When Love Comes Late

Matthew, showing no hint of interest in explaining, simply looked at Stella with an unfeeling, icy stare and ordered, “Come back with me.

”

Stella refused to move, her jaw clenched tightly.

“You need to explain this first,” she demanded firmly.

“This is about my reputation.

”

“Reputation? With everything you’ve done, you’re still talking about reputation?” Robin scoffed, his face twisted into a sneer.

Stella shot him a sharp look but chose to ignore his taunt.

She refocused on Matthew, her tone resolute.

“Matthew, even if you’ve lost part of your memories, that doesn’t mean you can invent Lies about me.

”

Robin, never one to back down, stepped in front of Matthew with a challenging grin.

“What, still trying to deny it? You must have wronged Matthew somehow.

Why else would he speak so bitterly? Ah, I get it now-you’ve done it time and again!”

Stella’s frustration boiled over.

“This is a private matter between my husband and me.

You have no right to interfere!”

Robin, unflinching, continued his provocation.

“Still calling him your husband? Matthew is already seeking a divorce.

You’re just stubbornly holding onto the title of Mrs.

Clark.

.

”

Stella’s anger erupted like a storm.

Before Robin could say another word, she struck him across the face with a sharp slap.

Her voice cut through the air.

“Who do you think you are to judge me?”

Her hand was already moving to hit him again, but Robin, caught off guard by the first blow, grabbed her wrist with a quick motion.

His face was twisted in fury.

“You think you can hit me?” he snapped.

“You’re asking for trouble!”

He let go of her wrist, his face a storm as he prepared to strike back.

Just as he was about to act, Matthew’s voice cut through the tension like a blade.

“Stop!”

The command rang with an authority that hushed the group.

‘s BunnyBookery

Robin felt the intensity of Matthew’s gaze pierce through him, forcing his hand to drop, even as the fury within him continued to churn.

Though he dared not challenge her with Matthew present, his seething anger was a beast he struggled to keep at bay.

Robin’s eyes flared with anger as he stared at Stella.

His voice, sharp and threatening, cut through the tension.

“You’ll regret that slap.

Just wait and see.

”

Stella stood her ground, her gaze steady and unflinching.

“I’m right here,” she shot back, her tone unbothered.

Matthew stepped in before Robin could reply, his voice firm and commanding.

“Enough! “

Matthew’s cold stare held Robin in place, making it clear there was no room for further argument.

Silenced and cowed, Robin fell quiet and shuffled over to stand beside Lindsay.

Matthew’s irritation was clear as he frowned and turned sharply toward Stella.

“Let’s go home,” he said firmly.

Stella, hurt by Matthew’s earlier words, glanced from him to Lindsay.

Her voice carried a sting as she asked, “Were you with Lindsay when I was in trouble? Should I suspect you might’ve been unfaithful too?”