Stella was shocked. She hadn't expected Benjamin's proposal. She really liked him, and he had stood by her through thick and thin, but marrying him felt like a burden, a risk she wasn't sure she could take.
"Benjamin, I need to tell you something," Stella began, her voice trembling. "Can you please keep the ring for now?"
"Sure, I'm listening. If you don't want to, I understand. I shouldn't have rushed things," he replied, his tone gentle but tinged with worry.
"No, no, it's not that," she said quickly, glancing around. "Emma, can you go and play with the other kids?" she instructed her daughter, forcing a smile.
"Benjamin, there's something important you need to know," she continued once Emma was out of earshot.
"What is it? Why are you like this?" he asked, concern etched on his face.
