When Love Comes Late

Matthew’s face twisted in frustration as he snapped, “Quit with the drama.

”

“Drama?” Stella, weary and worn out, gave him a sharp look.

“That’s rich, coming from you.

If you don’t trust me, just go.

Don’t hang around and make a scene.

I need to sleep.

”

Matthew’s gaze hardened, and in a frosty, resolute tone, he questioned, “So, you’re staying?”

Stella simply met his gaze, her expression unreadable.

A tumult of confusion and fatigue churned within her.

She understood that Matthew’s strange behavior stemmed from his memory loss, yet she feared their bond might remain tense if his memory failed to return.

The thought was utterly draining.

Their eyes locked, both refusing to break the silence, as moments stretched into a long, quiet standoff.

The closeness they once cherished now seemed a distant memory, replaced by a haunting thought in Stella’s mind.

Things would never be the same again.

Now, to each other, they felt like strangers, remote and disconnected.

Lindsay, sensing the tension between Stella and Matthew, worried that Matthew might suddenly remember something.

She stepped in quickly to divert his attention.

She softly offered, “Matthew, maybe Stella is just worn out.

Since we know she’s safe, why don’t we let her stay the night and come back for her in the morning?”

Matthew remained silent, his eyes still fixed on Stella.

Lindsay, her voice laden with desperation, turned to Stella.

“Stella, please, I’m sorry… This isn’t Matthew’s fault.

He’s only worried about your safety after knowing that you were taken away by an unknown man…”

Though she aimed to calm the waters, her words only fueled Matthew’s fury.

The mere idea of another man whisking Stella away, her spending the night at his place, made Matthew’s blood seethe.

Matthew, mo longer able to hold himself back, stepped forward abruptly.

He seized Stella by the wrist, his voice commanding as he tried to pull her to his side.

“Come back with me!”

Stella, caught off guard by his forceful approach, instinctively fought back and cried out, “Matthew! Let me go! Stop this!”

Her vigorous resistance could have been overwhelming, or perhaps she was still not fully recovered.

As she continued to struggle, the effects of the earlier drinks surged back, dizzying her and unsteadying her stance.

Struggling to stay upright and fend off the nausea, Stella fought against the encroaching weakness.

Just then, Sanford stepped in.

He grabbed Matthew’s arm and supported Stella around the waist, stabilizing her to prevent a fall.

Matthew misunderstood the gesture entirely.

The closeness of the situation made him question Sanford’s intentions.

A surge of anger appeared in Matthew’s eyes as he sharply told Sanford, “Let her go.

”