Chapter 7 Bad Man
So, about James, Bella could only feel bad in her heart. Even though the Savoy family had some pull, in Sterling's eyes, James and poor Bella were pretty much the same.
Bella sighed to herself and opened the gift box, finding a gorgeous bracelet inside.
"A bracelet? You know what it means when a guy gives a girl a bracelet, right?" Anna leaned in, giving Bella a knowing look.
"What does it mean?" Bella slipped the bracelet on, and it looked amazing against her pale skin.
Anna got closer and whispered, "It means he wants to hold your hand and never let go."
Anna's words made Bella's cheeks turn red. She quickly took off the bracelet and put it back in the box.
"Can you give this back to James for me? It's too pricey; I can't take it." Bella did like James, but she really didn't want to cause more trouble for the Savoy family.
"Come on, girl, everyone knows James is into you. Why turn him down?" Anna made a dramatic face, like she couldn't believe what she was hearing.
Bella didn't know what to say, so she made up an excuse, "My brother doesn't want me to be with him, so you should tell him to back off."
Anna put her hands on her hips and snapped, "Your jerk brother who doesn't even buy you gloves and bullies you all the time, what right does he have to control you? Who does he think he is? Bring him here, and I'll give him a piece of my mind."
Bella quickly covered Anna's mouth and looked around to see if anyone was watching. She hadn't forgotten that Sterling had spies in this school. Anna's loud mouth could get her in serious trouble if Sterling heard.
"Please, just drop it. Let's talk about something else." Bella looked at Anna with pleading eyes, hoping she wouldn't push it.
Anna sighed and patted Bella's shoulder, whispering, "Alright, but one last thing. James asked me to tell you he likes you and plans to marry you when he gets back."
Bella stood there, stunned, her face turning pink.
After school, Bella happily rode her bike to the Windsor Villa, humming a tune and looking super cheerful. But then, a familiar car pulled over in front of her. When the window rolled down, Bella's smile vanished as she saw the annoying Sterling.
"Aren't you supposed to be abroad on business?" Bella blurted out, then realized it was a dumb thing to say.
Sterling's face turned serious as he stared at Bella and asked, "Are you this happy when I'm not home?"
Bella wanted to nod but knew it would piss Sterling off, so she shook her head instead.
Sterling sneered and opened the car door, clearly telling Bella to get in. Bella wanted to refuse, but Sterling's look told her she had no choice. Reluctantly, Bella put her bike in the car's trunk and got in.
The whole ride, Sterling stayed silent, and Bella sat quietly on the other side, not wanting to interact with him. As they got close to the Windsor Villa, Sterling suddenly said, "Don't be late coming to my room tonight. If you want to know what time I go to bed, ask Zoey."