When Love Comes Late

Noticing Matthew’s struggle, Lindsay called out softly, “Matthew?”

He momentarily closed his eyes to suppress the painful images, and then replied emotionlessly, “No need, I can handle it myself.

”

With that, he hurried off.

Lindsay watched Matthew’s determined departure, her heart sinking.

She tightly clenched her fists, her face falling.

As he vanished from view, she silently vowed to herself that she would prevent any reconciliation between Matthew and Stella.

Matthew left the Clark family home and went directly to meet Cordell.

He had felt something amiss with his memory, and recalling the last visit by Cordell and Neville to his office, he had called Cordell and arranged this meeting to clarify matters.

They had agreed to meet at Cordell’s apartment, where Neville was also present.

Cordell was aware that Matthew wanted to meet but didn’t know why.

Upon seeing Matthew’s grave expression upon arrival, Cordell and Neville exchanged glances of concern.

Neville questioned casually, “What’s going on? You don’t look too good.

”

Cordell, sensing the gravity of the situation, asked with a serious tone, “Did something trigger a memory for you?”

Neville immediately straightened, his face taking on a solemn expression as he intently awaited Matthew’s answer.

Matthew glanced at both Cordell and Neville, and then scrunched his brow and said, “I think there’s a glitch in my memory.

”

The revelation visibly stunned both Cordell and Neville.

Neville was so taken aback that he struggled to articulate his thoughts.

Cordell, maintaining better composure than Neville, asked firmly, “What kind of problem? Could you elaborate?”

For the first time, Matthew’s demeanor showed signs of defeat.

He massaged his temples and explained tiredly, “In my recollections, I feel nothing for Stella, and I’ve been searching for ways to end our marriage, but…”

He paused, drawing a deep breath to compose himself, and then continued, “Based on what you two have been saying, it appears I’m deeply in love with Stella.

”

Neville looked stunned and said, “I had a feeling you had amnesia! There’s something in medicine called selective amnesia.

It sounds a lot like what you’re going through…”

Before he could finish his thought, a more urgent concern came to mind.

With a touch of frustration, Cordell asked, “Did you forget what you found out?”

Neville scratched his head and said, “No, I haven’t forgotten… The investigation shows that Matthew has no record of any brain injury in Sothrea.

”