When Love Comes Late

Waldo, Lucia, and Stella were already there, mid-meal.

Catching sight of Matthew, Lucia called out warmly, “Matthew, come and join us.

”

Matthew nodded and chose a seat across from Stella, disregarding the empty chair next to her.

Stella paused, her hand trembling slightly with the fork.

Her nerves had been frayed since Matthew’s entrance.

Recalling his previous indifference, she had remained silent, secretly hoping he would sit beside her to discuss their issues.

Surprisingly, he didn’t glance her way, much less sit near her.

She gazed at him blankly, feeling like a stranger to him, as tears began to gather in her eyes.

Lucia and Waldo witnessed this change and were equally shocked.

Lucia intervened to ease the tension.

“Matthew, we’ve all been so worried, especially Stella.

She spent over two weeks in Sothrea looking for you.

If she hadn’t been informed of my hospitalization, she would’ve stayed longer and come back with you.

”

Matthew’s response was devoid of emotion, and the ward filled with an uneasy silence.

Seeing that he seemed unmoved by the revelation of her journey to Sothrea, Stella felt heartbroken.

Struggling to maintain composure, Stella asked quietly, “What happened to you in Sothrea? Why couldn’t Neville or I locate you?”

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Matthew barely acknowledged her.

He lifted his head, his gaze passing Waldo and Lucia before settling on Lucia as he explained succinctly, “I was injured in Sothrea and ended up in a private hospital under Lindsay’s care.

”

Lucia and Waldo exchanged bewildered looks, at a loss for words.

After a brief silence, Lucia spoke up.

“Betsey caused quite a stir at the hospital today.

It’s clear she’s using Lindsay’s situation to leverage for money.

It’s hard to see Lindsay, who I consider like my own, suffer so greatly.

”

She hesitated, and then added cautiously, “What are your plans regarding Lindsay? Should we consult an international specialist for her treatment?”

Matthew spoke with detachment.

“I’ve entrusted Cordell with that matter.

”

Lucia’s tension eased at the mention of Cordell’s name, though the atmosphere quickly reverted to its prior awkwardness.

Throughout the meal, not a word passed between Matthew and Stella.

They didn’t even make eye contact.

Lucia sensed the tension and mused that their prolonged separation and the day’s events warranted a private conversation.

With this thought, she set aside her silverware and suggested, “We’ve all had enough.

Matthew, why don’t you and Stella go rest?”

Matthew offered no objection.

Before they departed, he advised Waldo and Lucia to get some rest as well.

Then, he and Stella exited the hospital in silence, one following the other.