Chapter 95 Back to Square One
Bella sometimes couldn't stand Sterling's shamelessness, but those rare moments when he showed a bit of tenderness and kindness made her want to believe in him again.
After the car accident, she was completely done with him. But now, what was he up to? Why was he suddenly acting all concerned? She didn't want any of it.
Bella would rather have Sterling get mad and yell at her than show her any kindness or tenderness.
It just messed with her head, making her disappointed heart feel a tiny spark of hope.
When they were lying in bed together, Sterling looked at Bella's back, seeing her guarded and indifferent demeanor.
He sighed inwardly, wondering if it was truly all his fault that they had reached this point.
Sterling thought Bella was asleep and suddenly asked softly, "It must have hurt, right?"
Bella heard him but didn't respond. She knew what he was asking, but what could she say? If she answered, they'd just end up fighting again, and she was so over arguing.
Early in the morning, Sterling's phone call woke Bella up.
She heard Debra's annoyingly sweet voice on the phone. "Sterling, tomorrow's my birthday. Can you come celebrate with me?"
Sterling sounded annoyed too, replying, "No, I don't have time. I'll have the driver send your gift."
Already irritated, Bella's mood soured even more listening to Debra's whining.
Frustrated, she threw off the covers and snapped, "Can't you be quiet?"
Hearing Bella's voice, Sterling's lips curled into a smile. He knew Bella still cared.
Sterling then changed his tone with Debra. "If I have time tomorrow, I'll come."
Hearing this, Bella stormed out of the room. She didn't want to hear any more of Sterling and Debra's conversation. She was disgusted with Debra and annoyed with Sterling.
Not only did he cover for Debra, but he also planned to celebrate her birthday. How could Bella not be upset?
Debra was the one who killed her child.
Bella couldn't believe Sterling could play dumb forever.
She was waiting for the day he'd regret it.
When Sterling came downstairs, he saw Bella having breakfast. As he sat down, she silently moved her seat away.
Sterling didn't mind but gave a silent smile as he looked at Bella.
Unexpectedly, she asked, "Are you going to Debra's birthday tomorrow?"
Sterling glanced at her. "Why, wanna go with me?"
Bella thought for a moment and said, "Sure, if you're not afraid I'll cause trouble, you can take me along."
In fact, she did want to cause trouble for Debra.
Before Sterling could respond, Debra called again.
He deliberately put the call on speaker so Bella could hear.
Sure enough, Bella heard Debra's delighted voice. "Thank you, Sterling. Thank you for helping my dad's company. I knew you would help me. This makes me happier than any birthday gift."
Bella's face went pale when she heard that.
Even though Mira had asked her to persuade Sterling, it was clear he hadn't listened to her.
Instead, Debra had managed to convince Sterling to help John's company. Bella decided she had to go to Debra's birthday party.
So she looked at Sterling and said, "Take me with you. I promise I'll be good and won't cause you any trouble."
But not causing trouble for Sterling didn't mean she wouldn't cause trouble for Debra.
Bella always felt like she was walking on eggshells around Sterling, never really being herself.
But that didn't mean she'd be cautious and selfless in front of others. Especially in front of Debra, she could raise her defenses and be full of aggression.
Seeing how much Bella wanted to go to the party, and not finding a good reason to refuse, Sterling agreed.
But he still warned her, "You better not cause any trouble. And that matter is over, don't think about it anymore. Bella, you said I would cover for her, so don't do anything unnecessary."
Sterling's words made Bella feel cold.
He was still so cold and heartless. He knew everything but was unwilling to make Debra pay the price.
So was her child destined never to come into this world?
Bella lowered her head, her eyes suddenly red. She forced back the tears that were about to fall.
She could only reply softly, "Okay, I know. I won't make things difficult for you."
Seeing her like this, Sterling felt a bit stifled and uncomfortable.
Had he spoken too harshly?
Sterling wanted to explain, but the words stuck in his throat.
Bella and Sterling had been constantly arguing before, and now, Bella felt all her previous efforts had become a joke.
She had always wanted a divorce but couldn't achieve it. Now she was more determined than ever.
Bella knew that until she could successfully leave Sterling and divorce him, she had to obediently follow him, just like before, to have a chance to leave him.
If she kept opposing Sterling, he would use forceful means to keep her by his side.
Only by making Sterling lower his guard could she plan her escape. Bella smiled bitterly to herself. She had thought of countless ways, but in the end, things returned to square one.
It felt like nothing had changed between her and Sterling, yet everything had changed.
So sometimes Bella thought, 'Just let it be.' She couldn't escape Sterling's control anyway.
But other times, her self-respect and moral bottom line tormented her.
It made her feel pain and despair, but now she wouldn't let herself suffer anymore. Only by going along with him would she have a chance to leave him.
Debra's birthday party was tomorrow night, so when Sterling left, he told her to stay home and that someone would bring her a dress.
Bella nodded, indicating she understood.
After Sterling left, she immediately called Anna to come over.
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