Chapter 474

Steven hesitated, his voice tinged with embarrassment. "I'm thinking of proposing to Annie. Any good ideas?"

Skylar furrowed her brows. "Why the sudden urge?" She knew his impulsiveness was minimal. After all, he'd only been dating Annie a little over a month; they were still getting to know each other. She wondered if he truly liked Annie that much.

"It's not sudden," Steven explained. "I've been thinking about it a lot. Sometimes, relationships are just mysterious. At first, I didn't understand why you rushed into marriage with Joe, but now I think I do."

Skylar couldn't manage a smile. She felt she'd set a bad example.

"Steven, our situations are different. Grandma Gloria arranged my marriage to Joe; we had no emotional foundation. We haven't developed feelings for each other. We respect each other like roommates—respectful cohabitation, really. But you… I know you like Annie. But proposing now might be premature. Don't scare Ms. Silver away, okay?"

Skylar carefully avoided negativity about Annie or their relationship. She felt troubled.

Unbeknownst to her, Joe leaned against the kitchen door, listening. His brows rose slightly as Skylar described their marriage as cohabitation. She remained unaware of his presence. He thought her description accurate. He grimaced, feeling irritated.

Skylar, her back to Joe, continued her phone conversation with Steven, engrossed and oblivious.

Steven considered her words. "Skylar's right. I'll wait. Annie's the first woman I've truly liked; I don't want to disappoint her."

"Yeah, I know," Skylar replied.

"She told me she liked someone before, but he didn't reciprocate. She felt lost, even gave up on herself. Then she met me, and she said she finally understood true love. I want to give her a special proposal. I'll start preparing and propose when the time is right. As a woman, you'd probably know what she'd like. Any ideas?"

Steven brimmed with anticipation for the future, especially life with Annie.

"Steven, have you met Ms. Silver's family?" Skylar asked softly. Given Annie's background, the Silvers might not approve of someone without a prominent family.

Steven paused, realizing this crucial point. "Not yet. Annie said they've been busy. She plans to introduce me in a few days."

"Alright then," Skylar said, choosing not to dwell on it.

After a few more exchanges, they ended the call. Skylar stood still, lost in thought. Only when she felt a gaze did she turn. Joe stood by the kitchen door.

"When did you get back?" Skylar asked. She hadn't heard him.

"Just now," Joe replied coldly, his demeanor icy. He turned and walked away.

Skylar was puzzled. She wondered who upset him or if work stress had gotten to him. That morning, they'd parted amicably, even planning dinner. She dismissed trying to guess his thoughts; she couldn't figure them out anyway. She continued preparing dinner.

Annie was a skilled hostess and linguist. She'd dropped hints to Steven, confident he understood. She expected a proposal soon. She wasn't afraid of marriage; her parents would simply be difficult. Given her family's situation, she decided to wait and discuss it with them first. After all, even a marriage could be dissolved.