Joselyn couldn't help but chuckle at Leonora's worries, shaking her head with a mix of amusement and frustration. "Come on, girl, do you really think being with another guy means you're guaranteed a fairy tale? Do you think he'll automatically be kind, generous, and always treat you like a queen?"
"You're letting a gem like Taylor slip through your fingers while dreaming about some average Joe? What’s going on in that head of yours?"
"Why do you think you two aren't a good match? Even if it doesn't work out, that's just life. Most relationships end in breakups, and even marriages can end in divorce."
"Arielle, you need to drop this baggage. Stop making Taylor out to be some kind of monster. Don't worry about whether you're good enough. The truth is, the guys who lack substance are the ones you can't rely on."
"Taylor is a rare find, a one-in-a-million kind of guy. You should appreciate him."
"Trust me, the next time Taylor asks for an answer, just say yes. Enjoy the romance. You're 26, it's about time you experienced love. If you wait too long, you might lose the desire for it."
"If he ever treats you wrong or bullies you, we can just walk away."
"Being with Taylor, you’re not losing out."
While many friends advise against relationships, claiming all men are dogs and questioning the point of marriage, Joselyn was different. She was always earnestly pushing Leonora, fearing she'd miss the chance to marry into a wealthy family.
Listening to Joselyn, Leonora sighed, "I know I'm wavering. I have feelings for him, but my mind's a mess, which is why I called you."
"Just go for it. What's there to fear in dating?"
"I got it."
They continued chatting until the early hours before finally hanging up and heading to bed.
Leonora felt calm, not overthinking things, while Joselyn was already plotting how to ensure Leonora could fully secure Taylor and enter into marriage, and considering how to help her navigate any troubles she might encounter with the Ferguson family.
Joselyn was more invested in the matter than Leonora herself.
After a restful night, the most peaceful sleep Leonora had had in a while, Taylor still waited for her every day at the company entrance, taking her out for meals and walks together.
He smartly avoided returning to Southbay, fearing Leonora would overthink his intentions.
Even if she had such thoughts, he restrained himself these past few days.
Now more familiar with each other, their reunion felt more natural than before, with no barriers between them.
Past misunderstandings, once cleared up, were never brought up again.
One evening, after a riverside walk, as Taylor was dropping Leonora off at her apartment, he held onto her hand as she was about to leave the car.
Holding Leonora's hand, gently kneading it, Taylor asked, "Still haven't made up your mind?"
Leonora, playfully squeezing his hand in response, "I've been coming out to dine with you, taking walks with you every day, isn't that answer enough?"
Her coyness made Taylor say, "That's not enough; I need to hear it from you."
Seeing this, Leonora pinched him lightly.
To ease any worries Leonora might have, Taylor looked at her earnestly, "Leonora, I'm serious." He added, "After we get back together, I hope you can be open about our relationship with your family and friends. Whatever happens, I'll face it with you."
Never having spoken so sincerely to anyone before, Taylor held Leonora's hand tightly.
His deep gaze and sincerity made it hard for Leonora to refuse.
Looking into Taylor's eyes, Leonora nodded, "I agree, let's give it a try."
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