When Love Comes Late

Matthew’s expression grew distinctly severe.

Stella found herself the focal point of attention, with all three pairs of eyes fixed on her.

She felt a twinge of discomfort and awkwardly began, “Matthew, if you have other plans…”

Before she could finish with “you can go,” Matthew cut in decisively, “I’m quite free today, and I’m also hungry.”

..

Library

Bella chuckled, noting that despite Matthew’s memory loss, his possessiveness over Stella remained unchanged.

Stella felt a pang of resignation but acquiesced to his presence.

Matthew surveyed the seating arrangement.

Stella and Bella were seated together, and there was an empty spot next to Sanford who was directly opposite Stella.

Without hesitation, he maneuvered Sanford to make space and took the seat directly across from Stella.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Sanford’s expression darkened, and his emotions were conflicted, but he chose to remain silent.

Stella, meanwhile, was thoroughly perplexed by Matthew’s actions.

With Matthew joining the table, the mood became even more strained and uncomfortable.

It wasn’t until the waiter began serving that the tension eased slightly.

“I remember you enjoy these dishes.

Try them and see how this restaurant’s version compares,” Sanford said, placing a few of Stella’s favorite foods in front of her with care.

Stella forced a smile and said, “Thank you, but there’s really no need to go out of your way.”

As Sanford focused on her, Matthew clenched his fists silently in frustration.

He wanted to contribute, but his mind drew a blank when it came to Stella’s preferences, leaving him unable to participate.

This only fueled his anger.

Watching Sanford’s attentiveness also worsened Matthew’s irritation.

He pushed the dishes Sanford had placed in front of Stella back to their original spots, saying stiffly, “You need variety.

It’s unhealthy to be picky.”

Before Stella could respond, Sanford placed his hand on Matthew’s wrist to stop him, smiling coolly.

“Mr.

Clark, don’t you think you’re overstepping? Everyone has their own choices.

Why force Stella to eat what she doesn’t prefer?”

Matthew, not backing down, replied icily, “How do you know what she does or doesn’t like?”

Sanford’s tone turned sharper.

“Because, right now, I know her better than you do.”

Matthew, momentarily at a loss for words, stared at Sanford, his irritation intensifying.

Sanford’s constant attempts to charm Stella only heightened Matthew’s unease, though he couldn’t quite understand why.

For a tense moment, both men locked eyes, gripping the edge of the same plate in a silent power struggle.

The air at the table grew heavy with unspoken conflict.

Bella, observing the tension, shifted uncomfortably, second-guessing her decision to invite Matthew.