Weston got out of the car first and picked Stella up in his arms. Then, he strode inside. Joan had been
told about their return and was already making the appropriate preparations inside.
“Madam, Mr. Ford…” Joan greeted them with a smile. When she saw Weston enter with Stella in his
arms, she stepped aside.
“The villa is ready. I’ve cooked some of Mrs. Ford’s favorite dishes. It’s still warm!” Stella felt a little
embarrassed to be carried around in Weston’s arms.
“Put me down…” she whispered into his ear. Joan was still around, and it would be inappropriate for
him to be carrying her around. It was as though she could not walk herself.
Even so, Weston did not put her down. Instead, he ordered Joan, “Go in first and get her stuff ready.”
“Yes, Mr. Ford.” Weston still did not put Stella down after Joan left. He stood in the foyer and held her
on one knee. He kept one hand on her waist and changed her shoes.
“Joan is one of our own. There’s no need to be shy.” Weston was in the belief that Stella was the shy
type and easily got flustered. Stella lowered her head and watched Weston with dazed eyes. Weston
was helping her put on her shoes with very gentle movements. In the past, the old Stella would never
be able to experience such gentle treatment from him. He was now behaving as though he truly
treasured her. Weston grabbed her exquisite feet and slowly slipped them into the cotton shoes before
letting her stand up.
” No more bare feet at home,” he urged.
Stella liked running around barefoot occasionally. The villa was carpeted, but it didn’t cover the entire
place. Weston maintained wooden flooring in his study because he did not fancy the plush feel on his
feet. Thus, Weston was concerned that her running around would somehow hurt her feet. Stella
frowned.
“I’m not pregnant. Don’t treat me like I’m so fragile…”
As soon as she said that, the air between them froze. Weston stroked her hair.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re pregnant or not.” He took her by the wrist and let her stand in front of him.
“With the condition you’re in, you should be taking good care of yourself.” Weston could see her belly at
eye level. Stella looked down and sensed something else inside his eyes. Stella did not say anything.
Both of them stayed quiet for a while until Joan called out to them from the kitchen. Weston stood up
and held her hand.
“Let’s go.”
"Okay." It was late after dinner, and Stella sat in front of the dressing table, feeling a little dazed. Every
now and then, she would think about the pot of oleander.
If she had been crueler, would all the unbearable feelings stop? A warm embrace wrapped her from
behind. When she turned her head to the side, Weston's chin came near her.
“What are you thinking about?” Stella shook her head and pursed her lips slightly.
“I thought... you'd blame me.”
“For what?"
“For running away from the wedding...” Weston paused a little, then reached out to tidy her hair.
“ I didn't want to let you go at first, but doing that will only make things worst. It won't do any good
except make you reject me more.” Stella frowned slightly.
“That's why you're being so patient now. You're doing this to cure my sexual aversion
"You could say so." Weston looked at her intently. His previously gentle and affectionate demeanor
seemed to turn a little cold.
“Stella, I'm no philanthropist , but I'm not completely uninterested in you either.” He tipped her chin and
muttered, “I may not take action about certain things, but that doesn't mean I don't care. It's also not the
time. Do you understand?"
Stella looked at him, stunned. She lowered her eyes as soon as she understood his words.
"I know..." Weston kissed her lips with satisfaction.
“Good girl.” Then, he picked her up and said, “The doctor is waiting outside. I'll take you there now."
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