Chapter 357 Falling in Love
Anna rolled her eyes, too tired to argue with him anymore. She knew reasoning with Colin was pointless; the best strategy was to keep her distance. She turned to leave, but Colin grabbed her arm.
Colin was clearly displeased with Anna's cold attitude. A sly look flashed in his eyes, and he quickly pecked her lips, as if punishing her for being difficult. His move was gentle and swift, catching Anna off guard and making her cheeks flush instantly.
"Alright, go on up. I'll watch you leave," Colin said with a smug smile, clearly pleased with his little prank.
Anna shot him a glare but didn't argue further. She turned and walked towards the elevator. Just as she was about to step in, she suddenly stopped, as if making a firm decision. She spun around and rushed back to Colin, giving him a big hug.
The hug was so unexpected that Colin was taken aback. He hesitated for a moment, then gently patted her back, as if comforting a frightened child. His eyes softened with a hint of tenderness and affection.
"I'll make time to be with you next time you visit," Anna said, her voice choked with emotion, as if making a promise.
Despite her many frustrations and reservations about Colin, at this moment, she genuinely hoped they could spend more time together and get to know each other better.
Colin smiled faintly at her words. He gently touched Anna's head and naturally adjusted her scarf. His actions were tender and meticulous, as if he were caring for a precious treasure.
"Alright, go on," he said softly, then gently pushed her away, watching her step into the elevator. As the doors slowly closed, the affection in his eyes remained.
Anna's steps were unusually light as she headed home, each one seeming to dance to a joyful tune, like a beautiful winter love song. Her mood was exceptionally bright, as if the whole world had become more radiant.
In the bedroom, Bella was awakened by Anna's movements. She groggily turned over and asked in a raspy voice, "Are you lovesick? Why are you so happy?"
Anna giggled and jumped into bed, hugging Bella tightly, eager to share her joy. She excitedly announced, "I'm in love!"
Her words carried a mix of shyness and sweetness, as if declaring a significant decision.
However, the cold air from Anna's body instantly woke Bella up. She sat up abruptly, eyes wide, and after a moment, she seemed to understand.
Anna shyly nodded, her face blushing. "Why are you so calm? Aren't you curious who I'm in love with?"
Though her words carried a hint of helplessness, her eyes sparkled with happiness.
Bella responded with a resigned look, "Do I even need to ask? Who else could it be but Colin?"
Anna's smile was radiant, her shyness evident. "He made me do it."
Bella looked at the glow in Anna's eyes, the unmistakable shyness, and the almost palpable joy. This didn't seem forced at all.
Seeing her like this, it was more likely Colin was the one being coerced.
Bella shivered slightly, thinking to herself, "This isn't coercion; Anna clearly wants this but just won't admit it."
However, Bella didn't tease Anna further. She had long anticipated they would end up together. She patted Anna's shoulder and said with a smile, "Alright, alright, I'm not surprised at all. Now, get some sleep."
But Anna couldn't sleep. Her heart was filled with excitement and joy, as if the whole world was cheering for her. Though she initially resisted Colin's pursuit, now she was completely immersed in this sweet romance.
"This is wonderful!" Anna couldn't help but murmur to herself. She knew her initial rejection was just a natural defense and shyness, but now, she was fully embracing the joy.
She lay in bed, tossing and turning, and couldn't resist picking up her phone to text Colin: "I can't sleep, what should I do?"
Soon, Colin's reply came: "Silly, close your eyes and think of me, and you'll fall asleep."
Anna looked at the message, a sweet smile spreading across her face. She was even more awake now.
Bella and Anna, due to the previous night's excitement and antics, woke up much later than usual the next day.
When they arrived at the shop, the other employees had already been busy for hours, and the place was bustling with a tense but orderly atmosphere.
Isadora immediately noticed their tired faces and dark circles. She couldn't help but joke, "What did you two do last night? It's the first time I've seen you late. Usually, you're the earliest. Did you party too hard?"
Bella heard this and gave a helpless smile. She was too tired to explain the "drama" of the previous night and simply shook her head, heading straight to the kitchen to start her day's work.
Anna, however, was in an exceptionally good mood, still basking in the sweetness of the previous night with Colin. She didn't mind Isadora's teasing and responded cheerfully, "No, just needed a lazy morning. We haven't had any orders yet, so no rush."
Anna's tone was light and joyful, showing no signs of fatigue.
Around eleven, Bella received a call from the police station, informing her she could come to discuss resolving the previous dispute with Charlotte. Charlotte's family had arrived to participate in the mediation.
With the shop busy and short-staffed, Bella had to go to the police station alone.
At the station, Bella was led to a mediation room. Inside, Charlotte and her family were already seated, looking tense. Bella took a deep breath, trying to stay calm and composed.
The mediator briefly introduced the situation and emphasized the goal of the mediation. Despite the previous unpleasantness, Bella tried to control her emotions and find a solution acceptable to both sides.
Bella noticed Charlotte had lost her usual arrogance. In front of her parents, Charlotte hung her head, looking dejected, like a child who had done something wrong, barely daring to breathe.
Seeing this, Bella felt a pang of sympathy. She walked to the mediation table, sat down, and looked at Charlotte and her parents with a calm and determined gaze.
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