though perhaps he was dishonest because he knew exactly what would happen if she knew the truth and met (some of) his other lovers. Maybe he thought being on the verge of marrying him she'd be less likely to back out now?
Seems unfortunately plausible, given how he behaves in this story. He's become a smiling, 'loving' manipulator, similar to early!Micah or The-Harlequin!Nathaniel.

What a terrible group of people. Run, Ellen. You dodged a bullet.
She definitely has. I hope she manages to disappear into the same narrative black hole Ronnie jumped into, because that seems to be the only way to avoid doing a Joseph these days. :|