When Love Comes Late

The sharp pain blurred her vision and gradually dimmed her consciousness.

She lost track of time until a sudden knock on the window jolted her back to awareness.

She slowly regained her senses and, through a haze of pain, saw Sanford standing outside.

With effort, she straightened up and rolled down the window.

Looking at the man outside the car, she asked in a weak voice, “Why are you here?”

Noting her pallid complexion, Sanford’s brow furrowed in concern.

His voice carried a deep, worried tone.

“What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”

Stella shook her head, reluctant to burden Sanford further.

Sanford, perceiving her stubbornness, spoke with concern.

“I sensed something was wrong with you tonight.

You didn’t look well, and it worried me, so I followed you.

If I hadn’t come, don’t you think you were going to faint in the car tonight?”

Stella felt a wave of discomfort, her bitterness and sense of injustice intensifying.

Previously, Matthew had always noticed immediately when she was unwell.

Yet this time, despite being in the same car, he hadn’t realized anything.

Seeing Stella’s silence, Sanford’s worry deepened.

He insisted firmly, “Get out of the car now.

We’re close to the hospital.

I’ll take you to the emergency room.

”

Stella instinctively protested, “There’s no need.

I probably just had too little to eat and too much wine at the party.

I’ll be fine after some rest.

It’s late; you should go home and rest too.

”

Sanford’s frustration flared.

His voice turned cold as he demanded, “Where is Matthew?”

Stella’s expression shifted ever so slightly.

Despite her grievances, she forced a smile and said, “He had something urgent and had to leave early.

”

Sanford’s anger intensified.

He demanded, “He was sick, and you took him to the hospital.

Now that you’re sick, he just leaves you here alone?”

Stella tried to defend Matthew.

“It was a real emergency, and he had to go.

”

After making her point, she closed off any further conversation about Matthew.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

The thought of him was like twisting a knife in her already wounded heart.

Sanford was both angry and sympathetic.

His tone firm, he instructed, “Get out of the car.

I have some medicine in mine.

If you’re not going to the hospital, at least take the medicine.

You’re in no shape to drive.

I’ll take you home.

”

Stella felt reluctant and remained seated.

Sanford fixed her with a penetrating look, his voice carrying a hint of coercion.

“Are you going to come down by yourself, or do you want me to help you out?”

Cornered, Stella knew she couldn’t let him carry her.

Besides, her stomachache was becoming unbearable.

Wanting to end the ordeal, she quickly said, “I’ll get down myself.

”

She stepped out of the car and followed Sanford to his vehicle.

Sanford took out some medicine and a bottle of water, thoughtfully loosening the cap before handing it to her.