Chapter 409 When to Leave
After finishing his meal, Sterling cleaned up the dishes, not wanting Bella to come home to a mess. He knew if she saw him still there, she'd definitely ask when he planned to leave, and he needed to have a plan ready.
Sterling mentally rehearsed different responses, trying to find one that would ease his conscience and be acceptable to Bella. Their relationship had become incredibly complex and delicate, and any minor misstep could lead to bigger issues.
Despite his efforts, he couldn't change the fact that the problems between him and Bella weren't easily resolved. They needed to confront their inner turmoil and the shadows of their past.
Sure enough, when Bella came home from work, she immediately asked, "When are you leaving?"
Sterling was prepared. He responded with the plan he had discussed with Colin earlier: "If it's inconvenient, you can take me to a hotel."
Bella frowned, clearly displeased with the suggestion. "I can't let you go to a hotel alone. I called Owen and Zoey, but why couldn't I reach them?"
Sterling lied effortlessly, as if stating a simple fact: "I gave Owen and Zoey a long vacation before coming here, so they're not at The Windsor Villa right now. I didn't bring anyone with me this time; I planned to stay here for a few months to personally manage the new company."
Bella listened, feeling a bit suspicious but choosing not to press further. She took a deep breath, trying to keep her tone calm. "You can stay here, but once you're healed, you have to leave. You sleep in the bed, I'll take the couch. And when I'm home, you can't just wander around; I don't want to see you."
Sterling's brows furrowed slightly, clearly displeased with Bella's words. He could no longer maintain his previous facade, his tone carrying a hint of dissatisfaction. "Bella, do you really think I came here just to manage the new company?"
Bella felt a surge of irritation; she hadn't expected Sterling to ask such a direct question. She took a deep breath, trying to keep her tone calm. "I don't know your true purpose for coming here, but you're injured and need rest. Your wound can't get wet, so no showers for now. If you feel uncomfortable, use a damp towel to clean yourself. I bought you some simple pajamas; take off your clothes, and I'll wash them for you."
Watching Bella's busy figure, Sterling's dissatisfaction gradually faded. He realized that despite her words, Bella was still concerned about him. This brought him a sense of warmth and made him think that perhaps their relationship wasn't as bad as he had thought.
Sterling had initially planned to drop the pretense and be straightforward, but Bella's sudden change in tone caught him off guard, leaving him unsure of how to proceed. He hesitated for a moment before deciding to obediently change out of his clothes. However, he couldn't bear the thought of not showering.
"I need to shower," he said firmly.
Bella's tone carried a hint of displeasure. "If you want to risk it, go ahead. Your wound will get worse, and the scar will be even bigger and harder to remove."
Sterling's temper flared. He felt he had been patient enough, but Bella's words irritated him immensely. Ignoring her, he walked straight into the bathroom and turned on the faucet.
Bella watched his stubborn back, feeling both angry and helpless. She knew Sterling's temperament; once he decided on something, it was hard to change his mind. But she also understood that his wound really couldn't get wet, or the consequences would be dire.
Seeing Sterling's stubbornness, Bella's worry and anger intertwined, and she couldn't take it anymore. She stepped forward and grabbed the showerhead.
"Can you listen to me for once?" Bella's tone was resolute and commanding. "You used to control me, and now you can't stand being controlled by me, right? Then don't come to my place! If you weren't here, I wouldn't care how you shower, but since you're here, follow my rules!"
Sterling was stunned by her sudden action. His eyes, deep and intense, locked onto hers, as if trying to capture every subtle expression. His lips pressed tightly together, exuding an indescribable sense of authority and pressure.
But Bella didn't back down. She looked him straight in the eye, her tone firm and strong. "Sterling, I know you're a determined person, but you're injured and need rest and recovery. Your wound can't get wet, and it's for your own good. I'm not trying to restrict your freedom but care for your health. If you really don't want to stay here, I can help you find another place."
Bella stood at the bathroom door, her gaze complex as she looked at Sterling. She couldn't fathom what he was thinking, but even if he was angry, she realized she no longer feared him as she once did. Since she had decided to sever ties, why should she be afraid of him?
The few seconds of confrontation felt like an eternity, each moment stretching out endlessly. Sterling's pajamas, adorned with little yellow chicks, contrasted sharply with his powerful presence, making him seem somewhat out of place.
Bella thought this might be one of the reasons she found Sterling not serious enough at times.
Eventually, Sterling relented. He sighed, his tone carrying a hint of compromise. "Can I at least wipe myself down?"
Bella was slightly taken aback but quickly nodded. "Sure."
She knew Sterling was a reasonable person; since he had compromised, he wouldn't do anything extreme.
Bella gently placed a basin filled with warm water on the bathroom floor, then carefully took a new, snow-white towel from the rack and tossed it into the basin, letting it soak up the water. She looked up at Sterling, her gaze carrying a subtle determination. "Go ahead."
Sterling's lips curled into a playful smile, his eyes deep and seemingly able to see through people. He raised an eyebrow and casually lifted his shirt, revealing his muscular chest, preparing to remove the rest of his clothes.
However, at that moment, his gaze met Bella's, catching a hint of hesitation and embarrassment in her eyes.
"Are you sure you want to watch me wipe down?" Sterling's voice was low and magnetic, tinged with a teasing tone. He deliberately slowed his movements, seemingly waiting for Bella's reaction.
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