Chapter 366 Relationships
Lily's voice trembled slightly as she whispered, "I'm sorry for bothering you. I'll be more careful next time." Her words were a mix of apology and helplessness over her uncontrollable emotions.
Colin sighed, sounding both tired and relieved. "It's fine, I'm not mad. I just need you to get that I have a girlfriend now. Focus on your work at Bella's shop and stop overthinking things."
Lily's eyes showed a flicker of disappointment, but she couldn't help but ask, "Is Anna just like the other women you've been with? You've had so many girlfriends before. Isn't she just another one? You'll break up with her soon and move on to someone new, right?"
Colin cut her off, his tone a mix of irritation and seriousness. "Lily, that's not fair. Anna is different. She means a lot to me, and I'm committed to our relationship."
Though Bella couldn't see Colin's face, she could sense his displeasure and seriousness from his words. His voice was low and firm, each word forced out with undeniable determination.
"I want to marry her. If I were just playing around, I would've already made a move. Do you think, given my relationship with Sterling and Bella, I would treat Anna like those other women? I'm warning you, you should know what you should and shouldn't do. Sterling and I brought you here to protect Bella. Don't let my relationship with Anna distract you from your duties, or I'll replace you."
Bella stood at the doorway, a whirlwind of questions and surprise swirling in her mind. She had never imagined that Lily had a connection with Sterling, let alone that she was sent to protect her. This sudden revelation was hard to digest.
Reflecting on how Lily had rushed back to the shop without rest during the holidays, Bella now realized it was all part of Sterling's plan.
And the interactions between Colin and Lily at the dinner table now seemed deliberate. They had known each other for a long time, and their relationship was far more complicated than it appeared.
Just as Bella was about to eavesdrop further, Colin suddenly walked out. Their eyes met, and Bella clearly saw a flash of panic in Colin's eyes. This subtle shift in emotion only confirmed her suspicions.
"Bella? Were you heading to the restroom?" Colin asked, trying to mask his awkwardness and nervousness with a calm demeanor.
Bella smiled slightly, though her mind was in turmoil. She asked bluntly, "Colin, don't you think you owe me an explanation? What's going on with Lily? Why is she here? What's your relationship with her?"
Colin looked at Bella, a complex emotion flickering in his eyes. He knew he couldn't hide the truth any longer. Taking a deep breath, he prepared to reveal everything to Bella.
"Bella, it's not as simple as you think. Lily was indeed sent to protect you, but there are complicated reasons behind it. I hope you can trust me."
Listening to Colin's explanation, Bella felt a whirlwind of emotions. She realized she had never truly been out of Sterling's control. What had she been fighting for all this time?
To him, it might have all been a joke.
"I hope you can explain this to Anna yourself," Bella said, walking past Colin to the restroom.
As soon as she entered, she bumped into Lily. Lily was straightforward, "You heard everything Colin and I said, didn't you?"
Faced with Lily's directness, Bella felt a bit flustered. She had indeed eavesdropped on their conversation, but being called out so bluntly made her feel guilty.
"Yeah, I heard everything," Bella admitted, then asked angrily, "You knew him all along. Why did you pretend otherwise?"
Lily didn't answer directly. Instead, she smiled slightly and asked, "Why aren't you more concerned about the fact that Sterling sent me to protect you? My relationship with Colin doesn't seem to be your main concern."
Lily's words left Bella speechless. "You're right. I do want to know why Sterling sent you to protect me, but I need to resolve the issue with Anna first. What's your relationship with Colin?"
Lily looked at Bella, a hint of discomfort in her eyes. "Sterling sent me to protect you because you're important to him. As for my relationship with Colin, it's not important. What's important is that I'll do my best to keep you safe. That's all you need to know."
With that, Lily walked out of the restroom. Bella, still uneasy, decided to follow her. She needed to understand Lily and Colin's relationship to prevent Anna from getting hurt again.
Lily walked slowly along the road, her silhouette appearing both lonely and resolute, as if it reflected her inner struggles and helplessness.
Bella took a deep breath and asked, "Lily, even now, you don't want to tell me? What good does hiding it do?"
Lily stopped and turned to face Bella. "I don't want to say. It's my business, and I have the right to keep it to myself. Now that you know who I am, you probably don't want me around anymore. When do you plan to let me go?"
Lily's words carried a sense of finality, as if she was waiting for Bella's decision.
Bella took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. She understood that Lily's secrecy wasn't out of malice; she likely had her own reasons.
But for Anna's sake, she said, "Fine, I'll discuss this with Colin. If you won't tell me, I'll ask him myself. I won't allow anyone to deceive me, and I won't let my best friend be deceived either. I'm calling him now."
Bella's voice was firm as she pulled out her phone, ready to call Colin.
"I love him!" Lily's declaration came out with undeniable force, as if confirming her own feelings once and for all.
Bella froze, her hand suspended in mid-air, her initial shock giving way to a deep breath. She quickly regained her composure.
"Go on," Bella said softly.
Lily took a deep breath, as if drawing in all her past pain and struggles, ready to release them as strength.
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