Chapter 467 Major Event
To ease the awkwardness, Bella finally gathered her courage and broke the silence first: "Why have you been driving yourself lately? What about Ryan? Isn't he your personal driver?"
Hearing this, Sterling turned his face slightly toward her, his eyes gentle as he looked at Bella: "I gave him some time off recently. After all, if he were here, it wouldn't be very convenient, would it? I want to be alone with you."
Bella felt a bit uncomfortable and turned her gaze back to the car window. The lights from the street lamps flickered across her face, reflecting the complicated emotions in her heart.
Bella remembered how Sterling always appeared so pleasant and agreeable in front of others, maintaining politeness and distance with everyone, but in private, especially with her, he was always so harsh and critical.
But now, everything seemed reversed. Sterling was gentle and considerate toward her, even making her feel a bit overwhelmed by his attention.
This contrast made Bella somewhat uncomfortable. She smiled bitterly to herself, wondering if she had masochistic tendencies.
Bella didn't know how to respond to Sterling's words or how to handle herself in this atmosphere, so she chose silence.
But this silence felt like an invisible boulder pressing on her heart, making her feel oppressed and uneasy.
After a while, to break the silence and shift her attention, Bella spoke up again: "What was Colin doing today anyway? He didn't contact Anna all day. No wonder she's angry."
Hearing this, Sterling frowned slightly, but then quickly regained his composure. He pressed the gas pedal lightly, and the car moved steadily forward.
After driving for a while, Sterling looked deeply at Bella, his tone carrying a mix of seriousness and helplessness: "I need to tell you something, but don't tell Anna."
Bella's heart suddenly tightened. She realized that what Sterling was about to say must be serious. She immediately raised her guard, but on the surface remained calm and composed: "Go ahead, I promise I won't tell Anna."
Sterling sighed lightly, clearly troubled: "A woman Colin dated before showed up with a baby in her arms, claiming the child is Colin's. This could be a big deal or nothing at all. The key issue is Colin himself—he doesn't believe he could have made such a mistake and refuses to admit the child might be his. But the scary part is he's overconfident. He already went to the hospital today for a DNA test. We'll have to wait a few days for the results."
After hearing this, Bella's mind was in turmoil, completely shocked: "What? How could something so ridiculous happen?"
"If Anna finds out, she'll lose it." Bella's voice trembled slightly as she struggled to control her emotions and keep them from exploding.
Sterling nodded: "I know, that's why I specifically told you not to tell her. When the DNA results come out, if the child really isn't Colin's, then everyone will be happy. But if it is, we need to find the right time and way to tell her slowly."
Bella still couldn't believe it: "I knew it—Anna and Colin's relationship couldn't go this smoothly. Colin is that type of guy. He was such a player before, dated countless girlfriends. Now look, karma's catching up with him. If that child really is his, I'd like to see how he handles it! What goes around comes around—that saying is absolutely true."
Bella's tone carried anger and helplessness. She couldn't imagine how heartbroken Anna would be when she found out. She knew how deeply Anna felt about Colin, and this news would be a devastating blow to her—like a bolt from the blue.
Sterling watched Bella's agitated state and gently patted her shoulder, trying to calm her down: "Don't get too worked up yet. Nothing's confirmed. Once the DNA results come out, everything will be clear."
Sterling wasn't as agitated as Bella. His expression remained calm and composed: "Don't jump to conclusions so quickly. In my view, Colin's past isn't that terrible. He's a normal adult man. What's wrong with having a rich romantic history? After all, everyone has their pursuits, and he never cheated on anyone at the same time or did anything to wrong anyone. There's nothing shameful about that."
Sterling's words carried understanding and tolerance, as if defending Colin and trying to get Bella to calm down.
But Bella didn't see it that way. Instead, she got even angrier: "Of course you'd think Colin's extensive romantic history is normal—you're a man."
Bella's voice carried dissatisfaction and rebuttal. "That's because your way of thinking is fundamentally the same. You both think men's lack of commitment in relationships is natural. But have you thought about Anna's feelings? She loves Colin so much. If she finds out he had such a past and might even have a child from it, what will she think? How much pain will she be in?"
Sterling felt frustrated, realizing he'd been dragged into this. He took a deep breath, trying to make his tone sound more peaceful: "Bella, don't drag me into this. I haven't done any of those things you're talking about."
But Bella's emotions were clearly somewhat out of control. She reflexively retorted: "Yes, you have! You're just like Colin—men who are irresponsible in relationships!"
Sterling felt speechless. He knew that arguing with Bella now would only add fuel to the fire, but seeing her unreasonable attitude, he said with a mixture of tears and laughter: "Fine, I have. Happy now? But let me say this—I've been focused on you for over ten years. Where would I find the time to mess around outside? You're just talking nonsense!"
"Sterling, don't think I don't know what you're thinking." Bella's voice carried a cold laugh. "Your so-called focus on me is just a strategy. You've been trying to control me, make me live according to your wishes. But you're wrong! I'm not your accessory. I have my own thoughts and feelings. And I'm angry about Colin and Anna's situation not because I think you're like them, but because I'm worried Anna will get hurt."
When they reached the apartment complex, Sterling slowly pulled the car over to the side of the road. Bella unbuckled her seatbelt, her movements somewhat hurried, as if she wanted to quickly escape this place that made her uncomfortable.
Bella waved casually at Sterling, her tone carrying deliberate coldness and distance: "I'm heading up now."
Sterling watched her retreating figure, feeling an inexplicable sense of loss. He understood that Bella was still angry about what happened earlier, so he half-jokingly called out to her: "Aren't you going to invite me up?"
Bella's dull tone was full of deliberate coldness: "Another time. It's too late and not convenient. I'm a bit tired today and want to rest early."
Hearing this, Sterling's lips curved into a bitter smile. He didn't insist further, as if it had just been a casual joke and he didn't care about the outcome.
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