When Love Comes Late

As he clasped the necklace, ensuring it lay perfectly against Stella’s skin, Matthew maintained a close proximity that suggested intimacy.

His actions seemed to perform for an audience, particularly Sanford, as he handled the necklace with tender care.

After securing it, Matthew paused to admire the necklace briefly, and then met Stella’s gaze with a smile and complimented, “It suits you beautifully.

”

Others joined in, their voices warm and supportive.

“Absolutely, that jewel is perfect on you.

You’re absolutely dazzling.

Honestly, with that necklace, I can’t look away.

”

Stella felt her cheeks warm with the flush of their praise.

Kyra shared a smile with everyone, and then turned to Bella, presenting her with another jewelry box.

“I know you’ve been undergoing treatment at the hospital.

I reached out to Bennett’s dad overseas to see if he could help us find a doctor to assist you.

”

Bella shook her head gently.

“No need, thanks.

A friend of Matthew’s has already found a doctor for me.

He’s exceptional and someone we can trust completely.

”

Relief washed over Kyra upon learning that Matthew had arranged everything.

At the dinner table, the mood was light; everyone chatted and laughed joyously.

The conversation then turned to how Stella and Matthew first met and their journey to marriage, capturing everyone’s attention.

Waldo, noticing the cheerful atmosphere, seized the moment.

“You know, I’ve been thinking,” he began, his expression turning serious.

“Stella’s wedding was marred by certain events.

Now that she’s found her family, I think she and Matthew deserve a new start-a proper wedding.

” He paused, looking around at the gathering.

“Marriage is sacred, a milestone to be celebrated just once.

I don’t want any regrets for them.

What do you think?”

The news of the shooting at Stella and Matthew’s wedding had sent ripples through Seamarsh.

Almost everyone had heard about it, including the Lowell family.

Byron gave a slight nod and declared, “This time, we’ll ensure the wedding is truly spectacular.

”

Kyra chimed in with a note of relief, “Luckily, it’s not too late.

We’ll still get to see Stella walk down the aisle.

”

As she spoke, a sigh escaped her, and tears began to gather in her eyes.

The mood around them was buoyant.

The elders were already busy discussing who to invite, yet Stella’s feelings were mixed.

For her, the wedding ceremony was a haunting recollection.

Sometimes, she would wake up from dreams where Matthew lay in a pool of blood.

She dreaded the thought of those memories resurfacing but also didn’t want to let her family down.

Catching on to Stella’s reluctance, Sanford cut in, “Shouldn’t we consider what Stella wants? It seems to me she’s not entirely on board with the idea of this wedding.

”

After Sanford spoke, all eyes turned to Stella, catching the troubled expression that flickered across her face.

Indeed, Stella hadn’t wanted another wedding ceremony, and Sanford’s sudden mention of it caught her off guard.

She lifted her head and met the expectant gazes around her, a blush of embarrassment coloring her cheeks.

“Stella, are you really against having another wedding ceremony?”

Lucia asked.