Chapter 1030

In less time than it took to blink, Matthew swiftly intervened, separating Nikolai from Stella.

Casting an irritated glare in Matthew’s direction, Nikolai straightened his collar and questioned, “Matthew, what’s gotten into you?”

With a stern countenance, Matthew held Stella close and warned, “Don’t lay a hand on my wife.

”

Nikolai couldn’t resist a playful jab.

Last time, you called her just a subordinate.

Now, she’s your wife?”

As he beheld Matthew’s helpless expression, Nikolai couldn’t help but revel in his small victory.

Sensing the tension, Stella gently tugged at Matthew’s sleeve in an effort to defuse the atmosphere.

“Are we here to try on wedding dresses, Matthew?”

‘s BunnyBookery

Matthew shifted his gaze from Nikolai to Stella, his expression softening.

“Nikolai and I have designed a wedding dress for you.

Why don’t you give it a try?”

Matthew had just finished speaking when Nikolai astutely sent someone to retrieve the wedding dress.

The dress, a vision of elegance, adorned a mannequin.

Its white hemline cascaded to the floor, embellished with laces and hand-stitched pearls.

Sunlight bathed the dress, making it shimmer radiantly, enhancing its grace.

Stella caught sight of it and was instantly transported in her mind.

She envisioned herself in the dress, a long veil draping over her head, with Matthew tenderly lifting it to gaze into her eyes.

“Do you like it?” Matthew asked, his smile warming the room.

Stella, jolted back to reality, looked up at him.

Her eyes, wide and tear-filled, conveyed her surprise and deep emotion.

She found herself lost for words.

Stella had an epiphany.

She recalled the nights Matthew returned late or disappeared into his study.

She had assumed he was buried in work, but now she realized he might have been secretly designing this wedding dress.

“Matthew…”” she began, her voice trailing off.

She feared that saying more would bring her to tears.

“Don’t be so moved,” Matthew said gentl , his smile comforting.

“Try it on first.

What if you don’t like it?”

“I like it,” Stella declared, her gaze fixed on him.

“I like everything you design.

”

With a playful smile, Matthew pinched her cheek and whispered, “If you keep staring at me, you’ll never get to try on the dress today.

”

Stella caught his hint and, stepping back, said, “I’m going to try it on right now.

”