When Love Comes Late

They sat across from him in the stark, imposing office.

Neville’s gaze was intense and unyielding, causing Matthew to frown with annoyance.

“Why are you looking at me Like that? I’m not a woman,” Matthew snapped, his voice low.

Neville’s cheeks colored slightly with embarrassment, but he quickly regained his composure.

He cleared his throat and asked in a grave tone, “Why do you want to divorce Stella?”

Matthew was taken aback by the direct question.

Neville continued, “What the hell are you thinking? Did you have an affair in Sothrea?”

For a moment, Neville seemed to doubt his own accusations, adding quickly, “I don’t think you’re a playboy.

”

Matthew bristled at the implications, his expression turning righteous.

“Our marriage was arranged by our elders.

Why can’t I seek a divorce? It’s normal.

”

The tension in the room escalated as Neville suddenly stood, stepped toward Matthew, and pinched his face in disbelief.

Matthew recoiled, slapping Neville’s hand away with a frosty glare.

“What’s wrong with you?” he demanded, anger flaring in his eyes.

Neville, still stunned, searched Matthew’s face.

“It feels the same.

But why are you acting like a different person? Not long ago, you were planning to have a baby with Stella.

Now, after your trip to Sothrea, you want a divorce again?”

Matthew’s face darkened, his eyes narrowing.

“Again? What do you mean by that? I’ve always wanted to end this marriage, and I have no intention of having children in my lifetime.

”

Matthew, reflecting on his previous trials, dismissed Neville’s assertions as sheer nonsense.

“You’re crazy! Definitely!”

Neville, taken aback, turned to Cordell, his expression one of bewilderment.

“Which one of us is crazy? Me or Matthew?”

Instead of indulging in Neville’s momentary lapse into childish questioning, Cordell fixed Matthew with a steady gaze.

“Where were you when you disappeared? Who did you meet? Was the shooting in Sothrea an accident or orchestrated?”

Upon the mention of the shooting, Matthew’s demeanor shifted to one of grave seriousness.

He confessed, “I was shot and recuperated in a private hospital.

Lindsay saved me.

During that time, we supported each other and didn’t leave the hospital until we had both stabilized.

As for the shooting, I’m still investigating.

”

Neville and Cordell exchanged a look of surprise.

Neville, voice tinged with astonishment, pressed, “You were with Lindsay this entire time? And now you want to divorce Stella?”

He shook his head in disbelief.

“Damn.

Stella must be furious.

”

Matthew was resolute, his tone firm.

“I’m going through with the divorce.

It doesn’t matter whether Stella is angry or not.

”

A nagging suspicion gnawed at Neville’s heart, prompting him to turn to Cordell with a probing question.

“Are there any medical terms that might explain Matthew’s current behavior? Like, has he lost his mind?”

After a brief pause, Cordell’s eyes widened in sudden realization, staring at Matthew as the thought struck him.

“Have you lost your memory?”

Without any hesitation, Matthew declared resolutely, “No way.

I remember everyone and everything; my mind is as clear as crystal.

”