Chapter 399 Distraught
Bella couldn't wrap her head around why Sterling was putting her through all this. If he didn't want to see her or even talk to her, why did he ask her to deliver desserts and coffee?
With these questions swirling in her mind, Bella returned to the shop, feeling a mix of emotions. She tried to focus on her work and not think about Sterling, but his image kept popping up in her head, making it hard to concentrate.
Meanwhile, Sterling stared at the desserts and coffee on his desk, lost in thought. He slowly put down the file he was holding, opened the dessert packaging, and took a bite. A slight smile tugged at the corner of his mouth; this dessert was indeed more delicious and refined than the last one.
Though it still wasn't quite up to the level of a top pastry chef, it was good enough—not something that would send him to the hospital with food poisoning.
Sterling knew Bella put her heart into making these desserts. Despite the complicated emotions between them, she remained professional and did her best.
The kitchen was neatly organized, with utensils and ingredients in their proper places, exuding a familiar and comforting vibe. Bella took a deep breath and started preparing the desserts. For her, making desserts was more than just a job; it was a way to heal her soul.
Whenever she felt anxious or her thoughts were in disarray, diving into the kitchen and focusing on the ingredients and tools would gradually dispel her worries and unease. But today, she couldn't seem to concentrate.
Every time Bella recalled her encounter with Sterling in the office, his calm and composed demeanor made her feel uneasy.
Bella couldn't understand why he could always face her so calmly, as if nothing had ever happened between them. Yet she had to take his orders to make a living, working hard all afternoon.
At times like these, Bella felt a wave of exhaustion and helplessness. She knew Sterling might be deliberately messing with her, but for the sake of her livelihood, she had to endure the frustration.
Bella silently told herself that it was just a job and there was no need to take it too personally. However, her emotions would always surface unexpectedly, making it hard to let go.
Just as Isadora brought Novi back from kindergarten, Bella noticed Isadora's fatigue.
Bella watched Isadora walk into the shop with Novi in her arms and asked sympathetically, "Isadora, isn't there anyone at home who can help you with the kids?"
Isadora sighed softly, a hint of helplessness in her smile. "Bella, you know my situation. My dad's health isn't good, and my mom has to take care of him. She can't help me. My husband is a programmer and is always busy. I really have no choice."
Bella felt even more sympathy for Isadora. She looked at Novi, who blinked her big eyes innocently, seemingly unaware of how hard Isadora was working.
"Isadora, I really like Novi. She brings me a lot of joy," Bella said, gently touching Novi's head. Novi immediately gave a sweet smile, sensing Bella's kindness.
Bella thought for a moment and said, "Isadora, why don't you bring Novi to the shop on weekends? When we're busy, she can play in the break room. There are toys and books there, so she won't be bored. When we're free, she can come out and play with everyone. The staff loves her. If she gets tired, there's a small bed in the break room where she can rest."
Isadora's eyes welled up with tears. "Bella, you're so kind. I don't know how to thank you." Her voice choked up as she hugged Novi tightly, afraid this warmth might suddenly disappear.
Bella smiled and shook her head. She understood Isadora's struggles and was willing to help her as much as she could. In a world full of competition and pressure, having a friend to rely on was a rare and precious thing.
"Isadora, don't mention it. We're friends, and helping each other is what friends do. Besides, Novi is so adorable. I really like her."
Novi was busy drawing on her little notebook at the table. After a while, she came over and said, "Mom, this is homework from my teacher. But I can't draw the sun right. Can you help me?"
Novi looked up at Isadora, her big eyes filled with curiosity and anticipation. She tightly held her notebook, which already had some crooked lines—her attempts at drawing the sun.
"But Mom doesn't have time right now, and I don't know how to draw either. How about we do it tonight?" Novi's voice carried a hint of disappointment.
Bella smiled and walked over to Novi, crouching down and speaking gently, "I'll help you draw. Isadora, you can go back to work."
Novi's eyes widened with excitement. She loved Bella, who always brought her delicious treats and fun toys. Bella also told fascinating stories that Novi enjoyed immensely.
"Can you draw the sun?" Novi asked curiously, her face full of expectation.
Bella nodded with a smile. "Yes, I can draw anything. I used to study art. Not only can I draw the sun, but I can also draw you. Come on, I'll show you how."
Bella picked up a pen and started drawing a big sun on Novi's notebook. As she drew, she patiently explained the techniques and methods to Novi. Novi listened intently, her eyes fixed on Bella's pen, afraid to miss any detail.
Soon, a vivid sun appeared on Novi's notebook. Novi looked at her drawing, her face beaming with satisfaction. She looked up at Bella, her eyes shining with gratitude and admiration.
Isadora watched Bella curiously, intrigued by her past. She asked casually, "Bella, you studied art? Why did you decide to open a dessert shop? You must still enjoy drawing, right?"
Bella smiled lightly, her eyes reflecting a sense of freedom and ease. "Yes, I studied art and worked as a designer for a while. But I realized I didn't like the routine life, repeating the same tasks every day. It felt suffocating. So, I decided to leave it all behind and start fresh."
"Why did you choose to open a dessert shop?" Isadora continued to ask.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
