When Love Comes Late

After taking the medicine, she thanked him with sincere gratitude.

Sanford’s demeanor softened, and he replied in a gentler tone, “No need for thanks.

”

The medicine quickly soothed Stella’s stomach pain.

She glanced at him, feeling somewhat embarrassed.

“I’m feeling a lot better now.

I’ll head back.

”

However, Sanford leaned in and fastened her seatbelt before she could voice any objection.

Startled, Stella instinctively leaned back.

Their close proximity allowed him to detect the faint fragrance she wore.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

He swallowed hard, quickly securing her seatbelt before settling back into his seat.

“Sorry if I was a bit presumptuous.

You’re not well enough to drive alone.

I’ll drive you home.

”

.

.

Library

Though calmer, Stella still instinctively wanted to refuse.

Sanford saw her hesitation and quickly added, “Don’t overthink it.

You’re Kori’s daughter and Bennett’s cousin.

It’s late, and he would be upset if he knew I let you go back alone.

”

Exhausted by the day’s events and with an important meeting looming early the next morning, Stella knew Sanford well enough to realize he wouldn’t relent until he saw her safely home.

She summoned her strength and requested, “Please take me to Prosper Bay.

”

Once she spoke, she closed her eyes and leaned back to relax.

Sanford glanced at her briefly and then quietly started the car.

Although Stella had her eyes closed, sleep was far from her mind.

Instead, her thoughts raced.

She couldn’t stop wondering why Lindsay had called Matthew so late.

What were they up to? Would Matthew end up staying at Lindsay’s apartment tonight?

The more she dwelled on these thoughts, the more drained and heartbroken she felt.

It was clearly emotional self-torture.

Just out of the hospital, Cordell noticed Stella climbing into a car he didn’t recognize, while the familiar Clark family car sat untouched.

Puzzled, he walked over to the car, only to find it empty.

He dialed Matthew’s number and asked, “I saw Stella getting into a car with an unfamiliar license plate.

Didn’t you go back together?”

Matthew responded icily, “Did you see the license plate number?”

After a brief pause, Cordell remembered a few digits and shared them with Matthew truthfully.