Contradiction

Zafir was flabbergasted. Never in his life did he expect that the lady he loved so much for years now would suddenly propose marriage to him.

He was so happy, stunned, and overwhelmed all at the same time. He knew Stella just said it because she was still blaming herself for what happened to him.

But the mere fact that he heard those from her lips was like a miracle. He was happy even if he knew it would never be allowed by the Duke or Hendrick.

Zafir tried to compose himself as fast as he could but his mind was strewn everywhere after such an explosive proposal from Stella. It was too sudden and unexpected that he was caught off-guard.

The Duke and Hendrick were also stupefied but their reaction was so weird. They got angry at him for rejecting Stella's proposal. 

Isn't that what he was supposed to do since they would never be allowed to be together?