Chapter 331 For You
Colin listened to Anna's story, genuinely happy for her.
At the dinner table, the three kept chatting, and the atmosphere gradually became relaxed and pleasant.
Anna glanced at Bella, then cautiously asked, "So, how did you and Sterling end up starting a company here? Did your main office shut down or something?"
Colin smiled slightly, put down his utensils, and replied, "Nah, our company's doing great. We're expanding. We chose to open a branch here because we saw the potential. Big cities have more opportunities, but the competition is brutal. Here, the market's pretty untapped, lots of room to grow."
Anna nodded, understanding. She continued, "What about Sterling? He should be building his career in a big city. Why'd he come here? How's he doing? Haven't seen him in ages."
Mentioning Sterling made Colin's expression complicated.
He glanced at Bella, stayed silent for a moment, then slowly said, "He's been super busy lately, lots of company stuff to handle."
Colin's words made the atmosphere at the table subtly tense again. He looked at Bella, trying to gauge her thoughts and feelings.
He had never seen someone leave a ten-year relationship so abruptly; it seemed heartless.
Sterling didn't want to reveal the truth. Stuck in the middle, Colin felt exhausted, especially since he couldn't get closer to Anna, making everyone tired.
Finally, Colin couldn't help but speak up while eating, his tone carrying a hint of resentment and helplessness.
"I came here for you guys, to have a good reason to check on you occasionally," he said. "Don't worry, Sterling and I don't have the time to watch you every moment. You don't need to think about moving."
Bella heard this and lifted her eyelids slightly, her gaze meeting Colin's for a moment.
She understood the resentment in Colin's words and knew why, but she said nothing.
Anna listened, feeling a bit confused. She watched the exchange between Colin and Bella, her mind filled with questions.
But she didn't ask more, just quietly continued eating.
Seeing Bella not refute, Colin sighed inwardly. He knew Bella was a determined woman; once she made a decision, it was hard to change.
But he still hoped she would reconsider, as her past with Sterling wasn't something easily forgotten.
After finishing his meal, Colin left for the nearby hotel where he was staying.
After he left, Anna said, "Bella, I sensed Colin's tone was off earlier. Was he blaming you on Sterling's behalf?"
Bella shook her head lightly, a faint smile on her lips. "Anna, Colin might not understand my decision. To him, leaving Sterling might seem painful and hard to let go, but I know sometimes letting go isn't being heartless; it's freeing oneself. When I left, I appeared carefree because I knew continuing to entangle ourselves wouldn't be good for either of us."
"I admit, at first, I hesitated and struggled. But once I made up my mind to leave, I was ready to face everything—loneliness, difficulties, even misunderstandings from others. But I got through it, didn't I?"
"As for Colin thinking I might come crawling back because I can't make it on my own, that's just overthinking. I have my own skills and dreams. I believe I can start fresh here and live my life. I won't change my decision because of others' expectations or opinions."
Anna listened to Bella's words, her eyes shining with admiration.
She held Bella's hand tightly and said, "Bella, you've really changed. You're stronger and more confident now. I'm proud of you. I believe you can live the life you want. Let's hit a bar and have some fun; bars are awesome during the holidays."
Bella didn't object to Anna's suggestion. She had been tired for so long; it was time to relax.
"Alright, let's go," Bella replied with a smile.
An hour later.
Anna looked at the mask and glow sticks in her hands, her eyes filled with curiosity and excitement.
She turned to Bella and said, "Bella, this bar is pretty cool. They're hosting holiday events, giving out masks and glow sticks. It's really lively."
Bella smiled and nodded. She felt Anna's joy and was also caught up in the bar's atmosphere. She said, "Yeah, the vibe here is great. And the prices are reasonable."
The two donned their masks and waved their glow sticks, weaving through the crowd.
The bar's music was deafening, and the lights created a dreamy and joyful atmosphere.
They found a relatively quiet spot, ordered some drinks, and began to enjoy this special night.
Anna looked at the crowd and sighed, "Bella, you know, I never thought I'd come to a bar with you. I used to think places like this weren't for me, but now I see it's good to relax here occasionally."
Bella laughed and responded, "Yeah, life is about trying new things. I might not have wanted to come to a bar before, but now I think as long as we're happy, anything goes."
They chatted and drank, feeling the vibrant atmosphere they hadn't experienced in a long time.
Unable to contain her excitement, Anna rushed onto the dance floor. She moved freely to the music, each movement full of passion and energy.
Dancing and drinking were her unique ways to release herself and enjoy life.
Bella, on the other hand, sat quietly, her gaze gently following the figure dancing wildly in the crowd. She watched Anna weave through the people, sharing smiles with friends, enjoying this rare moment of relaxation and joy.
Despite the lively atmosphere, Bella didn't join in; she preferred observing and thinking in a quiet environment.
Bella's eyes showed a hint of envy, but she understood that everyone has their own lifestyle and preferences. She respected Anna's choices and understood why she herself leaned towards quiet and solitude.
On this night filled with laughter and joy, they each enjoyed the moment in their own way.
Suddenly, a tall, stylishly dressed woman wearing a fox mask approached Bella like a gust of wind, her tone playful and teasing, "Wanna dance?"
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