Chapter 303 Decision to Leave
After a lot of thinking, Bella finally made up her mind.
She looked at Anna with a determined gaze. "Give me a month. I'll handle everything, and then we'll leave together. Meeting you has been the best thing that's ever happened to me, Anna."
Anna's face lit up with a radiant smile, tears glistening in her eyes. "I feel the same way, Bella."
Before Colin got home, Bella personally escorted Anna back to her place.
As soon as they walked in, Qiana started to complain. "Do you even remember you have a mother? You haven't been home for days, not even a call. Are you trying to worry me to death? Honestly..."
But before she could finish, Anna suddenly hugged her tightly, her voice choked with emotion. "Mom, I've missed you so much."
Qiana was taken aback, feeling the unexpected warmth of Anna's embrace.
Her heart swelled with mixed emotions as she gently patted Anna's back and asked softly, "Anna, what's going on? Did the sun rise from the west today?"
Anna didn't answer immediately, just held Qiana tighter, as if trying to pour all her longing and apologies into that hug.
Qiana, too, silently returned the embrace, and in that moment, the distance between their hearts vanished.
Anna shook her head slightly, linking arms with Qiana as they walked into the kitchen, her face glowing with happiness.
"Mom, I'll cook for you, but you have to help me. Washing the vegetables is your job." She said this while taking an apron from the cabinet and tying it on skillfully.
"Bella brought me back earlier, but she left already. I asked her to stay for dinner, but she refused," Anna continued, a hint of regret in her voice.
Qiana, taking fresh vegetables from the fridge, replied while washing them, "I see. Bella is such a good kid."
"By the way, you said you lost your phone? Let's buy a new one. I'll pay for it. The bank card in your pocket is from me, with the leftover money from buying the house. You manage it from now on; I'm afraid I'll spend it recklessly."
Anna felt a warmth in her heart, her eyes slightly reddening. This long-lost sense of warmth made her feel the comfort of home.
Despite the troubles Qiana had brought her, a mother is always a mother, her most solid support.
In the afternoon, Colin was forced to leave work early due to Sterling's persistent "nagging."
Despite knowing they were being watched, Sterling was still worried about Bella's safety and insisted Colin check on her personally.
Though a bit annoyed, Colin complied out of respect for Sterling.
When Colin opened the door, he saw Bella staring blankly at the desserts on the coffee table. It was obvious these were sent by Sterling.
Colin cleared his throat and carefully chose his words before speaking. "These desserts are really good. I used to buy them often."
Bella looked up at Colin, a hint of helplessness in her eyes. "Tell him to stop sending me these things. I don't want any ties with him right now. Also, I might need to stay here for a while. In a month, I'll leave this city and start over. Don't tell Sterling about my decision."
She paused, looking a bit embarrassed. "I'll pay for rent and living expenses while I'm here. I don't have much money, but please give me a good rate."
Colin felt a mix of emotions. He understood and respected Bella's decision.
He gently patted her shoulder, comforting her. "Don't worry about it. Just stay here. We can sort out the rent and expenses later. The important thing is for you to take care of yourself and start fresh."
Bella nodded gratefully, her eyes shining with determination.
She knew this month would be a crucial turning point in her life, and she had to face the future bravely and embrace new challenges.
Colin chuckled at Bella's words, opened the dessert box, took a bite, and said, "Are all Windsor family members this domineering? Just deciding to stay without asking. Do I look like I need the money? Renting a villa isn't cheap, and having me cook for you every day is even more expensive. So, talking about money is pointless. Stay as long as you want."
He paused, his tone softening with concern. "But are you really leaving? Can you tell me why?"
Bella sighed, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes. "There are many reasons, but mainly, I want a fresh start. This city holds too many memories of him. I want to leave them behind and find myself again in a new place."
Colin felt a pang of sadness for Sterling but admired Bella's courage.
He gently patted her shoulder. "No matter what you decide, I'll support you. If you need any help, just let me know. Remember, you're not alone. You have me as a friend, and I won't tell Sterling."
But that was impossible.
Bella, still naive, nodded gratefully. "Thank you. Once Anna and I leave, you'll have peace and quiet, and no one will bother you anymore."
Hearing that Anna was also leaving, Colin's smile faded. He immediately asked, "What? She's leaving with you? Do you know where you're going?"
Bella shook her head, looking a bit lost. "Not yet. It's all so sudden, and there's a lot to decide. But we'll figure it out. By the way, can you help me get Sunny back from Sterling? I need to take it with me. Sterling doesn't really like it."
Colin felt a surge of indescribable sadness. 'Anna, are you leaving too?'
"Colin? What are you daydreaming about?" Bella asked again when Colin didn't respond.
Colin smiled, snapping back to reality, feeling a bit sorry for Sterling.
He joked, "Are you really only taking the cat and not considering taking a person? Sterling would probably cry himself to sleep if he knew."
Bella smiled faintly, but there was a hint of bitterness in her smile. "Colin, don't tease me. I just want to leave everything behind and start over. Sterling and I... there's no going back."
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