When Love Comes Late

After a brief pause, Stella was the first to move.

She rushed to Waldos side, gently reassuring him as she said, You misheard us.

Miley and I were just having a casual conversation.

No ones actually divorcing.

Waldo brushed off her attempt to help, keeping his distance.

Do you think Im too old to understand what I hear? Im not losing my mind yet.

Taking a step forward, Lucia quickly interjected, Why are you yelling at Stella? If you upset her, youll have to deal with me! Hearing this, Waldo quieted down, albeit reluctantly.

Taking a deep breath, Lucia turned to Stella, taking her hand and softly asking, Whats happening? Whos thinking about divorce? Is it Matthew? Stella hesitated, wanting to dismiss the matter lightly.

No, its not that serious, she murmured vaguely.novelbin

Lucia, unconvinced, pressed further.

Tell me the truth, and Ill handle it.

Tears began to pool in Stellas eyes, her voice caught with uncertainty.

Upon seeing Stellas distress, Waldo immediately turned to the butler behind him.

Call Matthew right now and tell him to come here immediately.

I want to confront him in person! Miley, realizing the gravity of the situation, looked at Stella apologetically.

Stella… Im sorry… I… Stella quickly reassured her, her voice gentle, Its not your fault.

Dont worry about me.

You can go home now.

..

Library Miley, observing the tense atmosphere, felt a pang of concern.

No, Ill stay with you.

Waldo and Lucia are here.

I wont suffer.

You should go, Stella insisted firmly.

Miley paused, considering Stellas words, and realized she was right; Waldo and Lucia would not let any harm come to Stella.

Given the personal nature of the Clark familys issues, it wasnt her place to stay.

After a moment of reflection, Miley softly said, If you need anything, just contact me.

Im leaving now.

Okay, Stella responded, offering a knowing smile.

After Miley departed, Stella assisted Lucia and Waldo into the living room, where they settled on the sofa.

Soon, Matthew returned, but he was not alone.

The moment Lindsay entered the living room, she sensed the tension, especially from Lucias and Waldos somber expressions.

Waldo, upon noticing Lindsay, displayed a look of displeasure.

Why did you come along? Visibly nervous, Lindsay explained timidly, My legs were bothering me today, so Matthew took me to the hospital for a check-up.

When I heard you wanted Matthew here, I thought itd be nice to visit since its been a while.

After her explanation, Lindsay asked Waldo with a hint of concern, What happened? Stella, hearing Lindsays explanation, felt a surge of mixed emotions, saddened by the realization that immediately after leaving Prosper Bay, Matthew had hurried to Lindsays side.