It was great that Stanley had realized his feelings for Joyce and wished to explore a relationship with her, but would Joyce necessarily share his sentiments? If she fell in love with him again and remembered their past, could she forgive everything and accept his feelings?

If Natalie was in her friend's shoes, she might not be so magnanimous.

She just got over someone who hurt her in the past. Now, he does an about-turn and claims to love her? Oh, the irony! He didn't reciprocate her feelings and instead humiliated her, but now that she has gotten over him, he decides he would like to date her after all! Isn't he playing with her emotions?

That was Natalie's biggest concern.

Joyce was clearly unaware of the debate happening in her friend's mind. She cocked her head questioningly and asked, “What are you saying, Natalie? He might not allow me to leave him alone? But why not?”

“Nothing. Ignore me,” Natalie said with a sigh.

She was not about to reveal Stanley's epiphany to Joyce.

Joyce might become curious or consider making things up with Stanley. What if she approaches a hypnotist to recover her memories?

The best-case scenario would be Joyce forgiving Stanley's ill-treatment in the past and embarking on a relationship with him, wholly quashing Natalie's concerns.


However, if she wanted to be with Stanley but could not forgive his past actions, she would find herself in an emotional purgatory.

Natalie could not predict Joyce's reaction and thought it most prudent to keep the truth of Stanley's feelings to herself.

Maybe Joyce should learn about it herself. She might be more accepting of the outcome. I'm sure Stanley has some grand plan to win her over too. If he truly wishes to be with her, at least.

Nonetheless, Natalie's hemming and hawing raised Joyce's suspicion. She questioned, “What are you hiding from me? Don't leave me hanging. Spill.”

Natalie smiled placatingly and replied, “I'm not keeping you in suspense. I just... ah, forget it. You'll know about it sooner or later.”

“Fine. You won't tell me anything even if I insist.” Joyce stuck her tongue out pettily.

Natalie shifted in her seat and checked her watch. “Well, it's getting late, Joyce. I've still got some things to do, so I'll catch up with you soon. Call me anytime.”

Joyce nodded and said her goodbyes. “I won't keep you, then. Bye.”

“Bye.”

A deep sigh escaped Natalie once she hung up.

How could this happen?

Natalie was surprised by Stanley's rather easy acceptance of his feelings for Joyce.

She recalled what Shane told her about his conversation with Stanley. Shane said Stanley appeared somewhat disdainful upon learning of his past feelings for Joyce.

The information fueled Natalie's concerns over Stanley's complete rejection of the truth.

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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