Chapter 432 Surprise Return
Anna, worried Colin might get the wrong idea, said, "Look, we don't need to sweat the small stuff, but if it's over a grand, we should split it. We both have our own lives and plans, and we can't always lean on each other. If we get married, that's a whole different ball game. Then, whether it's a plane ticket or a million bucks, it'll be 'what's mine is yours, and what's yours is mine.'"
She spoke with a hint of teasing, but there was a lot of sincerity and determination behind her words. She hoped Colin would get where she was coming from and respect her independence.
Before Colin could respond, Anna turned and headed to the bathroom. She didn't really want to shower right away; she just needed some space to cool down and think about their relationship.
In the bathroom, the sound of running water was calming. Anna closed her eyes, letting the warm water wash over her, washing away her worries. She knew she was strong and independent, and she didn't want to lose herself in a relationship. More importantly, she didn't want money to mess up their love.
After a while, she stepped out of the bathroom, changed into some comfy clothes, and got ready to visit Bella.
Glancing at Colin, Anna said softly, "Go ahead and take care of your work. No need to hang around. Just call me when you're free."
"Sure. I need to catch up with Sterling at the office anyway. I'll come find you when I'm done," Colin replied, giving her a quick kiss.
The tension between them seemed to have completely eased.
Since Anna hadn't told Bella she was coming, when she pushed open the glass door of the dessert shop with a bright smile, Isadora, who was busy at the counter, looked up in surprise. "Anna! What brings you here?"
Anna giggled and waved off the formality, making her way into the kitchen like it was her second home. "I'm just here for a couple of days. You guys keep doing your thing, don't mind me!"
Her voice was clear and cheerful, bringing a lively energy to the shop. Hearing her, Bella, who was busy in the kitchen, turned around in shock. "Anna? When did you get here? Why didn't you tell me so I could pick you up?"
Putting down her tools, Bella quickly walked over and gave Anna a warm hug. The two friends, reunited after some time, were filled with joy and excitement.
Anna patted Bella's back, laughing. "I wanted to surprise you! How's business been?"
Bella nodded. "Not bad, just a bit hectic sometimes. But now that you're here, we can share the load."
Isadora chimed in, "Yeah, Anna, it's awesome you're here. We can brainstorm new desserts together and take the shop to the next level!"
"Come on, I just got here and you're already putting me to work? That's cold!" Anna joked, but she was clearly happy.
Bella, still wiping her hands with a towel, led Anna out of the kitchen. "Let's talk outside; it's a bit hot in here. Who's cold? I'm thrilled you're here! Let's close up early today and have dinner together to celebrate."
Anna picked up on Bella's affection and enthusiasm, but she couldn't resist teasing, "By 'together,' do you mean with Sterling?"
Bella pretended to be annoyed, giving Anna a playful glare. "Are you trying to rile me up? I get it, you came just to mess with me! And what's with Colin? Did he not come? Are you having dinner with me or him?"
Seeing Bella getting a bit worked up, Anna linked arms with her, pouting playfully. "Okay, okay, I was just kidding. Colin's at the office handling some stuff. He'll join us when he's done. Of course, I'm happy to have dinner with you!"
Bella, hearing Anna's words, softened and smiled. "That's more like it. Let's get ready then."
Having her best friend around, Bella was more than happy to accept Anna's invitation for dinner.
Soon, it was lunchtime, and Colin called, telling Anna they could head to his restaurant and wait for him there.
Anna, excited, grabbed Bella and they took a cab to the restaurant Colin mentioned.
At the restaurant, they found a table by the window, chatting about their lives while waiting for Colin.
To their surprise, when Colin arrived twenty minutes later, he wasn't alone. He had brought Sterling with him.
When Bella's eyes accidentally locked with Sterling's intense gaze, she felt her breath catch and her body tense up slightly.
In that moment, a flood of complicated emotions surged through her—surprise, and a subtle, indescribable feeling. But she quickly collected herself, looking away and mentally scolding herself for not anticipating the high likelihood of Colin and Sterling dining together.
Since they were there, Bella decided to make the best of it. She knew she was there for Anna, so she chose to ignore Sterling's presence and focus on her friend and the food.
Colin, acting as if nothing was amiss, sat down and started helping Anna with the menu. Anna, ever considerate, handed the menu to Bella with a smile. "Bella, you choose. Order whatever you like."
Taking the menu, Bella began to carefully select dishes, trying to stay calm and not think about her past with Sterling.
Sterling sat quietly, occasionally glancing at Bella, but saying very little.
After they ordered, Anna, trying to ease any potential awkwardness, brought up a topic. "Sterling, have you seen Bella since you got here?"
Sterling's gaze had never left Bella. "Yes," he responded softly, his voice deep and magnetic. However, behind this simple reply lay a deeper meaning.
Not only had they seen each other, but they had made love.
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