When Love Comes Late

She then began pushing Lindsay forward.

Lindsay’s sense of triumph grew as she whispered, “When I was in Sothrea, the pain in my legs kept me up all night.

Matthew stayed with me the whole time.

He was by my side last night too.

”

Stella remained silent, finding Lindsay’s behavior almost pathetic.

Reflecting on recent events, Stella realized most of her conflicts with Matthew had been carefully orchestrated by Lindsay.

Just like now-if she hadn’t stumbled upon the truth from the receptionist, she would have misunderstood yet again and lost faith in Matthew.

Lindsay shot a quick glance at Stella, who remained quiet and unfazed.

She assumed Stella’s silence meant she was silently fuming so she kept her excitement bubbling over.

.

.

Library

“And you know what? While we were in Sothrea, Matthew took care of me personally.

He fed me, gave me my medicine, and never left my side.

He was terrified something might happen to me.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

Whenever I was feeling down, he’d go out of his way to cheer me up.

If I wanted something to eat, he’d cook it himself.

He even said he wanted to take care of me for the rest of my life, to be with me forever.

”

Stella listened calmly, her face betraying nothing.

Matthew.

.

cooked for Lindsay? Stella thought, almost laughing at the absurdity.

She remembered that last breakfast with Matthew at Prosper Bay vividly-the man had forgotten he could cook before that breakfast.

Lindsay was lying again.

She was probably lying about everything else.

How long was Lindsay planning to keep this charade going? Stella wondered if Lindsay was truly happy or just exhausted by the endless act.

Lindsay rambled on, oblivious to the lack of response.

They neared the meeting room, and Stella still hadn’t said a word.

Lindsay was so puzzled she almost frowned.

She wondered if Stella was too heartbroken to speak.

Or maybe Stella had given up on Matthew altogether?

But Lindsay knew she had to keep that smile up.

She continued her act.

“If it weren’t for Matthew being there for me—caring for me, comforting me—I don’t know how I’d have survived.

”

Stella’s patience snapped, and she cut Lindsay off with a sudden smile.

“So this is how you repay him?”

Lindsay froze, blinking in confusion.

“What are you talking about?”

Stella’s voice hardened, and she didn’t mince words.

“Taking advantage of Matthew’s amnesia to sabotage his marriage.

Isn’t that what you’re doing?”

For a split second, panic flickered in Lindsay’s eyes.

But she quickly masked it with a look of wounded innocence.

“How can you say that?” she whimpered.

“I’ve Loved Matthew long before you ever did.

”

Then she suddenly broke into a sob.

“Look at me! In my condition, no one else would ever want me.

But you-you’re young, beautiful, with your whole life ahead of you.

People still chase after you.

Can’t you just let me have Matthew?”

Stella felt her frustration rise, but she swallowed it down.

She knew this was one of Lindsay’s theatrics.

She wasn’t going to engage today.

“That’s not how love works.

You can’t just hand someone over because it’s convenient.

Matthew and I will be together unless something ends our marriage.

But until then, no.

”

Lindsay’s eyes narrowed, resentment simmering beneath her wounded facade.

Stella met her gaze without flinching.

“I suggest you stop scheming, Lindsay,” she said coldly.

“I’ll stay with Matthew until his memory returns.

Don’t waste your energy.

”

As they reached the door to the meeting room, Stella paused, her voice taking on a sharper edge.

“And by the way, drop the lies.

Matthew was working overtime at the company last night.

I know that.

So the next time you try to pull a stunt, don’t expect me to believe you.

”

Lindsay’s face paled.

She dug her nails into her fingers and curled them into tight fists at her sides.

She didn’t say a word, but the rage in her eyes was impossible to miss.

Stella ignored her angry look.

She waved to Doreen, who stood a few feet away.

“Can you get the door for us?” She glanced back at Lindsay as the door opened, but her smile was barely there.

“Be sure to take detailed notes during the meeting.

We wouldn’t want you to miss anything important.

”