Chapter 403 Successfully Stayed
Sterling's eyes darkened, like he was wrestling with a tough decision. Finally, he said, "Forget it, I'll just leave. I don't want to be a bother." He tried to get up from the couch, but the pain from his wound made his face go pale. It was clear he couldn't leave on his own.
Bella quickly stepped forward to help him and eased him back down. "Sterling, don't be stubborn. I said you can leave tomorrow. Where do you think you can go in this state? If something happens to you out there, who's gonna be responsible?" Her tone had a hint of reproach.
Sterling looked up at her, curiosity in his eyes. "Are you worried about me?"
Bella's eyes flickered, and she seemed a bit flustered. She quickly denied it, "No way! Whether you live or die has nothing to do with me! I just can't stand seeing things like this. I'd do the same for a stray cat or dog."
Sterling quietly observed her, catching a barely noticeable softness in her eyes. He knew she was lying, but this lie brought him a bit of warmth. At least she was willing to create an excuse to hide her true feelings.
Sterling smiled faintly, a hint of bitterness in his eyes. "To you, am I just like that dumb cat at home, someone you can help out of convenience?"
Bella's heart trembled slightly at his words, but she refused to acknowledge her feelings. She pursed her lips and stubbornly replied, "Yeah, maybe. But you need to understand, I'm helping you out of humanitarian concern, not because I have any special feelings for you."
Sterling didn't say anything more, just lowered his head silently. He knew that arguing at this moment was pointless. What he needed was time to slowly melt the ice in her heart and make her willing to accept his feelings.
Suddenly, Bella remembered something, her brows furrowed, and her tone carried a mix of displeasure and urgency. "Sunny is not a dumb cat. What did you do to it? You didn't hit it, did you?" To her, Sunny was more than just a pet; it was a part of her life, a companion in her loneliness.
Seeing her reaction, Sterling felt a mischievous pleasure but maintained a calm exterior, even with a hint of somberness. "I hit it, hit it to death."
Bella's eyes widened instantly, her tone filled with disbelief and anger. "What? How could you do that?"
However, Sterling just smiled slightly and took out his phone from his pocket, tossing it to her. "There's a video in there. See for yourself."
Bella took the phone, her fingers trembling slightly as she opened the video. In the footage, Sunny was lazily lying in the sunlight, enjoying the leisurely afternoon. Occasionally, it would stretch and roll around, looking lively and healthy.
After watching the video, Bella's expression changed from stormy to sunny. She glared at Sterling. "You scared me to death! I thought you really did something to Sunny."
Looking at Sterling, Bella's tone softened a bit, showing her concern for Sunny. "Why did you lie to me? Sunny is well taken care of, but it's too fat. It's easy to get sick like this. You need to feed it less to keep it healthy."
Sterling was a bit taken aback, then smiled. But he quickly changed the subject. "How much do you hate me?"
Bella didn't expect that question, and her expression turned cold instantly. She answered decisively, "As much as I can hate, I hate you that much." She placed the phone on the couch beside him, her eyes revealing a hint of complex emotions.
Hearing this, Sterling's eyes deepened, and he murmured softly, "Hate is good, at least you still feel something." It was as if he was talking to himself, but also to Bella.
Seeing him like this, Bella felt a surge of inexplicable emotions. She knew he was in no condition to move around. After hesitating for a moment, she tentatively asked, "Do you want me to help you to your room to rest?"
Sterling looked up at her, a barely noticeable gratitude in his eyes. He nodded, his voice weak but firm. "Okay."
Bella carefully helped him up, trying to minimize his discomfort. They walked towards the room step by step, the atmosphere between them somewhat delicate. Bella's heart was a mix of emotions; she didn't understand why she felt this way towards Sterling, a blend of hatred and concern.
After settling Sterling in bed and covering him with a blanket, Bella spoke softly, "Rest well. I'll be outside."
Sterling watched her, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes. He nodded gently.
Bella turned to leave, but when she reached the door, she suddenly stopped and looked back at Sterling. "Why did you ask if I hate you?"
Sterling was silent for a moment before slowly speaking, "Because I know that only hate can make someone remember another person. I don't want you to forget me."
Bella was shocked by his words. She hadn't expected Sterling to say something like that, nor had she expected him to have such thoughts. She didn't know what to say, so she quietly left the room, her heart filled with complex emotions.
After making sure Sterling was settled, Bella gently closed the door and went to the living room. She lay on the couch, staring at the ceiling, her thoughts running wild. She tried to calm her mind, but sleep eluded her.
Deep down, she knew there was an unbreakable bond between her and Sterling, a complex and delicate emotional connection. Whenever she saw him hurt or uncomfortable, her heart would involuntarily ripple with concern and worry.
Meanwhile, Sterling was also tossing and turning in the bedroom, unable to sleep. He quietly picked up his phone and started a video call with Colin, putting on his Bluetooth earphones to avoid disturbing Bella.
Colin looked at the wound on Sterling's forehead, a playful smile on his lips. "Even with that, she let you in? Bella is still too soft-hearted."
Sterling's frustration had reached its peak. He sighed and said helplessly, "My back is injured too. Otherwise, would she have let me in? Your idea wasn't that great. Even though I'm in, she sleeps on the couch and won't say more than a few words to me. I really don't know what to do now, but since things have come this far, I'll trust you one more time."
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