsor Villa, Zoey was already at the door with a bunch of servants, ready to welcome them.
Even from the door, they could smell the food.
"Mr. Windsor, Ms. Grey, you're finally back. Come in and eat." Zoey took Sterling's coat and scarf.
As Sterling headed to the dining room, he reminded Zoey, "Zoey, now that Bella and I are married, why haven't you changed how you address her? Call her Mrs. Windsor."
"Right, my bad. Mrs. Windsor it is." Zoey smiled and winked at Bella, but Bella just gave a weak smile and nodded.
During dinner, Zoey kept giving Bella the eye to serve Sterling food, but Bella acted like she didn't notice and focused on her own plate.
Out of nowhere, Sterling put down his fork and wiped his mouth. "Bella, where are you staying now?"
Bella answered without thinking, "In my old room."
Sterling frowned and looked at Zoey. "Zoey, move all of Bella's stuff to my room. From now on, we're sharing a bedroom."
Zoey smiled and nodded, but Bella was not having it.
"Why? I'm perfectly fine in my room!" Bella shot back, confused about why he was doing this, especially since three years ago he said she wasn't good enough to stay with him.
Sterling turned to Bella and coldly asked, "Didn't you say you want to do what a wife should do? Isn't it normal for a couple to share a room?"
Without giving Bella a chance to argue, Sterling headed upstairs.
Bella stared at the food in front of her, suddenly not hungry anymore.
Zoey walked over with a smile. "Mrs. Windsor, I'll go get your room ready."
Bella just nodded and left the dining room. She couldn't argue with Sterling because she still needed his permission for Anna to come back.
An hour later, Zoey told Bella that her stuff had been moved to Sterling's room. Bella took a deep breath and walked in.
Maybe out of spite, Bella didn't knock this time. She could hear Sterling showering in the bathroom.
Bella was ready. She stripped down and got under the covers, prepared to have sex with him when Sterling came out.
Suddenly, Bella heard a phone ring. It wasn't hers; it was Sterling's. The screen showed the caller was Debra.
Bella answered the call, and Debra's voice came through.
"Sterling, why haven't you come yet? I miss you so much I can barely eat." Debra's whiny tone made Bella's skin crawl.
"If you can't eat, then don't. Consider it a diet." Bella said and hung up.
Just then, the bathroom door opened, and Sterling walked out wrapped in a towel.
Sterling looked at Bella's hand, which was holding his phone.
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