When Love Comes Late

She turned to Sanford and asked, “Mr.

Quimby, could you help us get him to the car?”

Before Sanford could answer, Matthew waved off the suggestion.

“It’s just a headache.

I’m fine.

The hospital isn’t necessary.

”

“You’re in this much pain and still playing the tough guy?” Stella’s frown deepened, her face showing clear disapproval.

Matthew was slightly moved by Stella’s concern yet remained stubborn, shaking his head.

Stella’s anxiety intensified.

She raised her voice, asserting, “We can’t ignore this.

You need to go to the hospital.

”

Having faced memory loss herself, she understood the stakes.

She knew all too well that a headache could be trivial or a sign of something severe for someone with amnesia.

She couldn’t bear the thought of letting Matthew suffer needlessly.

Grasping her hand, Matthew slowly stood upright.

As they held hands, an unusual feeling surged in his heart.

Matthew looked deeply into Stella’s eyes and said in a low tone, “There’s no need, really.

Besides, I drove here myself, and driving isn’t an option in my state.

”

Stella’s heart raced even faster.

She held his gaze and gently asked, “Can you walk?”

He nodded, squeezed her hand, and began to walk away.

At that instant, Sanford grabbed Stella’s other hand.

Stella froze, caught off guard.

Sanford’s voice was deep as he remarked, “He seems fine to me.

If you prefer not to accompany him, I can arrange for my driver to take him back.

”

Stella’s frown deepened slightly.

She forcefully withdrew her hand and responded calmly to Sanford, “Thank you for bringing me here today, but I choose to leave with Matthew now.

”

With those words, she assisted Matthew into the passenger seat, took the driver’s seat herself, and drove away without looking back at Sanford.

Sanford watched them leave, his gaze slowly growing dimmer.

As Stella drove, she called Cordell.

She quickly relayed Matthew’s condition and urged Cordell to meet them at the hospital immediately.

Matthew, now feeling somewhat better, sat quietly in the passenger seat.

After she hung up, he posed a question.

“If I hadn’t suddenly had a headache, would you really have left with Sanford?”

Stella’s expression shifted subtly.

She evaded the question, saying, “We’re nearly at the hospital.

Make sure to inform Cordell if you experience any other symptoms, so he can give you the right treatment.

”

Matthew, determined not to let the question drop, pressed further, “Answer me.NôvelDrama.Org exclusive content.

Would you really have left with him?”