When Love Comes Late

After breakfast, the heavy air between them became unbearable.

Stella set her utensils down with a definitive clink, stood up, and prepared to leave the house without another word.

As soon as she stepped onto the porch, his voice, tinged with confusion, halted her escape.

“Stella, did I ever love you?”

Though Matthew’s question was laden with the gravity of love, his tone was chillingly detached, as if he were merely confirming a fact.

Stella paused, the weight of his words anchoring her to the spot, deepening her despair.

From behind, Matthew’s voice wavered with uncertainty.Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

“Did I?”

Stella hesitated, unwilling to entertain such a question-a question to which she herself did not have an answer.

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She offered a bitter smile in response.

“Since you have forgotten, please do not ask me.

”

“Stella…” Matthew’s voice was a soft entreaty, marked by a frown of confusion.

Turning to face him, tears brimming in her eyes, she challenged him, “Even if I tell you, would you believe me?”

Matthew found himself at a loss for words.

Noticing his silence, Stella’s smile grew even more sorrowful.

Taking a deep breath, she gathered her composure and announced, have to handle something at the studio.

I need to get to work now.

Without another glance, she departed.

Matthew remained seated, watching her until she vanished from his sight.

Upon leaving the villa, Stella got directly into her car.

Before starting the engine, she remembered she had left without saying goodbye and hastily sent a message to Sanford.

Drained, she pondered how she would manage her relationship with Matthew going forward.

With a heavy sigh, she forced herself to calm down before driving to the studio.

Meanwhile, after Stella’s departure, Matthew headed straight to his company.

As soon as he stepped into the office, he summoned Fernando.

“Mr.

Clark, did you want to see me?” Fernando inquired, his tone respectful.

Matthew’s face remained impassive as he asked directly, “How did I end up with Stella?”

Fernando was momentarily taken aback, puzzled by the sudden question.