When Love Comes Late

Before Stella could reply, Matthews phone rang, piercing the tense silence.

Matthew hesitated, reluctant to answer, but Stella interrupted, saying, What if its Lindsay calling again? Answer it.

I wont be blamed if something happens to her and you accuse me of wasting your time.

Matthew paused, a mix of emotions passing through his eyes.

Stella saw the shift in his expression and felt a sharp sting in her heart as if a thousand needles were piercing it.

Once so close, they now found themselves estranged due to a series of misunderstandings and disruptive influences.

The phone continued to ring, sounding more urgent each time.

Clenching his teeth, Matthew eventually grabbed the phone.

He hesitated briefly before pressing the answer button.

On the line was the anxious voice of the servant caring for Lindsay, saying, Mr.

Clark, Miss Wheeler is running a high fever, and shes refusing to go to the hospital. Im unable to move her on my own.

Matthews brow knitted tighter with every passing second.

Where are the bodyguards? What on earth are they doing? he demanded, his tone sharp.

The servant, flustered, stammered out a reply.

Miss Wheeler and ordered everyone to stay away.

Shes been in quite a fury, theres really no calming her.

With a sigh that betrayed his growing irritation, Matthew snapped, Ill handle this myself.

Nearby, Stellas face was unreadable as she listened to the exchange.

She walked to the table, glanced at the meal Sanford had brought her, and began eating mechanically.

Her movements were slow, deliberate, but devoid of appetite, like someone chewing out of necessity, not desire.

Matthew ended the call and hesitated, turning to Stella to explain.

If youve got things to take care of, go ahead.

You dont need to explain anything to me.

Her voice was calm, but the lack of emotion in it struck Matthew harder than any outburst could have.

There was a coldnessa wall between them now, one he hadnt realized had grown so tall.noveldrama

Still, Matthew tried to bridge the gap.

Ill come back as soon as Im done.

Ill pick you up myself, no matter how late it gets, he offered quickly.

Stella didnt even flinch.

Her response came swift and firm.

Dont bother. Ill head back on my own.

I dont feel like waiting around.

After speaking, she dropped her gaze, unwilling to meet Matthews eyes, and resumed eating, though the food seemed bland and insipid, offering no comfort to her weary soul.

Matthew stood there for a moment, conflicted.

He opened his mouth to speak but stopped himself.

The weight of her indifference was too much.

With a defeated sigh, he turned and walked out, each step he took echoing in Stellas ears as if treading over the fragile remnants of her heart.

The moment he was gone, Stellas stoic mask crumbled.

Silent tears spilled onto the food, mingling with the bitter ache in her chest.

She couldnt fathom how the sweetness they once shared had turned so sour, how the love that had seemed unshakable now felt fragile and frayed.

It was as if an invisible chasm had slowly opened between them, with their once unwavering connection gradually eroding, piece by piece, worn down by the weight of endless missteps and unspoken words.