?Chapter 1453:


    Onstage, William lifted one brow. He delivered a few polite words of congrattions, and then his gaze drifted back to Ste with clear intent.


    The moment their eyes locked, dread settled in her chest. She pushed herself up, hoping to leave quietly, but his voice rose before she could take a step.


    “I imagine most of you are aware of my recent romantic affair. Since I have been given the floor today, I would like to use this moment to propose once more to the woman I love. Ste Russell, I am asking you again to marry me.”


    Shock held Ste in ce.


    What was he even saying?


    Shock spread across Sharon’s and Josie’s faces, and neither of them could understand what he was trying to aplish.


    “I am not concerned about who she may have been with during my absence. I can even ept that her heart may belong to someone else. If she is willing to remain at my side, then I am willing to put the past behind us and begin again.”


    Throughout the venue, attention shifted at once toward Ste.


    Ste’s hand tightened into a fist, and a bitter, metallic taste rose in her throat.


    This was deliberate.


    He was trapping her in front of everyone, and it was all because she hadughed earlier.


    A crease formed between her brows as confusion set in. She had no idea how she was meant to answer him.


    Noticing her distress, Sharon and Josie moved without hesitation. They stepped in front of her and faced him directly.


    “Mr. Briggs, you are aware that Stel is suffering from amnesia. Her body is also still recovering. This is not an appropriate moment to talk about marriage. We believe in the feelings you share with her, but we hope you can give her more time.”


    Amnesia?


    L?t?st chαpt?rs in g??lnovels.??????


    The crowd grew alert at once, sensing there might be juicy gossip, but the matter did not continue any further.


    In response, William gave a small nod. “That is understandable. I only wished to speak honestly about my feelings for her today, and nothing more.”


    Speak honestly about his feelings for her?


    The irony was sharp enough that Ste let a bitter smile creep onto her lips.


    The idea might have made sense if he had been punishing her without knowing about the amnesia. Yet he knew now, and he still chose to humiliate her in front of everyone.


    Was this really what he called love?


    After turning toward Sharon and Josie, Ste spoke under her breath. “I’m heading to the restroom for a bit.”


    With every eye on her, she hurried out of the venue and locked herself inside a stall.


    Right away, Sharon and Josie went after her.


    Silence settled over the room, and the attention slowly shifted back to William.


    .


    .


    .