Chapter 2157
When Love Comes Late
Her eyes fluttered open, her slender fingers encasing his hand.
In her groggy state, she seemed unable to discern whether she was dreaming or awake, her instinct urging her not to let him go.
Then, in a soft whisper barely louder than a sigh, she murmured, âDonât goâ¦â Her voice trailed off as her eyes closed again.
As Stella awoke, the room was draped in the soft hues of evening.
Her eyes fluttered open to the sight of a familiar faceâMiley.
With an exclamation of surprise, Miley cried, âStella, youâre finally awake!â
Stellaâs gaze quickly darted away from Miley, her eyes scanning the room as if searching for something.
âWhatâs wrong?â Miley watched her with a furrowed brow, concern etching her features.
Silence hung between them as Stella continued her survey of the room.
Once convinced they were alone, a shadow of disappointment crossed her face.
She mustered a weary smile.
âIâm fine; donât worry about me.
â
Miley let out a sigh of relief.
âI was worried sick, you know?â
Stella offered an apologetic smile.
âWhy are you here?â she inquired gently.
Miley moved to pick up a glass from the side table, filling it with water for Stella.
As she handed it over, she explained, âAfter our phone call, I was still worried about you, so I came over to check on you, and then found out youâd fainted!â
As Stella accepted the glass, vague images flashed through her mind, and she asked anxiously, âMiley, was anyone else in my room when you arrived?â
Mileyâs expression clouded with confusion.
âErin was here earlier,â she admitted.
âShe told me sheâd prepared some food for you in the kitchen, so youâd have something to eat when you woke up.
â
She then asked, âAre you hungry? Iâll go heat it up.
â
Disappointment washed over Stella again, and she shook her head, her voice a whisper.
âI donât have any appetite.
â
Miley sighed deeply, sitting on the edge of the bed.
She reached out, touching Stellaâs hand reassuringly.
âI know youâre upset, but you mustnât neglect your health.
Perhaps Matthew is facing his own troubles.
Youâve been through so much together; Iâm certain he wouldnât think of divorcing you.
â
With a bitter smile, Stella revealed, âHeâs already asked Erin to pack his bags.
Heâs planning to leave Prosper Bay.
â
Stunned, Miley struggled to find the words.
Taking a deep breath, Stella gathered her strength.
âDonât worry about me.
Iâll figure out whatâs happened to him in Sothrea.
â
Seeing Stellaâs resolve, Miley exhaled in relief and assured her firmly, âOkay.
Rest easy.
Neville and I are here for you.
â
Stella smiled with relief.
Meanwhile, Neville and Cordell made their way to the Prosperity Groupâs headquarters, determined to confront Matthew.