When Love Comes Late

Matthew was visibly startled by Stella’s unexpected question.

As he remained silent, Stella waited patiently but received no answer.

With a wry smile, she asked, “Is this question truly that difficult to answer? Or are you resolute in divorcing me?”

Matthew lowered his gaze slightly but remained mute.

Seizing the moment of his distraction, Stella extricated herself from his hold and said icily, “The Matthew I knew was always decisive and firm.

This hesitation is entirely new to me.”

Halfway through her statement, Stella shook her head, her smile tinged with bitterness.

“Well, it’s understandable.

One is a legally bound but emotionally distant wife, and the other is the person who saved your life.

It’s indeed a challenging choice.”

Matthew frowned, his heart aching at her self-deprecating expression.

He took a deep breath to compose himself and responded, “Cordell’s treatment plan will be available soon.

I’ll undergo the treatment to recover my memories.”

Stella, having lost hope, spoke with a tone of bitterness.

“I’ve had my own experience with amnesia and treatment, with minimal results.

My mother is currently undergoing treatment as well, with no significant progress.

Recovering memories from amnesia is not straightforward.”

She met Matthew’s gaze, her eyes searching.

“What I need to know is what you feel now.”

As Matthew locked eyes with her, an answer began to form in his mind.

He opened his mouth, about to respond.

Just then, a knock on the door interrupted them.

A servant announced that the meal was ready.

..

Library

Matthew visibly relaxed at the interruption and said, “Let’s go downstairs and eat first.”

Noting Matthew’s entirely composed demeanor, Stella lowered her eyes in disappointment and declined, “I need to accompany my mother for her treatment.

I don’t have time.

You go ahead.”

With that, Stella left without looking back.

Matthew watched her departure without calling her back.

He dismissed the servant and sank into the sofa, rubbing his temples.

He could tell Stella was angry.

He, too, felt a pang of frustration.

He struggled to understand his feelings and whether he truly knew what he wanted.

Matthew reclined on the sofa, deeply pondering Stella’s question.

Would he marry Lindsay?

Out of guilt, he felt inclined to do so.

After all, Lindsay had lost her legs because of him.

Emotionally, however, he was reluctant.

Although he was unsure about his current feelings for Stella, he was certain that he had no affection for Lindsay and no emotional connection with her.