Stella spotted the approaching figure and momentarily froze.It was Marshall.'Okay, fine. I'll admit he's good-looking. But Keegan is slightly more handsome than him,' thought Stella.She had infrequent encounters with Marshall following the banquet her family held to announce her return. Due to a prior commitment, he was unable to attend the product launch, but he made sure to send two flower baskets in his absence.Over a month had passed since then, and Marshall seemed a little slender. His features had become more defined, but his smile remained gentle. His appearance suggested he had been at a party. He was dressed in a crisp white suit, projecting an image of refined sophistication.When Marshall approached the store, Stella greeted him with a smile and said, "Mr. Moore, what brings you here?""I attended a wedding nearby and figured I'd stop by since I haven't been here since you took over. Not gonna lie, I was worried you wouldn't be here," he explained, offering a bag o
Marshall nodded and said, "Take your time."Despite having promised to be with them after ten minutes, Stella got caught up with work and could not break free. Ten minutes turned into twenty, and she was still nowhere to be found.Kayla looked at the time and asked, "Mr. Moore, how is it that you're friends with Ms. Hall?"Marshall looked at her, seemingly surprised by the question. Nonetheless, he responded, "Stella has a good personality. She's warm-hearted and loyal to her friends. She's someone worth knowing.""But didn't you say you don't like people who don't value punctuality? She said she'd be here in ten minutes, but it's been twenty, and she still hasn't come down yet. Don't you want to write her a note and leave?" Kayla queried.Marshall was taken aback. He then realized who she was. The recent string of arranged dates was more of a family obligation for him. He did not intend to pursue any romantic relationships. So, he made excuses to end each date.Kayla's mention o
After some convincing, Stella managed to drag Marshall and Kayla out for food. She had messaged Keegan to come to the gathering, but he was busy with work.Upon hearing that she would be out with Marshall, he could not help but feel a pang of jealousy. However, knowing that Kayla would be there, Keegan begrudgingly swallowed his anger. He advised Stella to leave promptly after the meal and return to the Royalpark Villa, saying he had something to discuss with her.Stella could guess what Keegan had in mind. It was her birthday tomorrow. 'He probably wants to give me a birthday gift,' she thought.Wenham had initially planned an elaborate celebration, but Stella declined the effort. She was not close with many of the people in her social circle. Considering the recent banquet thrown to announce Stella's return to the Saun family, throwing such a huge event might not only be unfavorable but also be seen as excessive.After much persuasion, Wenham settled for a smaller gathering with
Kayla looked at the two and suddenly noticed that Marshall regarded Stella as more than just a friend.Before the group finished their meal, Stella's phone rang. Her eyes immediately lit up when she saw the caller ID. She grabbed her phone and said, "Excuse me while I take this call outside."Marshall was visibly disappointed once Stella left.Kayla calmly took a sip of her water as she thought, 'Does Marshall have a thing for his friend's partner? Woah. The romantic dynamic in the entertainment industry is wild.'Meanwhile, Stella walked to the terrace and answered the phone."Why did it take you so long to pick up?" The person on the other line sounded displeased."It was too noisy inside. I just stepped out of the restaurant," said Stella. "Are you done with work?""Yeah," Keegan replied. "I'm on my way to pick you up. We won't have time if I go any later.""What do you mean?"Keegan lowered his voice mysteriously, "I prepared a surprise for you."Stella laughed and asked,
Stella soon realized that she had avoided a close call with death just a moment ago. She got goosebumps and broke out in cold sweat.Marshall held her hand, his tone unusually tense, "Are you okay? Did the car hit you? Why aren't you saying anything? Are you hurt?"Stella pressed her lips together and suddenly withdrew her hand from his palm.Marshall was momentarily taken aback.Stella lowered her head and pretended to adjust her clothes. "I'm fine," she said. She then looked up at him and smiled, "Thank you."Her gaze suddenly grew distant, and Marshall watched her in a daze. He could read her emotions without the need for words. She was rejecting his affection.Marshall lowered his eyes, feeling a pang in his heart. "I'm glad you're fine," he whispered.Stella clutched her phone. She wanted to say something but did not know how to begin.Stella always thought that Keegan was overthinking when he got jealous of Marshall. But the urgency and relief in Marshall's eyes made thin
Stella bid farewell to Marshall and reminded him to escort Kayla home."Sure thing," Marshall replied.Stella waved and quickly stepped into the car. Aldor nodded at Marshall and got in as well.As the car drove away, Marshall stood in place, watching it gradually fade from view.Inside the car, Stella leaned against the window and looked outside. After a while, she began to sigh deeply."What's wrong? Regretting that I interrupted your dinner with Mr. Moore? Feeling disappointed that you had to leave?" Keegan teased.Stella would usually have a comeback. But after noticing Marshall's feelings for her, she could not muster a spirited response."Keegan, can I ask you a question?" Her tone was serious.Keegan looked slightly surprised. He raised his chin, unscrewed his water bottle, and said, "Sure." He then took a sip of water, ready to attend to Stella's inquiry."Am I the type of woman men fall for at first sight?"Keegan choked on his water when he heard that.Stella hande
Keegan's eyelids twitched when he heard Stella say that Marshall had a crush on her. He clenched his hands and tried to keep his composure, "Did he confess his feelings to you?""No... It's just that I feel that he's treating me differently. It feels more than just a regular friend," Stella replied.Keegan probed further, "Did anything happen during dinner to give you that impression?"Stella chose to skip the part about the close call with the car and continued, "Nothing significant. It's just that he seemed unusually concerned about me."Stella let out another sigh, "It's so strange, Keegan. Mr. Moore is such a perfect man. Why would he be interested in me? I know how charming I can be, but I'm already in a relationship."Keegan tried to suppress his anger, but he could not, "Are you trying to make me jealous?"Stella chuckled briefly before saying, "I'm just teasing you. But I'm genuinely puzzled by the situation. Mr. Moore is your childhood friend. Him having feelings for me
Stella chuckled, "Is Trevor really that unreasonable? Lately, he has been including your share whenever he sends me something. So don't go around bad-mouthing him."Keegan laughed at the sound of that, "The chairman election is next week. If I get chosen, I'll probably be busy for the first half of the year. I don't want you to be disappointed with me for being unable to travel with you."Stella lightly caressed his ear, "Why would I be disappointed with you?""I used to neglect family because of my job. I didn't even know when you fell ill."'I didn't divorce you because you were too busy with work,' thought Stella. But upon some consideration, Keegan indeed used to be overly immersed in work. He was not good at understanding people's emotions and did not like explaining himself.At that time, Stella was a full-time housewife, and being alone for too long led to overthinking. This led to various misunderstandings, which snowballed into their separation.Keegan often reflected on