When Love Comes Late

“Matthew, can you carry me downstairs?”Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

Stella’s expression briefly stiffened, and a wave of discomfort washed over her.

However, she rationalized Lindsay’s request as reasonable; after all, Lindsay’s disability stemmed from trying to save Matthew.

Torn between conflicting emotions, Stella grew weary of her internal turmoil.

Before Matthew could respond, Lucia turned to Lindsay, offering a solution.

“I’ll have someone install an elevator today to make it easier for you.

”

Lindsay declined quickly.

“No need, Grandma.

I’ll just stay on the ground floor.

I’m not here often, anyway.

”

Then, turning to Matthew with hopeful eyes, she asked again, “Matthew, can you?”

Matthew frowned, memories of the previous discomfort when he had carried Lindsay into the car surfacing.

He hesitated, unsure of how to proceed.

Lindsay’s eyes dimmed with disappointment, but she wasn’t ready to concede.

She opened her mouth to plead once more.

Matthew turned to the bodyguard beside him and instructed firmly, “Carry her downstairs.

My wound reopened a few days ago, and I mustn’t exert any force.

”

The bodyguard, visibly taken aback, hesitated but ultimately nodded in acquiescence.

Lindsay seethed with frustration.

She knew better than anyone that Matthew was only making an excuse.

What irked her even more was her uncertainty-was Matthew distancing himself because Stella was there, or did he genuinely wish to keep his distance from her?

Resigned to the situation and unwilling to cause a spectacle, Lindsay allowed the bodyguard to carry her downstairs.

Uncertain of her standing with the Clark family and how much they tolerated her presence, Lindsay refrained from stirring any trouble during the meal.

Instead, she focused on her food, contributing to a surprisingly harmonious atmosphere.

After lunch, Matthew excused himself to attend to business in his study.

In the living room, Lucia attempted to engage both Stella and Lindsay in conversation.

However, given the strained relations between the two young women, Lucia found herself doing most of the talking.

Having just been discharged from the hospital and after much conversation, she inevitably felt a bit fatigued.

“I’ma little tired.

I’ll go back to my room,” she announced, her voice weary.

Not keen on remaining alone with Lindsay, Stella promptly stood up and offered, “Lucia, I’ll go with you.

”

Before Lucia could respond, Lindsay’s voice cut through the air, calling out to Stella.

“Stella, can I ask a favor?”

Though Stella’s instinct was to decline, Lucia’s presence prompted her to ask cautiously, “What is it?”

“I want to go to the back garden.

Can you push me there?” Lindsay asked softly.

She paused, feigning distress, and then added, “In fact, I have a lot to discuss with you since I returned from Sothrea, but I haven’t found the right moment…”

After enduring so many trials, Stella had grown perpetually vigilant.

She believed she had nothing to discuss with Lindsay and was already concocting an excuse to refuse.