?Chapter 490:


    William studied Ste, a slight crease forming on his forehead. “What’s so wrong about getting checked out? It’s for your own reassurance.”


    William didn’t raise his voice or get defensive. His steady tone made Ste feel like she was talking to a wall, which only fueled her irritation.


    “Mr. Briggs, could you quit acting like everyone should listen to you? I have a mind of my own, believe it or not!”


    At the start, when Ste worked alongside William, she had figured he was just distant but manageable. Now, after spending more time around him, she realized he had a habit of taking charge and making decisions for her.


    Even if he meant well, Ste had no interest in living ording to his decisions. What she wanted was to be respected and understood. She wasn’t some helpless girl who needed to rely on him.


    William noticed how genuinely upset Ste had be, so he kept quiet, choosing not to argue.


    Meanwhile, Ste couldn’t hold back any longer. Everything she’d held inside came pouring out.


    “And another thing—this whole situation with you and Willow. I’ve said again and again, it’s none of my business. You don’t have feelings for her, but dragging me into it just to cover for yourself? That’s not fair to me.”


    William had a habit of hiding behind Ste whenever he wanted to avoid awkward run-ins with admirers. He always had his own reasons for staying quiet about his personal life, but that often meant Ste had to take the brunt of the fallout.


    It was one thing to be a shield against random fans, but Willow was something else entirely. She was his fiancée.


    Why should Ste have to y decoy for William, just so he could sidestep ufortable questions?


    William listened to her vent, reflecting on whether he had pushed things too far. Then Ste’sst remark made him let out a dry, frustratedugh. “So, you honestly believe I’m just using you as a convenient excuse?”


    Ste hesitated before replying. “Isn’t that the case? It keeps Willow’s anger off your back and keeps the rumor mill from figuring out your sexual orientation.”


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    William heard her bring up his orientation and felt an odd mix of annoyance, disbelief, and humor. “How many times do I need to say this? I am straight. I’ve never been interested in men. I’m just an ordinary guy, alright?”


    Ste’s expression grew troubled. “Fine, maybe you are just a normal guy, but that doesn’t mean you get to turn me into your cover story…”


    William’s patience wore thin. “I have never used you like that. Everything I’ve ever told you has been honest, especially when I said I was in love with you.”


    That admission left Ste reeling. She took a step back, her eyes wide, searching William’s face. “You… you love—”


    William closed the distance between them, his gaze steady. “You don’t have to return my feelings. You can even say you hate me. Just please, stop twisting or doubting what I’ve said to you.”


    Pressuring Ste had never been his goal. This confession wasn’t meant to corner her or demand an answer. What mattered to William was being taken seriously. He could no longer handle having his feelings treated like they didn’t matter.


    For a while, Ste couldn’t move or speak.


    Later, even as she sat in the car, she remained lost in thought. “William… loves me?” Ste wondered inwardly.


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