Chapter 2165
When Love Comes Late
The iciness in his eyes was a blow that nearly knocked the wind out of her.
It was clear-he didnât believe Lindsayâs claim of innocence on her part.
His cold stare cut through Stella like a blade, but she pushed through the pain, her voice trembling as she tried to explain.
âI didnât push her.
I have no reason to harm her.
â
But Matthewâs gaze remained steely, devoid of warmth, as if her words were nothing more than echoes in the wind.
In that crushing instant, Stella knew-he didnât just suspect her; he had already judged and condemned her.
The weight of this realization pulled her heart into a dark abyss.
Lindsay, looking as fragile as a porcelain doll, piped up through gritted teeth, âPerhaps the wheelchair slipped.
Stella really didnât mean to hurt me.
She has no reason to.
â
Matthewâs eyes narrowed as he snapped at Stella.
âLindsayâs still learning to manage the wheelchair.
She needs help wherever she goes.
â
A bitter smile twisted Stellaâs lips as she bit back, âIn your eyes, am I truly such a monster?â
âDonât ask me.
I donât know you well,â Matthew replied indifferently.
âAsk your own conscience.
â
Lindsay, savoring the discord she had sown between them, could barely contain her glee.
When she was certain no one was watching, she allowed herself a small, triumphant smile.
Tears welled in Stellaâs eyes, the pain of Matthewâs distrust far outweighing the ache in her body.
Clinging desperately to the last thread of hope, she asked, her voice trembling like a leaf in the wind, âWeâve loved each other for so long.
And now you say you donât know me well? Was it all a lie?â
Lindsay, alarmed that Stella might mention too much of their past, hurriedly intervened, her voice urgent as she pleaded, âMatthew, please, donât blame her.
My arm is bleeding, and it hurts so much.
Can you help me with the wound?â
Matthewâs expression softened as he nodded at Lindsay, his tone gentle.
âAlright.
Letâs go.
â
He began to push Lindsayâs wheelchair, his attention solely on her as they moved to leave.
But as they passed Stella, Matthew delivered a final, cold blow.
âSign the divorce papers.
I donât want to see you again.
â
Hearing this, Lindsayâs smile grew wider, satisfaction curling in her heart.
Her plan was working flawlessly.
With each calculated move, she was driving a deeper wedge between Matthew and Stella.
Once the divorce was final, she was certain Matthew would be hers.
Stella watched their retreating figures, her strength crumbling as she collapsed onto the ground, her heart shattering into a million irreparable pieces.
Matthewâs heartless words echoed in her mind, and the tears flowed freely, her sobs wracking her body like a storm.
There was no longer any reason to pretend.
The man she had once known had vanished-replaced by a stranger, cold and merciless.