Chapter 310 A Dignified Farewell
Bella gently caressed the photo of herself, her eyes reflecting a whirlwind of emotions.
She wasn't sure if she could ever find that innocent, happy version of herself again, but she knew one thing for certain: there was no going back with Sterling.
Before leaving, Bella took one last, lingering look at the room, her heart heavy with a mix of reluctance and nostalgia. She knew that once she walked out, she might never return.
Her heart was a storm of conflicting emotions, feeling as if she was being mercilessly crushed by the wheels of fate, unable to escape or save herself. From the beginning, she felt indebted to Sterling, a debt that weighed on her like a boulder, making it hard to breathe.
But when the truth came out, everything flipped. Bella discovered that Sterling had been carrying a heavy secret too, one about their family and their past, hidden for over a decade. It was like a long-planned conspiracy, silently dragging them both into a dark abyss.
Bella felt an unprecedented sense of despair and helplessness. She wanted to save herself and Sterling, but reality told her it was all in vain. She couldn't escape the shadows of the past or change what had already happened.
When she asked herself if she still loved Sterling, she found her heart clouded and uncertain. She didn't dare to voice or even think about the answer, fearing that admitting her feelings would plunge her deeper into the darkness.
So, Bella silently bore the pain and torment, moving forward. The road ahead was unknown and full of thorns, but she knew she had to face everything bravely.
Because, in the end, no one could save her or Sterling but themselves.
In the days to come, she would continue to strive for her own happiness and freedom. Though the shadows of the past would always follow her, she believed that time would heal everything.
Suddenly, familiar footsteps echoed behind her, the steady rhythm making Bella freeze.
Her heart raced, a wave of indescribable tension washing over her. Instinctively, she flipped the photo frame face down on the nightstand, as if that could hide her inner turmoil.
The footsteps grew closer, and she could almost hear her own breathing. She knew it was Sterling, the man who was once so close to her but now felt like a stranger.
Bella hadn't expected him to return at this moment, disrupting all her thoughts and plans.
She tried to stay calm, but the inner chaos was like an invisible force, making it impossible. She didn't know how to face Sterling or how to voice the secrets and feelings buried deep inside her.
Just then, Sterling's voice came from outside the door, carrying a hint of fatigue and gentleness. "Bella, are you here?"
Bella took a deep breath, trying to make her voice sound steady. "I'm here to pack my things."
The door opened gently, and Sterling appeared in the doorway. His eyes were deep and complex, as if he could see right through her.
He quietly watched her, then walked to the bed and sat down, his gaze falling on the overturned photo frame.
Bella's heart grew more complicated, fearing Sterling would bring up the photo. But Sterling just sat there silently, saying nothing.
Finally, Sterling broke the silence. "Bella, I know there are a lot of misunderstandings and barriers between us. But I hope we can sit down and talk, clear everything up."
Bella was slightly taken aback. She hadn't expected Sterling to say that.
Looking into his sincere eyes, a mix of emotions surged within her, and she nodded, softly saying, "Okay, let's talk."
In that moment, Bella decided to let go of her defenses and worries, to face the man who was once so familiar but now felt so distant.
Sterling's words lingered in the air, his tone carrying a subtle, indescribable weariness, as if he was expressing his inner helplessness and loss.
He said, "You chose to come back when I wasn't here. How much do you not want to see me? Even if you're leaving, at least say goodbye."
Bella's back was to him, her body trembling slightly. She didn't know how to face Sterling or how to pretend nothing had happened and talk casually.
She feared her eyes would betray her inner chaos and pain, and even more, she feared Sterling would read something in her expression that she didn't want him to know.
The air was thick with a heavy, oppressive atmosphere. Both remained silent, not saying a word.
After a long while, Sterling finally broke the silence. He didn't say much more, just quietly walked to her suitcase and carried it downstairs.
This gesture surprised Bella. She hadn't expected Sterling to let her go so easily. She thought he would argue, have a dramatic confrontation, but instead, he was considerate.
Watching his back, a complex mix of emotions surged within her, along with an indescribable struggle and pain.
Bella knew she couldn't avoid it any longer. No matter what had happened in the past, no matter how many misunderstandings and barriers stood between them, she wanted to untangle those knots before leaving.
So, when Sterling placed her luggage downstairs, Bella mustered the courage to turn around and said, "Sterling, let's talk."
Sterling was slightly taken aback, then nodded, indicating for her to go ahead.
Bella took a deep breath and said, "I admit I still care about you, but do you know what stands between us? It's like a deep-seated grudge, but it doesn't matter anymore. I hope you live well in the future. By the way, I've signed the divorce papers and left them in your study. If you need to finalize the divorce, you can contact me."
Sterling listened quietly, not interrupting. His eyes were deep and complex.
When Bella finally finished, he was silent for a moment, then slowly spoke, "Bella, I know we have many issues. But..."
Sterling realized that whatever he said now was too late, it all seemed meaningless.
Bella watched the usually proud Sterling, now so cautious in front of her, and felt a mix of emotions.
She had imagined countless times what it would be like to meet Sterling again, each scenario filled with tension and conflict.
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