Keith’s warm reception, holding her hand tightly and expressing his relief at seeing her well-being, was a comforting contrast. “It’s a relief to see you thriving, Stella. Remember, if you ever wish to return to the company, just let me know.”
“Alright,” Stella responded with a smile.
Seizing the moment, Nola interjected with a keen curiosity, “Stella, where have you been working lately? You seemed to avoid the question earlier. And was that woman we bumped into one of your colleagues?”
With a nonchalant air, Stella answered, “I’ve ventured into running my own design studio.”
Nola’s eyebrows arched in a subtle display of disdain.
Having lived overseas, she was out of the loop regarding Stella’s current situation and thus assumed Stella’s studio was some obscure venture, causing her interest to wane.
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Keith, on the other hand, was genuinely impressed with Stella’s reply.
“Having a job you’re passionate about is vital. It’s not the nature of the work that counts, but the joy it brings you.”
Stella added, “The work I do now is quite manageable. Being my own boss frees me from dealing with difficult colleagues, which certainly adds to my happiness.”
Nola felt a sting in Stella’s words, as if they were a veiled jab at her.
Internally fuming, she managed to keep her composure.
With a flicker in her eyes, Nola probed further, “Did you come here alone tonight? Are you still single after all these years, or is there a boyfriend in the picture? What does he do?”
Stella faced her with a serene smile. “I don’t have a boyfriend.”
Leo, who had been quiet until this point, showed a glint of surprise at her words.
He had been curious about Stella’s love life, and Nola’s questions had unwittingly served his purpose.
Stella’s response seemed to suggest she was still unattached since their breakup, igniting hope in Leo that he might rekindle something.
As Nola geared up to boast about her own circumstances, Stella spoke again, her tone indifferent. “Actually, I’m already married.”
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Stella made no effort to conceal her impending nuptials. She understood Nola’s underlying motives and seized the moment to clarify any misconceptions Leo might have harbored.
Keith, taken aback yet pleased, expressed his surprise. “Stella, the news of your marriage is unexpected. My recent years have been engulfed in academic pursuits, and I remained oblivious to your matrimonial plans. It seems you’ve found your slice of happiness. May I inquire about your husband’s profession?”
“He’s an entrepreneur, quite the ordinary one,” Stella answered.
“We’re in the midst of wedding preparations. Today’s meeting was unexpected, so I didn’t bring the invitation with me. I’ll deliver it to you in person some other day.”
Keith chuckled in response. “Well, this serendipitous meeting suggests we’re bound to cross paths more often in the future.”
“Indeed,” Stella concurred with ease.
Nola’s demeanor softened considerably upon realizing Stella was off the market.