Chapter 423 Encountering a Robber?
Isadora kept glancing out the window, watching for any sign of Sterling coming home from work. It was a daily habit of hers, especially since Sterling and Sable often commuted together. But today, something felt off.
When she saw Sable leaving the office alone, Isadora felt a twinge of curiosity. She frowned, wondering what might have happened.
"They didn't leave together today," Isadora remarked to Bella, who was busy in the kitchen, her tone tinged with curiosity.
Bella paused for a moment, then looked up at the setting sun outside the window, a faint smile playing on her lips. She knew exactly who Isadora was talking about, and it made her feel unexpectedly pleased.
"Really?" Bella responded softly, a hint of barely noticeable joy in her voice. She continued working on her dessert, but the happiness in her heart was hard to hide.
As the closing bell rang, Bella wrapped up her day. She tidied up while video chatting with Anna, enjoying the calm and freedom of the evening.
Anna, looking at Bella through the screen, suddenly brought up Sterling's rumors. "That Sterling, he moved all the way over there for you, and I thought he was such a devoted guy. Turns out he's just another player! I was really hoping you two would end up together."
Bella listened to Anna's complaints with a calm smile. She shook her head gently and said, "Don't worry about me. You should focus on your own Colin; he's not exactly a saint either."
Anna couldn't help but laugh. She knew Bella's personality well—always so composed, as if nothing could disrupt her rhythm. And she was aware of Bella's feelings for Sterling, knowing that Bella wasn't the type to be easily swayed by rumors.
"You're right," Anna laughed. "We should focus on ourselves. But seriously, are you really not bothered by Sterling's rumors?"
Bella stopped walking and looked at Anna on the screen with a serious expression. "Honestly, I've always been clear about my feelings for him. I know what kind of person he is, and I know what I want. Rumors are just a small part of life; they don't affect my judgment or feelings for him."
Anna's voice carried a hint of regret. "I was hoping that if you and Sterling came back, we could open another dessert shop together."
Bella looked up at the sparse stars in the night sky, seeking solace in the quiet darkness. She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts and emotions, then exhaled slowly.
"I'm not planning on coming back," she said firmly, as if reassuring herself as well as Anna. "Things are good here. I have my own life, my own friends, and my own challenges to face. Sterling will probably leave this city soon, and then I'll have peace."
Mentioning Sterling's name brought a flicker of complex emotions to Bella's eyes. "Honestly, it would've been better if he hadn't come here at all," Bella continued, her voice tinged with helplessness and self-mockery. "His presence just stirs up trouble for me. I was almost over him."
She smiled, but it was a bittersweet smile. She knew that despite her words, the feelings she had buried deep inside still lingered.
As she entered the elevator in her apartment complex, the signal became unstable, causing the video to lag slightly. But Bella didn't hang up the call, wanting to hold onto the warmth and companionship of Anna's voice and image, even through the screen.
The elevator doors closed, shutting out the noise and chaos of the outside world. Bella stood quietly, her mind racing with thoughts.
All she wanted was to get home quickly, away from the stifling heat that felt like a sauna. Sweat beaded on her forehead, and her clothes clung uncomfortably to her back.
So, when she stepped out of the elevator, she hurried straight to her door without noticing any changes in her surroundings.
As she fumbled with her keys, trying to unlock the door, she suddenly felt a strong force grab her from behind.
Bella turned in shock, only to see a shadowy figure seize her wrist, expertly turning the key and pushing her inside. She tried to scream, but a hand quickly covered her mouth. She struggled, but the person's grip was too strong.
Fear and confusion filled her mind. Why was someone breaking into her home? What did they want?
In the darkness, the intruder roughly shoved Bella onto the living room sofa. She could smell the pungent scent of alcohol on him, confirming he was heavily intoxicated, which only heightened her fear.
Clinging to the edge of the sofa, Bella tried to steady herself and look for a chance to escape. When the intruder's movements slowed due to the alcohol, she bit down hard on the hand covering her mouth.
The man yelped in pain and finally let go. Bella gasped for air and pleaded desperately, "I don't have any money right now! Please, let me go! I can get you the money tomorrow, just don't hurt me!"
Her voice was sharp and trembling with fear, but it was clear in the quiet night. She hoped to appeal to his greed to save her life.
But the man didn't react to her pleas. Strangely, he didn't move or make a sound. It was as if he was frozen.
Seeing this, Bella calmed down a bit. She knew she had to stay composed to find a way out. She tried a more soothing tone, "I'm just a regular girl, living paycheck to paycheck. I don't have any extra money. You've got the wrong person. And look at me, I'm not even attractive. You won't gain anything from this. Please, just let me go."
Still, there was no response. The silence was deafening, broken only by her rapid breathing and pounding heart.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
