Chapter 426 True Purpose
Isadora quickly picked up on the unusual tone in Bella's voice and asked curiously, "How do you know he drank too much last night? Did he come to see you?"
Bella's face darkened even more at this. She remembered the awful things Sterling did last night, and a wave of indescribable hatred surged in her heart. She gritted her teeth tightly, as if trying to swallow her anger and humiliation. "I don't want to talk about him."
Isadora silently clicked her tongue, already guessing a bit of the situation. She looked at Bella's somewhat heavy expression and understood that there was clearly something going on between them. It was obvious to anyone, but she didn't want to directly point it out.
Today, Sterling didn't come to the office, and Sable didn't visit the dessert shop either. The employees in the shop were relieved because of this.
Around eight in the evening, the number of customers in the shop gradually decreased, and Bella, who had been busy all day, started thinking about closing early. She thought, sometimes you need to relax a bit.
Just then, Bella's phone buzzed. She looked down and saw a message from Mira: "I'll be at your shop in twenty minutes. I need to talk to you. Is that okay?"
Bella felt a twinge of curiosity. Mira? What could he want at this hour?
Bella stared at the message, her brows furrowing unconsciously. She quickly thought it over and then turned to Isadora and the other employees. "You guys can go home early. Put up the 'Closed' sign. We're not taking any more customers today. Everyone should get some rest."
Isadora was surprised and looked at Bella, seemingly wanting to say something but ultimately just nodded and started packing up with the other employees. She understood that Bella must have her reasons and it wasn't her place to ask too much.
Bella did this because she didn't want anyone to know about her relationship with Mira.
Even if others already knew, Bella would instinctively avoid the topic. It was a subconscious thought.
Watching the employees leave one by one, Bella took a deep breath, walked to the door, and hung up the 'Closed' sign. She turned back into the shop and started tidying up the tables and utensils.
Mira was always punctual, and this time was no exception. Twenty minutes later, she appeared at the dessert shop's door. By then, Bella was the only one left in the shop; the other employees had already gone home.
Mira chose a seat by the window, glanced around, and then said softly, "Just bring me something to drink. No need for food."
Bella looked up at her, then turned and walked behind the counter to prepare coffee. She skillfully ground the beans and brewed the coffee. Soon, a fragrant cup of coffee was in her hand.
Bella walked over to Mira, handed her the coffee, and sat down across from her. "Alright, what do you want to talk about?"
Mira took the coffee, sipped it lightly, and then put the cup down. She looked at Bella, her eyes showing a complex emotion. After a moment of silence, she finally spoke. "Bella, I know there are many misunderstandings and barriers between us, but Mom really misses you."
At the word "Mom," Bella's face instantly turned cold. She stared at Mira, her eyes filled with anger and resentment. "Don't use that word to disgust me! You're not my mom! I'll never forgive you!"
Mira felt a sharp pain in her heart. She knew her departure years ago had caused irreparable harm to Bella. But she had her own reasons and helplessness. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her emotions. "Bella, I know you hate me, but Mom had her reasons too. Can you give me a chance to explain?"
Bella sneered. "Explain? What is there to explain? You left without a word, abandoning me and Dad. Now you want to come back and claim me? What are you thinking? If you're here to repeat these clichés, then we have nothing more to talk about."
Bella was really fed up with Mira's words. She found them annoying and disgusting.
Mira's eyes showed pain, but Bella ignored it. She had been through so much that her heart had become as hard as iron.
"Do you have anything else to say? If not, I'm going to close up," Bella said coldly.
Mira maintained her composed demeanor, always looking impeccably dressed and exuding a professional aura. Despite Bella's harsh words, her expression remained controlled, showing no emotional cracks.
She folded her hands on the table, her gaze deep and calm. After a brief silence, she finally spoke. "I also want to apologize for what Dash and Debra did to you. I'm sorry I didn't handle it well."
Bella listened to Mira's words, but her anger and resentment didn't dissipate. She looked at Mira coldly, her eyes full of skepticism and indifference. "What's the point of apologizing now? The damage is done. Do you think your apology can turn back time?"
Mira knew her apology couldn't immediately erase Bella's anger and dissatisfaction. But she didn't give up. She continued in a calm and firm tone. "I know an apology can't change the past. But I hope you'll give me a chance to make amends with my actions. I'll do everything I can to protect and support you."
Bella felt a slight stir in her heart. She saw the sincerity and determination in Mira's eyes. But years of resentment and dissatisfaction weren't easily erased. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her emotions. "A chance? Did you give me and Dad a chance when you left? Saying this now, don't you think it's too late?"
After saying this, Bella returned to her indifferent expression. "As for Debra and Dash, it doesn't matter. They haven't bothered me for a while. My life is peaceful now. But if I get the chance, I'll definitely pay them back. Is that why you came to see me?"
Mira's eyes flickered slightly. She looked at Bella, seemingly trying to read something from her expression. After a moment, she spoke slowly. "They're in prison. Dash got a year, Debra got five. I just found out recently. Sterling did it. You probably didn't know, right?"
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