When Love Comes Late

Maybe some affluent KlassicLuxe clientele had commissioned him to design it, or perhaps it was the result of a sudden burst of inspiration.

Stella kept reassuring herself, but a nagging unease lingered, causing her recently found design ideas to evaporate.

Her frown deepened, and the once-promising white paper now lay blank.

In the evening, when Matthew returned home, he found Stella in the living room, her back to him, a pencil absentmindedly scribbling chaotic lines on a sheet of paper, a stark contrast to her previous creative prowess.

“What’s wrong? No inspiration?” Matthew inquired as he sat beside her.

Startled by his presence, Stella’s mind immediately raced back to the necklace design on her computer.

“Yes,” she replied, mustering a forced smile while hurriedly organizing the disarray of white papers.

Observing her efforts, Matthew empathized, “Designing with pearls can be quite challenging.

Change your clothes, and I’ll take you out to seek inspiration.

”

Stella contemplated for a moment before agreeing, “Okay.

”

She gathered her papers, ready to head upstairs.

Yet, after a couple of steps, she abruptly halted.

Several seconds passed in silence before she turned back, posing her question cautiously.

“Have you ever designed a necklace before?”

“Necklace?” Matthew’s brow furrowed as he shook his head.

“No.

Why do you ask? Are you interested in designing jewelry?”

Stella struggled to maintain her composure.

He had designed it.

Why was he lying to her?

Had that necklace truly been intended for another woman?

Troubling thoughts churned in her mind.

“What’s wrong?” Matthew pressed, noticing her seriousness.

Despite her disappointment, Stella concealed her true feelings, responding in a hushed tone, “No.

I just thought that pearls are often used in jewelry.

I wanted to see your design to draw some inspiration.

If you’ve never designed a necklace, then forget it.

”

Harnessing the brief moment while changing her attire, Stella swiftly adjusted her emotions.

Matthew had said that he hadn’t designed any necklace, implying it might not hold significant importance to him.

As a renowned designer with numerous creations under his belt, it was reasonable for such a detail to slip his mind.

Stella had chosen to be with him, and with that choice came the responsibility of trust.