Chapter 308 Why Not Give
Colin was testing the waters.
By cleverly including Bella in the joke, the atmosphere lightened up, making it seem like a harmless jest that no one took seriously.
Anna, never one to shy away from showing her boldness and humor, laughed and said, "If you're cool with it, so am I. I mean, for a secure future and to satisfy my little cravings, sacrificing a bit of charm is worth it."
Colin's eyes sparkled with a peculiar light as he looked at Anna, half-smiling, as if probing her true thoughts. "Really? You're not just messing with me, are you?"
There was a hint of seriousness and expectation in Colin's tone, as if he was waiting for Anna to respond further.
Anna inadvertently met Colin's gaze and, in that moment, she keenly sensed that he wasn't joking.
Her heart tightened, and memories of past painful experiences flashed through her mind.
Hastily, she lowered her eyes and softly said, "I was just kidding. You didn't take it seriously, did you?"
Hearing this, Colin had to mask his disappointment. He knew he couldn't rush things with Anna; he had to take it slow.
Pretending not to care about her reaction, he smoothly changed the subject. "So, where are you planning to start over? Give me a heads-up."
Bella, catching the shift in conversation, smirked playfully. "I'm just afraid if we tell you, you'll turn around and tell someone else. You're quite the 'double agent,' you know."
Colin rolled his eyes, a hint of helplessness in his expression. "As if Sterling couldn't find you. As long as you're still in the country, on this planet, he can find you if he wants to. Don't make things too tense. I'm me, he's him. We need to see things separately."
As they chatted, Anna, who had been quietly eating, suddenly spoke up. "Bella and I think alike. If we're going to start over, we need to truly start fresh, leaving everything behind, including people and things from the past. We need to let go completely to embrace a new life."
Anna's words were firm and resolute, revealing a determination to leave the past behind and look forward to the future.
Colin's eyes flickered with a complex emotion but quickly returned to calm.
Anna's message was clear and direct, with no ambiguity. Colin understood her perfectly. A fleeting sadness crossed his eyes, but he quickly masked it with a nonchalant expression.
"Alright, then. I wish you all the best. Before you leave, make sure to say goodbye to this person who still lives in your past memories."
Colin's words carried a hint of humor, but there was an undeniable seriousness beneath them.
Bella, still thinking they were joking, laughed carelessly, not noticing the subtle shift in the atmosphere.
However, both Anna and Colin felt a deep impact. Anna made a decision in her heart, while Colin chose to respect Anna's decision for now, knowing he wouldn't let her stay away for long.
After dinner, the task of cleaning up naturally fell to Anna and Bella. Colin chimed in, "Hey, Bella, remember you asked me to get that cat from Sterling? I talked to him, and he said no."
Colin's tone carried a hint of helplessness, as if he regretted not being able to help Bella.
Bella, hearing this, became anxious, her brows furrowing in confusion and frustration. "Why won't he give it back? I never let him keep the cat before, and he doesn't even like it. Why won't he return it to me? That cat means a lot to me!"
Seeing Bella's distress, Colin quickly tried to calm her down. "Don't get mad at me. I'm just the messenger. Sterling just said 'no,' and nothing else. How would I know what he's thinking? But don't worry. If you're really planning to leave, taking the cat with you would be inconvenient. At least at the Windsor Villa, someone can take care of it. Even if Sterling doesn't like your cat, there's still Zoey and Owen. With so many staff at the Windsor Villa, they can surely take care of one cat."
Bella's emotions eased a bit after hearing Colin's reasoning. She knew he was right. Zoey had always been kind to her and would surely take good care of Sunny.
With a sigh, she resignedly said, "Fine. If he really won't give it back, I'll have to leave Sunny with Zoey. I just hope Sterling won't treat it too badly."
Colin felt relieved as Bella finally relented. He understood that the cat was more than just a pet to Bella; it was a source of comfort and attachment.
Before leaving, Bella had one wish: to see Zoey and Owen one last time.
They were like family to her, having watched her grow up and showered her with love and warmth. She couldn't leave without saying a proper goodbye.
Her feelings for Sterling were complicated. The past was something she didn't dare to revisit, filled with pain and entanglements deeply etched in her heart.
She knew that in the future, Sterling would remain a part of her memories, but she could no longer face him as she once did.
So, on a sunny afternoon, she returned to the Windsor Villa. Before setting out, she had called Zoey to ensure Sterling wouldn't be home. This way, she could say her goodbyes to Zoey and Owen without any awkwardness or sorrow.
As she stepped through the doors of the Windsor Villa, a wave of familiar yet distant emotions washed over her. Everything here held her memories and feelings.
Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she walked towards where Zoey and Owen were.
Bella knew that this farewell might be the last, and she might never see them again.
But she also understood that this was necessary for her future and freedom.
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