When Love Comes Late by PASSION

His eyes twinkling, Matthew laughed.

“Not even close.

”

Stella, half-amused and half-serious, cautioned him, “Don’t overstep.

”

“It’s merely a ki*s.

How can it be too much?” Matthew quipped, his eyebrows arching playfully.

They had grown close, making it hard for him to pull away despite Stella’s insistent nudges.

Finally, he left the room reluctantly.

No sooner had Matthew left than Elizabeth entered the office, her demeanor stormy after having inquired around to locate this new workplace.

Her anger palpable, she made no effort to hide her feelings.

Upon seeing that Matthew wasn’t there, Elizabeth dropped all pretense of civility, strode past Stella without acknowledgment, and took a seat in the office chair with an air of authority.

face void of

be aware that I’ll be taking over my mother’s responsibilities in your project from

”

chose not to respond, which only spurred Elizabeth

my words as if they were my mother’s

consult me before making

Stella replied dismissively, eager to avoid any

Stella then said, “If there’s nothing else of importance, I need to get

leaving

flat, eliciting none of the expected irritation or

lack of reaction left Elizabeth feeling

rage, Elizabeth stood abruptly,

you can just take over my mother’s studio by

I’m her daughter.

favor with her temporarily, but you

away from my mother,” she snapped,

departed, Stella remained seated,

her efforts to appear unfazed, Elizabeth’s words had deeply

kind of maternal support that Elizabeth received from Bella, a safety net that would shield her even

doubted she’d ever experience that kind