Chapter 313 Turning Towards the Future
Bella watched Sterling's figure fade into the shadows under the sunlight, a wave of indescribable sadness washing over her. She knew they could never go back to what they once had.
The promises and vows they made had all turned to dust. She had to learn to let go, to face reality, and to start her life anew.
But that was easier said than done. Bella knew she needed time to heal, to accept this harsh reality. She had to learn to be strong, to be independent, and to stop relying on anyone else. Only then could she step out of the shadows of the past.
She gently let go of the curtain and turned to walk to the other side of the room. She knew there was a long road ahead.
Standing there, Bella felt a mix of emotions, her thoughts tangled like a ball of yarn. The beginning with Sterling was a complex and profound memory for her. Those times were filled with sweetness and happiness, but also with pain and struggle. She couldn't help but ask herself if it was truly a beginning or just a messy escape.
As Sterling drove away, her eyes followed him until he completely disappeared from view. At that moment, she couldn't hold back any longer. She covered her mouth, stifling her sobs. Tears streamed down her face like broken pearls, staining her white dress with blotchy marks.
Bella recalled every moment with Sterling, the beautiful memories seemed so close yet so far away. She once believed they could spend their lives together, but reality had dealt her a heavy blow. The promises and vows they made had all turned to dust, leaving her heartbroken.
The night Bella and Anna left, Sterling, Colin, and Micah met up again at a nightclub, but this time, they seemed to have a mutual understanding and didn't order any women to accompany them.
The nightclub was dimly lit, the music deafening, and people were letting loose in this space of indulgence and revelry. However, for Sterling, Colin, and Micah, the night felt particularly heavy.
They each sat on the couch, holding their drinks, but none of them raised their glasses. Sterling's eyes were hollow and deep, as if he were still lost in the pain of Bella's departure.
Colin looked serious, knowing Sterling's inner struggle and pain but unsure how to comfort him.
Micah sat quietly, his gaze shifting between Sterling and Colin, trying to find a suitable topic to break the silence.
Finally, Micah spoke up, breaking the silence, "Tonight, let's not talk about women or feelings. Let's hang out and talk about other things."
Sterling and Colin looked up at Micah, a hint of helplessness in their eyes.
With Micah's intervention, they started talking about work. Although the topic was lighter, their tone still carried a trace of undisguised melancholy.
As time passed, the nightclub's atmosphere grew more lively. People began dancing, releasing their inner passions. However, Sterling, Colin, and Micah remained seated on the couch, their thoughts still heavy.
The nightclub's lights flashed, the music blared, and even in such an environment, the three single men—Sterling, Colin, and Micah—still attracted attention from those around them.
Women cast admiring glances their way, and occasionally, a bold one would approach, but Micah would gently yet firmly turn them away.
As time went on, the alcohol began to take effect, and the three men's eyes grew a bit hazy. Micah stared at his drink, seemingly deep in thought, then suddenly asked, "Sterling's the one who's supposed to be upset. Colin, why are you joining in? You should be having fun, surrounded by women. That's more your style."
Colin smiled faintly at Micah's words, gently patting his shoulder. "What's wrong with me being here for Sterling? When a friend is down, how could I enjoy myself alone? We're all here to drink tonight, so don't put that on me."
"Thanks, guys," Sterling said quietly.
But both Micah and Sterling knew why Colin was also feeling down. Anna's departure had hit him hard too.
Micah and Colin exchanged a glance, understanding Sterling's feelings at that moment. They said no more, simply raising their glasses and finishing their drinks.
In this new city, Bella and Anna spent the entire morning and afternoon finding a cozy little apartment in this unfamiliar yet opportunity-filled place.
It was a small apartment on the edge of the city, warmly embraced by sunlight. Though it wasn't big, it was enough to hold their dreams and hopes for the future.
They immediately threw themselves into setting up their new home, from choosing curtain colors to arranging each piece of furniture. Every step was done by their own hands. This was their new beginning, a fresh start, and they were filled with hope and enthusiasm.
Anna carefully placed a vibrant green plant on the windowsill, adding a touch of life to the small space. Bella hung up the artwork they had meticulously chosen, each stroke telling a part of their story.
As night fell, they finally finished their day's work, exhausted but happy, lying on the soft bed they had made themselves. The gentle light reflected on their tired yet content faces, their smiles filled with anticipation for their new life and gratitude for each other's company.
In this peaceful moment, Bella turned her head, her gaze soft as she looked at Anna. "Are you really okay leaving your mom behind to start a new life here with me?" she asked gently, her voice tinged with concern and a hint of uncertainty about the future.
Anna's eyes flickered with a complex emotion but quickly turned resolute. She gently held Bella's hand, her voice warm and firm. "Don't worry. I've talked it over with my mom. She'll miss me, but she understands and supports my decision. Plus, we can video call anytime, share our lives with each other. Most importantly, I believe that as long as we're together, we'll be happy no matter where we are."
Anna closed her eyes, thinking about how she had finally left behind the places that brought her so much pain. She was determined to fill her life with new, beautiful memories to replace the nightmares that had haunted her.
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