Chapter 1920
When Love Comes Late
Lindsay replied calmly, âA friend has offered to let me stay with her.
Itâs conveniently close to work.
â
She smiled as she expressed her gratitude.
âThank you, and Matthew, for your hospitality.
I donât want to impose on you any longer.
â
Stella offered a strained smile, choosing not to insist that Lindsay stay.
âIâll go pack my things then.
I wonât disturb you further, Lindsay said courteously to Miley before heading upstairs.
Miley watched her go, a frown momentarily crossing her face.
Her instincts hinted that Lindsay could not be as straightforward as she seemed.
â
âWait a minute.
â Miley halted Lindsayâs stride and retrieved the lipstick she had found in the sofa.
Direct and to the point, she held it out and questioned, âIs this yours?â
Lindsay feigned surprise, responding âOh, where did you find that? Iâve been searching for it for ages.
â
She turned to reach for it, but Miley pulled back her hand and gestured to the sofa.
âIt was wedged in the living room sofaâ¦â
Her gaze fixed on Lindsay, Miley offered a slight smile, took her hand gently, and placed the lipstick in it, saying earnestly, âItâs yours, so make sure you take care of it.
â
Lindsay lowered her gaze, pausing briefly before replying, âI will.
Thank you, Miss Cullen.
â
âPlease, just Miley is fine.
â Miley didnât mince her words as she continued, âRemember, this is Matthew and Stellaâs house.
Stella is reasonable and treats you like a sister; otherwise, something as trivial as this lipstick couldâve sparked a dispute between them.
Since youâre living here, itâs wise to keep your personal items secure.
â
Unlike Stella, Mileyâs manner with Lindsay was less guarded.
Mileyâs words dripped with sarcasm, her eyes gleaming with sharpness.
After talking, she stood silently, eager to gauge Lindsayâs reaction.
Lindsay seemed oblivious to the sarcasm.
âI guess it slipped out when I was getting my phone,â she admitted with a hint of guilt.
âIt was careless of me.
Iâll be more vigilant next time.
â
Ashamed, she turned to Stella.
âIâm really sorry, Stella.
â
Stella, seeing Lindsayâs distress, reassured her gently, âItâs okay, really.
No need to apologize to me.
â
Relieved, Lindsay responded, âIâm glad youâre not upset.
Iâll make sure it doesnât happen again.
â
Miley crossed her arms and retorted sharply, âPromises arenât enough.
Remember this, I donât want to come here again and find anything that doesnât belong to Stella.
â
Lindsay, clutching her lipstick, murmured softly, âUnderstood.
â
As Lindsay kept her gaze lowered, Stella said, trying to lighten the mood, âMiley can be blunt.
Donât take it too personally.
Why donât you go pack up your things? Your friend might be waiting.
The bodyguards at the door can help if you need it.
â
âOkay,â Lindsay replied, managing a small smile.
Yet, as she turned away, her expression grew somber.