Stella didn’t know how to respond to his words. She frowned, her expression sincere as she said, “I never thought of you that way.”
His voice suddenly dropped in frustration. “Then why, even at a time like this, would you rather go on a blind date with a stranger than come to me for help?”
His emotions spiraled as he continued, unable to hold them back. “I’ve told you countless times that I would help you no matter what. Am I really that unworthy of your trust? You’d rather marry a stranger to avoid Weston’s interference than seek my help? At least I understand what’s been happening. Wouldn’t that make things easier?”
Stella took a deep breath, her hands tightening in her lap. “That’s exactly why I couldn’t come to you.” Her voice was gentle but firm. “I’m very sorry, Mr. Hall. I know how you feel about me, but using this to get what I need would be unfair to you. That’s why I sought a stranger. It would just be a business arrangement with no strings attached, no debts between us. But if it were you, I’d be indebted to you, and I don’t want that.”
He stared at her, silent for a long moment before his jaw clenched. “You don’t want to owe me because you have no feelings for me,” he said, his voice tight. “You didn’t come to me for help so that you could keep this distance between us. Am I right?”
His words, sharp and heavy, hung in the air, but he suddenly seemed to calm himself, closing his eyes as he pulled the car over to the side of the road. His grip on the steering wheel tightened as he fought to steady his emotions.
Stella’s voice was soft, a quiet apology slipping out. “I’m very sorry, Mr. Hall.”
The air between them felt thick, suffocating. He hadn’t smoked in years, a bad habit he had picked up after his divorce. It had been a long time since he last held a cigarette, but today, the stress, the overwhelming tension, had led him back to it.
Watching him light up, Stella reached for the door handle, her fingers hovering. After a moment’s hesitation, she withdrew, her silence as heavy as the air around them. She wanted to leave, but he locked the door before she could make her move.
“Mr. Hall, I’ve made myself very clear,” she said, her exhaustion seeping into her words. She looked at him helplessly, her voice almost resigned. “I know what you want, but we’re just not suited for each other. There’s no need to waste time.”
His expression darkened. “How is it a waste of time? Don’t you need someone to marry?” His gaze fixed on her, intense and determined. “What do you think of me?”
His tone shifted as he put out his cigarette, his face serious now. “We can get to know each other. You need someone to marry, someone to stop Weston from hounding you and help you live a normal life. Coincidentally, I need someone by my side. And you should know how I feel about you.”
She froze for a second, her heart pounding in her chest. Before she could gather her thoughts, he interrupted her. “As for your fear of owing me—that’s unnecessary. Having feelings for you is my choice, not yours to bear. I’ve already spoken to Charles about the agreement between you and him. He said you two can end it at any time. So why don’t you consider me instead? Am I not more suitable than him?”
Stella sighed deeply, her gaze softening as she spoke. “But it wouldn’t benefit you, either. Weston isn’t someone to be underestimated. If he decides to harm you—”
Justin’s voice was calm, but there was a hint of resolve in it. “I’ve been in this world long enough. My status might not match Weston’s, but I won’t let him do as he pleases. I want to marry you, not just to help you, but because I need a companion.”
He suddenly stopped, a bitter laugh escaping him. “There’s something I haven’t told you yet,” he said, his eyes darkening. “I was married once.”
Stella stared at him, her surprise evident. Though it was unexpected, it wasn’t entirely shocking.
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