Chapter 267 Choice
Caleb paused for a moment before continuing, "Look, I know it's on me. I haven't given you the security you need, but I'm trying to make it right."
"I'm busting my ass every day to be better, but I'm scared. Scared of the unknown. After we get married, we can face life's ups and downs together and tackle any problems as they come."
"But if you have any issues or you're unhappy with me, just tell me. We can take it slow. Right now, I just want to get married and give you a home."
Anna listened to Caleb's words, feeling a mix of emotions.
She lowered her head and bit her lip gently, trying to hold back the tears that were about to flow. "I'm sorry, Caleb. I'm the one making things hard for you."
Caleb's emotions suddenly flared. He slammed on the gas pedal, and the car sped up instantly, carrying a hint of hysteria. "Don't give me that 'sorry' crap! I don't want to hear empty apologies."
"I just want to know your decision. Either we get married in a month and officially become husband and wife, or we break up for good. It's better for both of us."
"We've got ten minutes left. Think it through and give me a clear answer!"
Ten minutes might pass in the blink of an eye under normal circumstances, but right now, it felt stretched out, with every second filled with agony.
When the car finally stopped in front of the hotel, Caleb stared at her intently, his eyes full of anticipation and tension. "Have you decided? What's your answer?"
Anna looked at Caleb, her eyes reflecting complex emotions. She knew this decision would affect not only her future but also Caleb's happiness.
She took a deep breath, seemingly making her final struggle and choice.
Anna thought for a moment and then said, firmly and clearly, "I don't plan to get married right now."
Her words cut through the fragile connection between them like a sharp knife.
Caleb heard her and a bitter smile appeared on his lips. He nodded, as if confirming something to himself.
"Okay, I respect your choice. Consider it as me paying back what I owe you. I was a jerk in the past, not knowing how to cherish you. Now, you've repaid me in full. We're even. You can go."
His voice was calm and resolute, each word squeezed out from the depths of his heart, carrying an indescribable pain.
After speaking, Caleb rolled down the car window, and the night breeze rushed in, bringing a hint of chill.
He lit a cigarette, and in the swirling smoke, his gaze became blurred and distant, as if reminiscing about the past, or perhaps making a final tribute to the end of their relationship.
Caleb didn't look at Anna again, as if telling himself that everything was over.
Anna took a deep breath, feeling Caleb's resolute and painful words.
She knew she couldn't turn back. She didn't offer any further explanation or comfort to Caleb, knowing that any words at this moment would be meaningless.
She gently pushed open the door and got out of the car.
Under the night sky, Anna walked further and further away, like two stars that were once closely aligned, now scattered in the vast universe, unable to find each other's path again.
Anna thought that the end of this relationship might be a relief for both of them, and also a new beginning.
Caleb still didn't look at her, his fingers holding the cigarette trembling slightly.
At this moment, a sense of regret washed over him, realizing he had pushed her down such a resolute path.
However, Caleb didn't reach out to stop her.
From the moment he decided to pursue her again, he knew he was completely captivated by her charm.
In the past, he was solely focused on revenge against Sterling, neglecting the deep affection she had given him.
Whether it was guilt or true love, he shamelessly came back to find her, ready to accept any possible outcome.
Now, Caleb finally felt the heartbreak and pain she had endured when they broke up. It was all karma he had sown himself.
As she left, he threw the ring she had left behind out of the car window.
That ring, once carefully selected and valuable, chosen with joy, now became a symbol of his awkwardness and pain.
Back at the hotel, Anna took a cold shower to calm her emotions completely.
She felt a hint of regret for making Caleb sad but was troubled by how to find a solution that would work for both of them.
At this moment, both were in a period of emotional turmoil. She decided to leave Caleb alone for now and sent a message to Bella, feeling distressed.
[Bella, I told Caleb that I agreed to his proposal just to save face in front of everyone, but I don't really want to get married so soon. He got angry and gave me an ultimatum: either we get married in a month or break up now. I'm so confused right now.]
Bella was feeding fish in the pond at the villa when she saw Anna's message and immediately called her. "What did you decide?"
Her tone was anxious.
Anna's voice on the other end was choked with tears. "I haven't decided yet. I just stuck to my thoughts, feeling that marriage shouldn't be rushed, and then apologized to him."
"But he seemed to take my apology as a choice to break up and got really angry. We're both cooling off now. I just need more time to find our old feelings. He's pushing too hard, and I really just need a little more time."
By the end, her voice was already choked with sobs.
Bella comforted Anna, but felt relieved inside. As long as Anna hadn't agreed, it was good.
But Caleb's character, letting Anna make her own choice, was unexpected. She wondered if Caleb had any backup plans.
"Bella, are you still at the Windsor Villa? Can I come see you?" Anna said, feeling agitated. She needed someone to talk to.
"Sure, I'll ask Sterling and have Colin bring you over." Bella hung up and went to find Sterling.
When Bella returned, she saw Sterling and Tobias still chatting, but Tobias looked unwell.
However, he smiled kindly when he saw Bella.
Sterling looked at her, his eyes filled with a smile. "Finished your walk? Do you think this place is beautiful?"
Bella nodded with a smile. "It's beautiful. It gives me endless motivation to work hard, succeed, and buy a little garden with flowers and grass. I want to live like this in the future."
Her words, though childlike, were pure and innocent, making everyone laugh instantly.
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