Seeing that Sherry left with Brandon, Stella exhaled and withdrew her gaze.
Elaine followed Stella into her office, sitting opposite her, resting her chin on one hand. “Stella, is
Sherry dating?”
Stella shook her head. “Not really. She...”
For a moment, she didn’t know how to explain to Elaine about this matter.
Elaine sighed. “In fact, I can tell it.”
“What can you tell?”
“Sherry doesn’t have a crush on that man.”
Stella smiled. “How can you tell it?”
Elaine said, “When you look at Clarence, your eyes are full of stars.”
Stella was silent.
Elaine continued, “When Sherry looked at that man, she looked as if she were forced. Probably her
parents forced her to date him. However, she didn't seem to dislike this man, but only taking him as a
friend.”
Stella asked curiously, “How do you know it’s her parents' idea?”
Elaine curled her lips. “I have such an experience on this matter.”
Stella smiled faintly. That made sense.
She had almost forgotten that Elaine secretly followed them to City N because she escaped from her
engagement with Darnell.
Elaine thought for a while and asked, “Stella, what’s the feeling of loving someone? Why didn’t I feel
anything special?”
Stella answered, “It’s because you haven’t met the one you truly love.”
Earlier, Elaine said she liked Clarence because she wanted to cancel her engagement with Darnell.
Later, she met Channing, she felt shy. However, it was normal for girls of her same age who had met
attractive boys.
Elaine rested on the desk. “I also hope to meet a man one day that when I look at him, my eyes will be
filled with stars.”
Stella said, “You will.”
...
The restaurant.
After ordering, Sherry coughed. “Well...”
Brandon said, “I’m sorry, Sherry. I didn’t make an appointment ahead before coming to meet you.”
Sherry hurriedly waved her hand. “Please don’t say that. I should apologize to you. It’s my mother’s
fault. Please don’t take her words to your heart.”
Sherry knew her mother well. She guessed Brandon must have listened to her mother nagging after he
had been back.
Brandon smiled. “Mrs. Perry didn’t nag much. She just cares about you.”
Sherry heaved a sigh. “I know she cares about me. But...”
Seeing that she wanted to speak but hesitated, Brandon continued, “Since we have a chance to sit and
chat again, I won’t beat around the bush. Sherry, since I saw you at first sight, I have had a crush on
you. We had a pleasant conversation. But probably that’s only my feeling.”
He continued, “Hence, I wanted to come to see you this time. Mrs. Perry also gave me such a chance.
If I’ve done anything wrong, please let me know. We should get used to each other when being
together.”
Sherry said, “No. No. It’s my own problem. My problem...”
However, she couldn’t tell him what her problem was exactly. If her mother knew it, she would be
scolded to death.
Brandon added, “Sherry, I’m not a male chauvinist or what. I can accept that you used to have
boyfriends before. I used to have girlfriends before as well. But, please let the bygones be bygones.
The future is more important, isn’t it?”
Sherry’s lips parted, but she couldn’t retort.
What Brandon said made sense.
He went on, “I believe you can feel it. Our parents like us. Hence, in terms of getting along with parents,
you shouldn’t have any problem. I’m wondering if we can try to see each other on this base?”
“I...”
“You don’t have to reply to me in a rush. Just think about it. After all, we both are no longer kids. We
must be responsible for our parents and us.”
Since he had said so, Sherry could only nod slightly in agreement. “Okay.”
Soon, the dishes were served.
Brandon took the chance to change the subject. “Let’s eat.”
...
At seven o’clock in the evening, Stella got out of the studio and saw Clarence walk to her.
She asked, “Have you waited for a long time?”
Clarence said, “Just arrived. I’ve checked the time.”
Stella gave a small smile. “Let’s go.”
As soon as she spoke, Elaine approached. “Are you going to dine in a restaurant? Where are you
going?”
Clarence grabbed her collar and lifted her away. “None of your business. Go home.”
Elaine stuck her tongue out to him. While trotting, she waved at Stella. “Stella, I’m not holding you up
now. I’m going home.”
Stella said, “Be careful on the way. Message me after arriving home.”
“I know.”
After Elaine was gone, Clarence took Stella’s hand. “Stop watching. She won't go missing. It’s quite
near from here.”
Stella withdrew her gaze and asked, “Where are we going?”
Clarence said, “We’ll go to a place where there are only two of us. No interruption.”
Half an hour later, he parked the car at the gate of Starry Lake Mansion.
Clarence took her hand and led her in, passing the garden fully decorated with star-shaped lamps.
The floor in the house was covered with rose petals. Warm candlelight was flickering along with the
pleasant and gentle melody. It was so romantic.
Clarence raised her hand and pecked on it gently. He muttered slowly, “Welcome home, Mrs. Conrad.”
Stella looked around, tears welling up in her eyes.
This place was her dream home.
However, after the apartment was remodeled, she only moved in and stayed for a few days before
moving out.
But this home was still incomplete until now.
Seeing that she lowered her head, Clarence could guess what was in her mind. Rubbing her head, he
said, “I’ll take you to Riverside City this weekend.”
Upon hearing it, Stella raised her head. Her eyes twinkled. “But, didn’t you say...”
Clarence raised his eyebrows. “The marriage gift?”
Stella was taken aback. Then she smiled again.
Clarence took her to the dining table. “Let’s eat first.”
Stella sat down, looking at the food on the table. “Are they all prepared by Alisa?”
“I prepared them.”
Stella gaped in silence.
Clarence poured a glass of wine and pushed it to her. “I invited the chef from your favorite restaurant to
make these.”
Stella stopped holding her breath.
She was prepared to go to the hospital after this meal.
Clarence picked up the glass in front of him, clinked with hers, and said slowly, “Wish you a happy
marriage, Stella.”
All things that happened in the past appeared in her mind. Stella smiled. “Wish you a happy marriage,
too, Clarence.”
62fb1bb41dcb31934bd49bda