Chapter 352 I Am Leaving First
Since she was already here, Anna decided to let go of her prejudices and enjoy the night. She picked up her wine glass, took a small sip, and then turned to Colin with a smile.
"Colin, let's make the most of tonight and not waste this chance."
Colin nodded. "Absolutely."
Throughout the evening, Anna was relaxed and composed. She chatted with others, drank, and played games, seemingly forgetting the past between Sterling and Bella. However, only she knew that a corner of her heart still held a sense of caution and distance towards Sterling.
After a few rounds of drinks, everyone was a bit tipsy, and Colin became more talkative.
"Bella didn't come? I thought you two were inseparable," Colin teased as he skillfully refilled Anna's glass with deep red wine that shimmered enticingly under the lights. His tone was playful, but it was clear he was asking for Sterling.
Anna accepted the glass, her fingers lightly tracing the cool rim, her gaze flickering. She felt uneasy, forcing a smile that carried a barely noticeable tremor. "It's probably for the best she didn't come. It would've been awkward. Some things aren't easily forgotten."
Her eyes inadvertently glanced at Sterling, whose face remained perpetually calm, as if nothing in the world could stir his emotions.
Sterling sat in the corner, his figure elongated by the dim light, appearing even more solitary. His expression was always indifferent, as if the outside world couldn't touch him at all.
However, when he quietly said, "I never planned to avoid her forever," there was a subtle hint of resolve and release in his calm words.
This statement was like a pebble thrown into a still lake, causing ripples in the slightly awkward atmosphere. Both Anna and Colin looked at him, their eyes reflecting complex emotions.
Colin broke the silence first, raising his glass to Sterling with a smile. "Cheers to your openness, Mr. Windsor! Life's too short to let past grudges hold you back."
Sterling gently raised his glass, clinking it with Colin's, producing a crisp sound. He took a small sip, a barely noticeable softness in his eyes.
Anna heard this and frowned slightly. She sensed the depth in Sterling's words but didn't fully understand his meaning. She cautiously asked, "What do you mean? You're not planning to find Bella, are you? I advise against it; she's finally at peace now."
Sterling took a sip of his drink. "Not right now."
"What do you mean, 'not right now'? Does that mean you plan to find her later?"
Sterling gently swirled the wine in his glass, the crimson liquid spinning like a silent dance. His gaze was deep and cold, as if contemplating something important.
After a moment, he spoke slowly, his voice low and firm. "I mean, I won't look for Bella immediately, not until I deal with some issues first."
The 'unfinished business' referred to dealing with Caleb, a threat Sterling needed to eliminate before bringing Bella back into his life.
Mentioning Caleb, a flash of coldness appeared in Sterling's eyes. He knew that only by completely removing this threat could he return to Bella without any reservations.
His journey had been fraught with challenges and hardships, his hands stained with too much filth and disgrace. But all of it was to protect Bella, to ensure she had a safe and stable future.
He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath as if to absorb all the fatigue and disgrace, transforming it into strength to keep moving forward. He had to shed his tainted self before he could see her again.
But Anna's gaze remained complex as she looked at Sterling, her unease growing stronger. The man before her, though only wearing glasses, exuded a newfound intimidation that made her feel unprecedentedly unfamiliar and fearful.
His eyes were deep and cold, seemingly able to see into the deepest secrets of one's heart, yet indifferent to everything in the world.
"Sterling, you..." Anna hesitated, unsure how to express her feelings. She felt that the once familiar person had become so strange.
Sterling seemed not to hear Anna's words. He adjusted his collar gracefully and calmly. Then, he looked at Anna and Colin with a serene gaze. "I'm leaving."
Colin nodded lightly, his eyes thoughtful. He watched Sterling's figure gradually disappear from sight before turning to Anna.
Anna was gently patting her chest, exhaling deeply as if trying to expel all her unease and confusion. Her face was full of perplexity and misunderstanding, her brows furrowed, her eyes reflecting surprise and worry about Sterling's change.
"Did something happen to Sterling?" Anna finally couldn't help but ask.
Colin shook his head slightly, a faint smile on his lips, seemingly unconcerned by Anna's worry.
He spoke slowly. "No matter how much he changes, he's still Sterling. That inner resilience and determination won't change. Life doesn't alter its course for anyone's wishes; we can only adapt and accept all its changes. Living a lifetime, facing storms and hardships, how can anyone remain unchanged? Everyone has their own story and growth, and Sterling is no exception."
He paused, his gaze becoming gentle and profound. "Do you think he's better off without Bella? Perhaps his inner turmoil is greater than ours. But it's his choice; he needs to face and resolve it himself. As friends, all we can do is support and understand, not interfere excessively."
Anna was slightly stunned. "You're right. I've been overthinking. Everyone has their own path to walk."
Colin smiled contentedly, patting Anna's shoulder. "That's the spirit! I brought you out to have fun, not to worry about others' affairs. You can't solve their problems, so why not let go of your burdens and enjoy the moment?"
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