When Love Comes Late

Tears welled up again as Stella turned away, trying to regain her composure.

She wiped her face and faced Cordell, her voice strained.

“He.

I’m not sure.

He suddenly had a terrible headache.

I panicked and didn’t know who else to call.

”

Cordell nodded, his expression understanding.Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

“That sort of thing can happen.

”

He looked around the room and asked, “Where is he now? In the lounge?”

Stella’s smile was tinged with sadness as she shook her head, her hands absentmindedly tidying the clutter on Matthew’s desk.

“He went to drop Lindsay off at her place.

”

Cordell, noticing the mention of Lindsay and Stella’s clear distress, pieced together that Lindsay was central to the problem.

He paused, and then said, “Matthew’s memory loss must be acting up.

That’s probably why he was so cold.

Once he’s better, he’ll see his mistake, and you’ll have a chance to talk things over.

”

Stella forced a weary smile as she finished packing up the food container and looked at him, her eyes filled with quiet despair.

“Cordell, why did he have to forget just our love for each other?”

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Cordell hesitated, struggling to find the right words.

Seeing his confusion, Stella understood that he was just as puzzled.

Perhaps, she thought, there simply wasn’t an answer.

Without a word, Stella swept up her things and left.

The day had been overwhelming, leaving her feeling completely shattered.

She raced back to Prosper Bay, her car tearing through the night.

Despite her speed, it was well past midnight by the time she got home.

Stella staggered inside, her exhaustion clear in every step.

Just as she dropped her keys, her phone buzzed with a new message.

Stella’s hand trembled as she read Lindsay’s text, her heart sinking with a sudden, deep dread.

“Matthew is staying over at my place tonight,” it said.

Stella felt dizzy for a moment but quickly calmed down.

She recalled Fernando’s comments when she had brought food to Matthew earlier that day, affirming her trust in him.

Based on her understanding, Matthew had probably stayed overnight to look after Lindsay.

Upon reflecting, Stella chose not to react to Lindsay’s taunting.

Instead, she put away her phone and entered the room to freshen up.