When Love Comes Late

Her eyes fluttered open, her slender fingers encasing his hand.

In her groggy state, she seemed unable to discern whether she was dreaming or awake, her instinct urging her not to let him go.

Then, in a soft whisper barely louder than a sigh, she murmured, “Don’t go…” Her voice trailed off as her eyes closed again.

As Stella awoke, the room was draped in the soft hues of evening.

Her eyes fluttered open to the sight of a familiar face—Miley.

With an exclamation of surprise, Miley cried, “Stella, you’re finally awake!”

Stella’s gaze quickly darted away from Miley, her eyes scanning the room as if searching for something.

“What’s wrong?” Miley watched her with a furrowed brow, concern etching her features.

Silence hung between them as Stella continued her survey of the room.

Once convinced they were alone, a shadow of disappointment crossed her face.

She mustered a weary smile.

“I’m fine; don’t worry about me.

”

Miley let out a sigh of relief.

“I was worried sick, you know?”

Stella offered an apologetic smile.

“Why are you here?” she inquired gently.

Miley moved to pick up a glass from the side table, filling it with water for Stella.

As she handed it over, she explained, “After our phone call, I was still worried about you, so I came over to check on you, and then found out you’d fainted!”

As Stella accepted the glass, vague images flashed through her mind, and she asked anxiously, “Miley, was anyone else in my room when you arrived?”

Miley’s expression clouded with confusion.

“Erin was here earlier,” she admitted.

“She told me she’d prepared some food for you in the kitchen, so you’d have something to eat when you woke up.

”

She then asked, “Are you hungry? I’ll go heat it up.

”

Disappointment washed over Stella again, and she shook her head, her voice a whisper.

“I don’t have any appetite.

”

Miley sighed deeply, sitting on the edge of the bed.

She reached out, touching Stella’s hand reassuringly.

“I know you’re upset, but you mustn’t neglect your health.

Perhaps Matthew is facing his own troubles.

You’ve been through so much together; I’m certain he wouldn’t think of divorcing you.

”

With a bitter smile, Stella revealed, “He’s already asked Erin to pack his bags.

He’s planning to leave Prosper Bay.

”

Stunned, Miley struggled to find the words.

Taking a deep breath, Stella gathered her strength.

“Don’t worry about me.

I’ll figure out what’s happened to him in Sothrea.

”

Seeing Stella’s resolve, Miley exhaled in relief and assured her firmly, “Okay.

Rest easy.

Neville and I are here for you.

”

Stella smiled with relief.

Meanwhile, Neville and Cordell made their way to the Prosperity Group’s headquarters, determined to confront Matthew.