Chapter 1020
When Love Comes Late
Matthew held her hand firmly to reassure her.
âIf you donât feel like speaking, just stay by my side.
Iâll handle everything.
â
They whispered to each other as if they were alone, making people think they were showing off their intimate bond.
Matthewâs usual stoic demeanor was replaced by a subtle smile.
It was a rare sight that left many in the audience taken aback.
âMr.
Clark and Mrs.
Clark truly are a match made in heaven.
May you both enjoy a lifetime of happiness together,â one of the guests exclaimed, congratulating the couple.
Matthew simply smiled amidst the cheers and well wishes.
Meanwhile, his eyes were affectionately fixed on Stella.
After the crowdâs enthusiastic applause subsided, Matthew took the microphone.
âThank you all for joining us tonight.
Weâre here to celebrate my grandmotherâs birthday, and I hope we can all make that our focus.
â
As soon as he finished speaking, waiters swiftly entered the banquet hall and filled the tables with a variety of delectable dishes.
A few moments in, the hall was buzzing with the sounds of conversations, the clinking of cutlery, and the gentle chime of glasses.
Stella sat next to Lucia and was busy eating her meal in quiet contentment.
âStella,â Lucia said softly, setting down her knife and fork.
âYes, Grandma?â Stella asked, placing her utensils aside and turning to Lucia with a warm smile.
Lucia presented Stella with a velvet box.
âThis is for you.
Please, open it.
â
Confused, Stella accepted the box and opened it to reveal a magnificent sapphire ring.
The band was exquisitely crafted from solid gold, and the sapphireâs translucence radiated beauty and opulence.
âGrandma, whatâs this?â Stella asked, looking surprised.
âItâs the family ring.
As Matthewâs wife, it mow belongs to you,â
Lucia explained tenderly.
Ideally, the ring should have been given to Stella by Matthewâs mother.
However, since Matthew had rejoined the Clark family as an adult and Amara seldom interacted with them, Lucia had held onto the ring.
Considering this, Stella felt an even deeper appreciation for the ringâs value.
Lucia glanced over at Matthew, who was seated at the same table.