When Love Comes Late

The iciness in his eyes was a blow that nearly knocked the wind out of her.

It was clear-he didn’t believe Lindsay’s claim of innocence on her part.

His cold stare cut through Stella like a blade, but she pushed through the pain, her voice trembling as she tried to explain.

“I didn’t push her.

I have no reason to harm her.

”

But Matthew’s gaze remained steely, devoid of warmth, as if her words were nothing more than echoes in the wind.

In that crushing instant, Stella knew-he didn’t just suspect her; he had already judged and condemned her.

The weight of this realization pulled her heart into a dark abyss.

Lindsay, looking as fragile as a porcelain doll, piped up through gritted teeth, “Perhaps the wheelchair slipped.

Stella really didn’t mean to hurt me.

She has no reason to.

”

Matthew’s eyes narrowed as he snapped at Stella.

“Lindsay’s still learning to manage the wheelchair.

She needs help wherever she goes.

”

A bitter smile twisted Stella’s lips as she bit back, “In your eyes, am I truly such a monster?”

“Don’t ask me.

I don’t know you well,” Matthew replied indifferently.

“Ask your own conscience.

”

Lindsay, savoring the discord she had sown between them, could barely contain her glee.

When she was certain no one was watching, she allowed herself a small, triumphant smile.

Tears welled in Stella’s eyes, the pain of Matthew’s distrust far outweighing the ache in her body.

Clinging desperately to the last thread of hope, she asked, her voice trembling like a leaf in the wind, “We’ve loved each other for so long.

And now you say you don’t know me well? Was it all a lie?”

Lindsay, alarmed that Stella might mention too much of their past, hurriedly intervened, her voice urgent as she pleaded, “Matthew, please, don’t blame her.

My arm is bleeding, and it hurts so much.

Can you help me with the wound?”

Matthew’s expression softened as he nodded at Lindsay, his tone gentle.

“Alright.

Let’s go.

”

He began to push Lindsay’s wheelchair, his attention solely on her as they moved to leave.

But as they passed Stella, Matthew delivered a final, cold blow.

“Sign the divorce papers.

I don’t want to see you again.

”

Hearing this, Lindsay’s smile grew wider, satisfaction curling in her heart.

Her plan was working flawlessly.

With each calculated move, she was driving a deeper wedge between Matthew and Stella.

Once the divorce was final, she was certain Matthew would be hers.

Stella watched their retreating figures, her strength crumbling as she collapsed onto the ground, her heart shattering into a million irreparable pieces.

Matthew’s heartless words echoed in her mind, and the tears flowed freely, her sobs wracking her body like a storm.

There was no longer any reason to pretend.

The man she had once known had vanished-replaced by a stranger, cold and merciless.