When Love Comes Late

Moments later, Stella entered the room, marking the first time they had encountered each other since his abrupt request for a divorce.

The unexpected reunion in the ward was awkward; both felt a flush of embarrassment but managed to mask their emotions in front of Lucia.

Oblivious to the tension, Lucia beamed, “It’s not a big deal.

I’m getting discharged, and that’s all that matters.

You two are busy; you didn’t need to both come.

”

Stella offered a reassuring smile, gently saying, “You’re the most important to us.

”

Lucia’s smile widened, and she turned to Matthew, who stood quietly beside them.

“Why didn’t you two come in together?” she inquired.

Caught off guard and not adept at deception, Stella instinctively looked toward Matthew, not wanting to upset Lucia with the truth.

Matthew stepped in just in time, smoothing over the moment.

“I’ve been swamped at work, so I’ve taken to sleeping in the office.

That’s why we didn’t arrive together.

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Lucia frowned, her tone laced with disapproval.

“Why did you sleep in the office? It’s been ages since you spent some quality time with Stella!”

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Matthew’s face tensed at the reprimand, and he chose not to directly address Lucia’s concerns.

Instead, he stated firmly, “The discharge formalities are complete.

We can leave now.

”

Just then, his phone rang.

Excusing himself, he stepped aside to take the call.

Lucia’s gaze shifted between Matthew and Stella.

It wasn’t until she noticed the faint redness around Stella’s eyes that the realization struck her-something was undeniably amiss between the two.

Lucia hesitated, her thoughts swirling, but she chose to stay silent about it.

Instead, she offered Stella a comforting smile.

“Stella, don’t let it weigh on you.

Matthew’s Likely just swamped with work.

I remember when Waldo was still working; he often spent entire nights at the office too.

”

Stella smiled gently and said with understanding, “I know, Lucia.

The company’s been dealing with a lot lately.

”

Seeing how thoughtful Stella was, Lucia couldn’t help but feel sorry for her.

But in the end, Lucia just sighed and didn’t say anything.

Deep down, Stella was well aware that Matthew was deliberately avoiding her, but the tension that had been gnawing at her for days eased slightly when she discovered he wasn’t living with Lindsay.

They lingered at the hospital until Matthew finally ended his call.

Once they returned home, Lucia gently took Stella’s hand.

“Stella, why don’t you head down to the kitchen and see what the servants have prepared today? I’m in the mood for some fish.

”

Stella, not thinking much of it, obliged and went to the kitchen.

In truth, Lucia had only come up with an excuse to get Stella out of the room.

As soon as Stella was out of earshot, Lucia beckoned Matthew over with a stern expression.

“Are you and Stella at odds?” she asked, her voice firm and unyielding.

Matthew responded calmly, “Grandma, there’s no need to worry.

You’ve just been discharged from the hospital, so rest is what you need right now.

I’ll handle everything else.

”

Seeing his calm demeanor, Lucia realized that persuading him would be futile.

Still, she spoke earnestly.

“I’m not trying to meddle in your affairs.

You know what you’re doing.

But remember this-Stella is a good woman.

When she heard you were missing in Sothrea, she rushed there without hesitation and stayed for half a month.

She could hardly eat or sleep, but she never stopped searching for you.

Please, don’t let her down, okay?”

Matthew replied with a detached nod, “I understand.

”

Lucia, her worry deepening, reached out to grasp his hand.

“Even though it was our decision to arrange the marriage,” she said softly, “we were genuinely pleased to see the love you both share.

”