Chapter 1780
When Love Comes Late
Stella, deliberately maintaining a stoic expression, remarked, âYou assured me you wouldnât sustain any injuriesâ¦â
Her voice trembled with emotion as tears gradually pooled in her eyes.
Matthew rushed to embrace her, repeatedly expressing regret.
âI apologize.
I acknowledge my mistake.
This marks the end of my recklessness.
I give you my word.
â
Under his reassurance, Stella gradually regained her composure.
âWhere is Flossie?â
Matthew said, âSheâs safe, with Colin.
â
Stella murmured an assent quietly and remained silent thereafter.
That night, Matthew remained in the hospital for observation, with his wound unable to tolerate exposure to water.
Stella fetched a basin of water to assist him in cleaning his body, discreetly checking for any additional concealed wounds.
Despite her careful and gentle gestures, she harbored constant anger, convinced he had exerted immense effort to recover, only to be injured again.
Sensing her ire, Matthew extended a sincere apology.
âIâve endeavored to shield myself.
Please, donât be upset.
â
Observing her continued reluctance to engage, Matthew feigned discomfort with a muted groan.
Stella halted abruptly, her concern palpable.
âWhatâs the matter? Are you in pain?â
Capitalizing on her concern, Matthew enveloped her with his uninjured arm.
âIâm alright, darling.
Can we talk? Please?â
Stella discerned the trap she had unwittingly entered.
Swiftly withdrawing from his grasp, she asserted, âDonât touch me.
Youâve broken your vow.
â
Her actions were deliberate; she aimed to impart a lesson to Matthew, warning him not to risk his life again.
Matthew refused to release her, intensifying his grip, while Stella covertly applied greater force.
During his struggle, Matthew was suddenly overcome by dizziness, prompting him to decisively loosen his grip.
In an abrupt turn of events, Stella sensed an odd sensation as the grip slackened.
Noticing Matthewâs ailing appearance, she provided support and inquired, âWhatâs amiss? Are you feeling unwell? Iâll summon the doctorâ¦â
Matthew gently grasped her hand, momentarily calming himself before softly stating, âIâm alright.
Itâs likely just lingering effects from when my head took a blow last time.
Itâs inconsequential.
â
Concern etched across her features, Stella suggested, âLetâs schedule a thorough examination tomorrow.
â
Though tempted to decline, Matthewâs resolve weakened under Stellaâs gaze, which lingered on the scar marking his chest from Bennyâs shot at the wedding.
The scar was still very clear.
âWell, Iâm getting dressed now,â Matthew remarked nonchalantly, donning his attire as though oblivious to Stellaâs scrutiny Stellaâs voice, strained and hoarse, conveyed her concern.
âThe doctor warned that your heart was nearly harmed.
Iâm truly fearful of a recurrence.
If you lapse into a coma once more, Iâm at a loss for what actions to take.
â
Matthew assured Stella, âThe issue with Benny has been resolved.
I vow it shall not recur.
â