Chapter 381 Reluctant to Leave 1
Colin chuckled helplessly on the other end of the line. He got where Anna was coming from; Sterling's behavior was definitely unpredictable.
He explained, "Anna, trust me, I'm telling you the truth. Sterling's got some serious stuff to handle. The reason he hasn't come to see Bella is 'cause he wants her to have some time to chill and think about their future."
"I know it might sound like an excuse, but believe me, Sterling's feelings for Bella are real. He's just got a unique way of doing things that's hard to get. But I promise you, he'll come to see Bella."
Despite Colin's convincing words, Anna's doubts weren't completely gone.
Colin dodged Anna's question because he didn't want to bring up Caleb. How would she react if she knew Sterling had hired someone to take out Caleb? He didn't dare to take that risk.
Anna didn't respond to Colin right away. Instead, she quietly hung up the phone. She sat in the shop, her gaze falling on the busy dessert counter, but her heart was filled with worry.
The dessert shop had finally gotten on track, business was booming, and with its prime location, it was set to make a lot of money.
If she went back to Harborvale now, she'd really be reluctant. She had poured so much of her heart and sweat into this shop; every detail reflected her effort and creativity.
More importantly, she couldn't bear to leave Bella alone here. Their friendship had surpassed a typical partnership and had become an indispensable part of each other's lives.
That evening, after the dessert shop closed, Bella and Anna walked home together. The night was gentle, with a light breeze, but Anna's mood was heavy. Bella noticed her thoughts and had already guessed most of it.
Bella gently patted Anna's shoulder and said softly, "Anna, if you decide to go back to Harborvale, leave the shop to me. I'll slowly pay you back the money you invested, so you can feel more at ease. I know you're reluctant to leave the shop, to leave me, to leave Isadora and the others, but that's life. Sometimes, we have to give up some things to pursue more important ones."
"You and Colin have come a long way together, and I know your feelings for each other are deep. If you're hesitating because of this shop, I think it's not worth it. After all, love is priceless, and while this shop is important, it's secondary compared to your future. So, go back without worry. I'll take good care of the shop and myself."
Bella's words were gentle yet firm, offering her silent support to Anna. She knew that what Anna needed now was understanding and support, not more advice or criticism.
Listening to Bella's gentle yet firm words, Anna felt a wave of bittersweet emotion, but it was soon overwhelmed by deep reluctance.
She suddenly stopped, hugging Bella tightly, her voice choked with emotion, "Bella, I really can't bear to leave you here alone. You don't have any family left; you only have me. If I leave, what will you do? How can I be at ease?"
Bella was momentarily stunned by Anna's sudden hug, but she quickly hugged her back tightly, comforting her softly, "Anna, don't cry. I get it, you're worried, but you gotta think about your future too. You and Colin have something special; don't let me hold you back."
"Plus, I'm not alone; I've got Isadora and the others. And hey, with all the tech we have now, we can video chat all the time, or you can visit me during your breaks."
"And this shop? It's not gonna tie me down forever. I plan to run it for a few years, save up some cash, and then maybe travel or try something new. I love my freedom, so don't stress about me."
Anna sobbed in Bella's embrace. She knew Bella was right, but she just couldn't let go. She held Bella tightly, as if trying to pour all her reluctance and worries into this hug.
At this moment, Anna's internal balance had clearly tilted. She had always been serious and persistent about relationships, which was why she had been so indecisive about Caleb before.
But now, she was with Colin and deeply felt his love for her. She understood what she was about to face and knew that when it was time to go, she had to go.
Anna sighed softly, her gaze becoming firm and resolute. She knew she couldn't stay immersed in past memories and reluctance; she had to look forward bravely and pursue her own happiness.
Although leaving Bella and the dessert shop would be painful and difficult, she believed it was a necessary sacrifice.
Anna had made up her mind. She took a deep breath and looked at Bella again, her eyes full of seriousness and reluctance.
"So, I'm really leaving? But I'll stay for another two weeks. During this time, I'll teach Serafina how to make the drinks so she can take over my work. That way, even if I leave, the shop can still run smoothly. The shop is in your hands, Bella. You have to keep it going."
She paused slightly, her voice choked with emotion, "I'll visit often, and you have to think of me. Although we can't be together every day like before, you must take care of yourself. Once I'm settled, we'll plan our future together."
Bella listened to Anna's words, her heart filled with mixed emotions. She understood that Anna's decision was for her future and happiness.
Although she felt reluctant, she chose to support Anna. She gently patted Anna's hand, smiling, "Go without worry. I'll take good care of the shop and myself. When you come back, we'll create more beautiful memories together."
Anna didn't tell Bella about Sterling's imminent arrival, so she could leave with peace of mind, knowing Sterling would take care of Bella.
As they talked, Anna's expression suddenly changed, a shy blush spreading across her face.
She whispered, "Bella, I have to tell you, if I had known making love felt this good, I wouldn't have been so conservative. Looking back, I missed out on so many wonderful moments."
Bella's mouth twitched slightly at this, and she teased, "So, Colin's already got you hooked, huh?"
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