chapter1709

Still, Abby couldn't understand how Leonard had fallen for Stella.

"Has Joshua noticed anything?" she asked quietly.

"I don't know..." Stella said. "To be honest, I can never really read him. He's an enigma."

Abby nodded silently.

Joshua was scarily intelligent. Abby sometimes wondered if being with a man like that was a blessing or a curse for Stella.

"Star," Abby said, "Joshua seems to be busy looking at houses lately. Are you two planning to get married, or just move in together?"

"Can I say that I have no plans for either at the moment?" Stella replied.

Abby looked at her and whispered, "But... I think Joshua's already designing a wedding ring... Star, he's probably getting ready to propose."

Stella's gaze flickered. "A ring?"

"Yesterday, before Joshua came to pick you up, he was on the phone by the elevator," Abby said. "I heard him mention something about ring designs... I think he's serious about it."

In the past, Stella would have been thrilled to be with someone who wanted to date with marriage in mind.

But now... she couldn't bring herself to feel happy.

After a failed marriage, Stella was no longer eager to walk down the aisle again.

She had only agreed to be with Joshua because she was more or less pushed into it; her own desire hadn't been that strong.

Just dating, she could convince herself to accept.

But marriage...

Stella truly hadn't thought that far ahead.

Abby knew Stella well. Seeing her expression, she knew exactly what was on her mind.

Thinking of Joshua, who was enthusiastically preparing for a wedding, Abby felt a pang of sympathy for him.

She opened her mouth, but in the end, said nothing. It wasn't her place as an outsider to say too much about their relationship.

Stella had the afternoon off, and Joshua came to her office to pick her up.

After lunch, Joshua said to her, "Star, I'm taking you somewhere."

About an hour later, Joshua brought Stella to a magnificent estate designed in a classical style.

Winding stone paths meandered through the beautiful grounds, and a pond of water lilies floated on the turquoise surface, creating a scene of deep tranquility. fo

Stella turned to Joshua. "This place is..."

Joshua smiled. "Do you like it, Star?"

Stella actually adored classical

capes, especially t

kind with and flowing water

picturesque bridgeset

She fell silent for a moment before giving a small nod.

Joshua knew her so well.

The scenery here perfectly matched her aesthetic.

After showing her the grounds, Joshua led her inside.

The decor, the furnishings, every single inside was perfectly to Stella's liking.

It was clear that Joshua had put an immense amount of effort into this.

When they reached the master bedroom, Stella took a soft breath and finally spoke. "Joshua."

Joshua looked at her, a faint smile in his eyes.

"Star, if there's anything you don't

like, or if you'd prefer something else, just let me know can have it changed."

Stella steeled herself. "Joshua, I don't have any plans to get married right now.

So, you don't need to prepare all of this..."

Under Joshua's gaze, Stella's voice grew quieter.

But in the end, she decided to tell him the truth and let him make his own choice.

"Joshua, actually... I don't plan on ever getting married again."