Ste exined, "The first time we went for a check-up, Old Mr. Wyatt mentioned it. The reason I didn''t tell you..."


    Before she could finish, Joshua interrupted. "Were you afraid I wouldn''t ept it?"


    Ste shook her head gently. "No. I was afraid it would make you ufortable."


    Joshua paused.


    Ste continued, "I know you despise Leonard and want nothing more than to get rid of him. I also know that for the sake of my hand, you would spare his life, let him go, and even allow me to get the treatment. Joshua, I don''t want to lie to you, but I also don''t want to cause you any pain."


    In truth, whether Joshua knew or not wouldn''t have changed the oue. It didn''t matter if the person who found the doctor was Leonard or Foreman; Joshua would never let personal grudges prevent Ste from getting treatment. But for anyone, epting a gift from someone you despise is never a pleasant experience.


    Ste gave a helpless smile.


    "You''re too smart; you figure everything out. But now I''m the one who''s ended up making you feel bad."


    As soon as the words left her mouth, Joshua pulled her into a tight embrace, locking her in his arms.


    His voice was a little hoarse. "Star, why are you so good to me?"


    How could he ever let go of someone who considered him sopletely?


    Ste didn''t think much of it. "Is that what you call being good?"


    "Yes," Joshua said. "No one has ever considered my feelings so seriously before. Most of the time, I feel like a pre-programmed machine. No one needs to worry about me, because I can aplish anything perfectly, without ever making a mistake. Because a perfect machine isn''t supposed to have emotions."


    Even if he had other feelings, he could always repair and regte them himself, never allowing for any imperfection.


    They feared him, respected him, admired him, and adored him, but not one of them ever truly considered his feelings.


    Only with Ste did he feel like a real person. A person who could have feelings and desires, who could live like an ordinary human being. He could have his own selfish desires, his own ws, and even make mistakes.


    He held Ste tighter and tighter, as if trying to merge her into his very bones and blood.


    Like a man lost at sea finally catching sight of the shore.


    Like the only light in the darkness.


    He didn''t want to go back to that cold, emotionless world. He didn''t want to go back to living like a machine, like a walking corpse with a future he couldn''t see, or one that was predictable down to the tast detail.


    This feeling of being alive was so good.


    Joshua suddenly realized he could no longer ept any possibility of being separated from her That''s why he had to eliminate every obstacle in their path, no matter the cost.


    Leaning against Joshua''s chest, listening to the strong, steady beat of his heart, Ste''s own heart ached for him.


    Living like a robot all day... no wonder Joshua had be so world-weary.


    She said softly, "Joshua, you don''t have to be perfect in front of me. Because no matter what happens, you''ll always be the most perfect person in my heart."


    Words of love are both honey and poison.


    Joshua''s body went rigid for an instant.


    Then, his lips came down on hers, his fiery presence overwhelming her


    senses His kiss was as


    ever, yet it wasced with an


    irresistible tenderness.


    Ste quickly lost herself in his kiss.


    That one kiss ignited the atmosphere, making it impossible to turn back.


    For the past two weeks, Joshua hadn''t touched her while her hand was recovering,


    taking a cold shower almost every night.


    Joshua gently kissed her earlobe, his voice low and husky.


    "Star, I love you."


    Before Ste could offer a reply, Joshua silenced her with another kiss, his mouth


    iming hers and sweeping away any need for words.