When Love Comes Late

Sanford remained calm, replying steadily, “Can’t you see she’s unwell?”

It was only then that Matthew caught sight of Stella’s pale face, concern flashing in his expression.

Steadfast, Sanford pressed on.

“You’ve brought a woman here in the dead of night.

Stella’s innocent.

Quit stirring up trouble for her!”

Matthew found himself speechless, silenced by the accusation.

With a derisive snort, Sanford went on, “Look, it’s late.

You might not be tired, but let Stella rest.

We’ll handle this in the morning.

”

Matthew stood his ground.

“I need to take Stella home.

”

“Considering how she looks, do you think she’s in any state to leave with you?” Sanford countered.

He paused, and then suggested, “If you really don’t trust me, stay here tonight.

There’s a spare room you can use.

”

Matthew’s eyes remained locked on Stella, fatigue etched into every delicate feature of her face.

She stood as if the weight of the world had settled upon her shoulders, dragging her spirit down into the abyss.

Before he could so much as speak, her hand slipped from his grasp.

She inhaled sharply.

“I’m tired.

I need to rest.

Do whatever you want,” she muttered, her voice hollow as she turned away, disappearing inside without a backward glance.

Matthew watched her retreat, his face a canvas of conflicting emotions, torn between concern and helplessness.

Lindsay, sensing his turmoil, wheeled closer, her fingers brushing lightly against his sleeve, as if hoping to tether him to reason.

“Matthew, I didn’t think this through,” she whispered.

“But look at her-Stella’s exhausted, beyond anything I imagined.

Tomorrow, I’ll make her breakfast myself.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

We’ll come back, and I’ll apologize properly.

”

Sanford, leaning casually against the doorframe, wore a smirk Like a mask, arms crossed, his eyes dancing with quiet mischief.

With a subtle shrug, Matthew freed his sleeve from Lindsay’s grasp, his thoughts already racing elsewhere.

He dismissed her words with the calm authority of a man whose mind had already been made.

“Robin,” he called over his shoulder, his voice firm, “see to it that your sister gets home safely.

We shouldn’t tire her out.

Don’t come back tomorrow-I’ll bring Stella myself.

”

Lindsay froze, her eyes widening with shock.

Was Matthew really staying here? To care for Stella?

The thought boiled inside her, hot and sharp like an ember lodged in her chest.

Her hands curled into fists, knuckles white as she bit back the words that teetered on the edge of her tongue.

Robin, catching Matthew’s drift, hurriedly interjected, “Matthew, you can’t just abandon my sister like this! She…”

Matthew’s cold, steely gaze silenced him before another word could escape.

One glance, and Robin’s heart faltered, the breath leaving him in a stuttering sigh.

He fell silent, swallowing his objections with a bitterness that burned on the way down.

Seeing the steely resolve etched into Matthew’s face, Lindsay masked her fury behind a tight, controlled smile.

“Fine.

I’ll leave first,” she said, her tone syrupy sweet yet tinged with bitterness.

“But please, don’t let this anger consume you.

Stella will cool off eventually, and I’ll personally apologize for Robin’s behavior.

”

Her words were soft, but beneath them, the sting of resentment was unmistakable, like honey laced with venom.