When Love Comes Late

Fernando paused, and then replied, “Yes, I got back three days ago.

”

This response unsettled Stella.

She knew Fernando well enough to realize he wouldn’t have returned to Seamarsh if he hadn’t located Matthew.

That implied Matthew had been found at least three days earlier, but he had only returned today.

This discrepancy deepened Stella’s concern.

She pressed for more information.

“Do you know what happened to Matthew in Sothrea?”

“No,” Fernando admitted honestly.

Stella felt a sinking feeling as her last shred of hope faded away.

After a moment’s pause, Fernando added, “He asked me to return early to arrange a plane and an apartment.

That’s all I’m aware of.

”

Upon hearing this, Stella realized the apartment was meant for Lindsay.

A bitter smile crossed her face, but she remained silent.

Fernando had also sensed the deep changes in Matthew, Likely prompting Stella’s call.

He quickly tried to reassure her.

“Mrs.

Clark, don’t worry.

Now that Mr.

Clark is back, he’ll surely uncover what transpired and identify those responsible.

”

Stella’s spirits sank further; she realized Fernando was as clueless about Matthew’s experiences in Sothrea as the reasons behind his request for a divorce.

Holding back her disappointment, she requested, “Please look after him.

If his condition worsens, inform me immediately.

”

Fernando responded candidly, “But surely, you’d be the first to know, right?”

Stella remained silent, the weight of the situation rendering her speechless.

Feeling he might have misspoken, Fernando hastily ended the call, troubled by the possibility of exacerbating the tension.

Upon arriving at Prosper Bay, Stella entered her home in a daze.

As she wandered through the familiar spaces, only heartache accompanied her.

Suddenly, signs of a recent visitor sparked a flicker of hope.

“Is that you, Matthew?” she called out instinctively, her voice filled with a mix of hope and trepidation.

Stella called out several times, but no one answered.

She climbed the stairs, puzzled, and faintly heard noises from the bedroom.

It must be Matthew!

Stella grew even more excited.

She imagined a reason for Matthew’s actions.

He likely did it to protect the overall situation.

He was probably trying to mislead those who had tried to harm him.

With this thought, Stella slowly pushed the bedroom door open, her heart racing with anticipation.

However, her excitement turned to despair when she saw who was inside.