Chapter 333 Missing Grows Wild
Sterling didn't dare stick around any longer, worried his presence might upset Bella.
Their relationship had gotten so complicated and fragile, and one wrong move could ruin everything.
But he couldn't fight the urge to see her, even if just for a moment.
At least he had touched the real her, not in a dream, but in this noisy, unpredictable night.
Colin's call snapped Sterling out of his thoughts at just the right moment, "Sterling, where are you? You're gonna miss the flight! Get to the airport now!"
Colin's voice was urgent.
Sterling acknowledged the call and quickly hung up.
He had come here just for those few minutes, to see Bella again, for that unexpected hug.
He knew his actions might seem impulsive, even selfish, but he couldn't help himself.
The scarf he had given to Anna and Bella wasn't just Colin's idea. He and Colin had picked it out together and bought it for Bella. Anna's scarf was Colin's idea alone.
Sterling hadn't told Colin to mention it because he feared Bella might reject it if she knew.
Sterling turned and hurried to the parking lot, driving to the airport.
On the way, he silently told himself that this was just the beginning. He had a long road ahead, with many things to face and resolve.
In the bar, the music gradually stopped, and the crowd began to disperse.
Bella sat in her seat, her eyes unconsciously searching around, hoping to see the man who had hugged her from behind again.
But until the end, she didn't see him. A faint sense of loss welled up in her heart.
Each time she looked, she was met with disappointment, leaving her feeling helpless.
On the way home, Anna was still talking excitedly about the night's fun, "I think small-town bars are way more fun than the ones in Harborvale! The vibe, the freedom, it's unforgettable. Bella, don't you feel the same?"
Bella smiled slightly, understanding Anna's excitement and satisfaction, but her own feelings were more complicated.
She had enjoyed the night's revelry, but that sudden hug, that familiar yet strange voice, lingered in her mind.
She didn't know why he had appeared there, but his presence had left her feeling indescribable.
"Yeah, it was pretty fun," Bella responded softly to Anna, but her gaze was distant.
She was contemplating whether she should let go of the past and embrace new possibilities, or continue to hold on to her inner convictions.
The streetlights cast long shadows as they walked home. Bella knew she was distracted, holding a mask she had brought from the bar, absentmindedly playing with it. Her thoughts were still caught up in that hug, unable to break free.
"Anna, did you see anyone?" Bella finally couldn't help but ask Anna.
Anna, a bit tipsy, scratched her head in confusion, "Who? There were so many people in the bar. Who are you talking about?"
Bella took a deep breath, hesitated, and then said the name, "Sterling."
Anna paused, then reacted, "Sterling? Isn't he supposed to be in Harborvale? Why would he be here? And if he came, he would definitely look for you."
Bella sighed softly. She didn't know why she had suddenly asked about Sterling. Maybe the hug had felt too real, creating an illusion.
She shook her head, "Maybe I was mistaken. He wouldn't be here."
Anna saw Bella's distracted look and understood what she was thinking.
She gently patted Bella's shoulder and said earnestly, "Bella, if you miss him, go back. You two are like family, having been through so much together. Can you really say you have nothing to do with him anymore?"
Bella's eyes flickered with emotion. She lowered her head, silent for a moment, then slowly spoke, "But I can never forgive him for what happened to my dad."
Anna sighed and continued, "Bella, I know your dad's death hurt you deeply. But it's been so long. Holding onto this pain only tortures yourself. If Sterling truly regrets what he did, can't you give him a chance?"
Bella looked up, her eyes filled with complex emotions. She didn't know how to respond to Anna.
She still had feelings for Sterling, but she couldn't forget what happened to her dad. She was conflicted, struggling, unsure of what to do.
Anna saw Bella's turmoil and felt for her. She gently held Bella's hand and said softly, "Bella, I know it's hard. But believe me, time heals all wounds. If Sterling truly loves you, he'll wait for you to forgive him. And you should give yourself a chance to start anew."
Bella's emotions suddenly surged. She interrupted Anna, her eyes red, her voice trembling with anger and sorrow, "Stop it! This is my bottom line. If I go back, what does that make me? I admit I like him, I think about him every day, but so what?"
"My mom left me when I was little, my dad raised me alone until I was eight. He was a good man, and because of Sterling, he died and was made a scapegoat, despised by everyone!"
By the end, Bella's voice was choked with tears.
She couldn't forget the painful memories, couldn't forgive Sterling for the harm he caused her and her family.
Even though she still had feelings for him, the pain and anger were too much to bear.
Anna watched Bella's pain, feeling heartbroken. She gently hugged Bella, trying to comfort her, "Bella, I know you're hurting. But believe me, the truth will come out one day. If Sterling truly regrets it, he'll try to make amends. Torturing yourself like this isn't the answer."
After a while, Bella gradually calmed down. She wiped her tears and looked at Anna, "Thank you, Anna. I know you're trying to help, but I can't forgive him yet. Maybe one day I will, but not now."
Just two days after the dessert shop had closed, Bella decided to reopen on the second, a day she was supposed to rest.
This decision was driven by her complex emotions and considerations.
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