Chapter 410 Come Back with Me
Bella's cheeks turned bright red, and she quickly looked away, her voice shaky. "You... you should clean it yourself. I'll... I'll just step out for a bit." She turned to leave, but her steps were wobbly, clearly struggling to keep it together.
Sterling noticed and a slight smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. He knew that despite their decision to split, the remnants of their past feelings and unspoken understanding still lingered between them. He sighed softly and decided to stop teasing her. "Alright, Bella, don't go. I was just kidding. I'll clean it myself. Just turn around."
Ignoring his words, Bella stumbled out of the bathroom.
When Sterling emerged from his shower, feeling refreshed, Bella had already hidden her embarrassment and returned to her usual calm demeanor. She took out a first aid kit and carefully tended to his wounds, each movement revealing her concern and care for him, despite her efforts to conceal her emotions.
After finishing with his wounds, Bella didn't say much and busied herself with chores, cleaning and doing laundry. Sterling's suits were expensive and meticulously crafted, each one worth a small fortune, and she couldn't afford to ruin them. So, she opted for the safest method—hand washing.
Bella meticulously scrubbed each piece of clothing, and when she reached Sterling's underwear, her cheeks flushed again. She awkwardly rubbed it, feeling a burning sensation in her palms, a mix of embarrassment and shyness.
However, she quickly composed herself and continued her task with determination.
Sterling sat on the bed, listening to the faint sounds from outside, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. He pondered his next move, wondering if he should follow his own path.
Sterling knew he wasn't suited to pursue Bella the way Colin might. It wasn't in his nature. Bella always had a way of pushing his buttons, making him want to explode at any moment.
The pajamas he wore, adorned with a cute little yellow chick, starkly contrasted with his usual stern image.
The more Sterling looked at them, the more frustrated he felt. He frowned slightly, thinking to himself: Bella must have done this on purpose. She knew his style preferences but chose these playful pajamas with a cute chick design.
If he had any other clothes to change into, he would have thrown these as far away as possible!
But Sterling also understood that this was just one of Bella's little tactics, perhaps testing him or expressing her dissatisfaction and helplessness. He sighed, deciding to set aside his frustration for now and find a suitable opportunity to talk to her.
By the time Bella finished all her tasks, it was nearly midnight. She turned off the lights and lay down on the couch, ready to rest for a while.
Sterling watched her from the room, her tired yet gentle face stirring a strong emotion within him. He wanted to protect her, to prevent her from enduring such exhaustion and hardship.
Unable to contain his impulse any longer, Sterling got up and walked to the couch, looking down at Bella. "Come back with me," he said firmly, his voice leaving no room for doubt.
Bella was momentarily stunned, looking up at him with surprise and confusion. "Back where?"
"Back to our home," Sterling replied, reaching out to take her hand. His gaze was gentle yet resolute, as if he could see into her soul, conveying his determination and sincerity.
In the darkness, Bella's body tensed slightly. She hadn't fallen asleep; every word Sterling said reached her ears clearly.
However, she chose to remain silent, giving no response. Her heart was a tumult of emotions, filled with anger at Sterling's deceit and concealment, as well as helplessness at his persistence and deep affection.
Sterling didn't seem to mind her silence. He continued, "Yes, I lied to you and kept things from you for years. Since I went to such lengths to keep you by my side, do you think I'd let you go so easily? I told you before, if you wanted freedom, I could give you a year or so. But that time is up. I'm asking for your opinion now, but the outcome will be what I want. I have countless ways to bring you back to the Windsor family, and you know that coming back willingly is the easiest."
Sterling's voice was deep and powerful in the darkness, each word striking Bella's heart like a hammer. She could feel his determination and dominance, knowing she was at a disadvantage in this struggle.
But Bella was not one to easily yield. She took a deep breath, trying to keep her voice calm and firm. "Sterling, what makes you think I'd willingly go back? Do you think your lies and deceit can make me forget everything? Do you think your dominance and arrogance can make me submit? I'm telling you, it's not going to happen!"
Bella's voice, though not loud, was full of strength. Sterling could feel her anger and resolve, realizing his words hadn't had the desired effect. Yet, he didn't give up, his resolve to bring her back to the Windsor family only growing stronger.
"Bella, I know you resent me, but please believe me, everything I've done was for you. I know I was wrong, and I'm willing to spend the rest of my life making it up to you. If you give me this chance, I'll show you a different side of me," Sterling's voice carried a hint of pleading, an unprecedented stance for him.
However, Bella was not swayed by his plea. She shook her head, her voice firm and resolute. "Sterling, our problems can't be solved with a simple apology."
Sterling's frustration boiled over. "Bella, don't think I can't handle you!"
Bella's emotions erupted at that moment. She grabbed a pillow from the couch and hurled it at Sterling, venting all her anger and frustration.
"What do you want from me?" Bella's voice was choked with tears, yet still strong and determined. "Why are you so domineering? Do you expect me to be grateful to you? To be thankful to someone who caused my father's death? I've had enough for over a decade! Get out."
Each of Bella's words was like a sharp knife, cutting deep into Sterling's heart. He could feel her anger and despair.
Sterling stood there, motionless, realizing that beneath her calm exterior lay a storm of emotions. Her way of venting was through those harsh words, which, though painful, he could only silently endure.
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