When Love Comes Late by PASSION

Introducing them, Doreen said, “Professor Perez, this is Stella Anderson, the woman I work for, founder of our studio.

”

Then, turning to Stella, she added, “And this is Alissa Perez, my professor.

”

Stella extended a polite greeting to Alissa.

The woman who stood before her was in her forties, exuding a mature charm and an elegant grace that seemed to illuminate her surroundings.

However, Stella couldn’t help but notice Alissa’s lingering gaze.

Feeling a twinge of self-consciousness, she wondered if her face was smeared with dirt and subconsciously brushed her cheek with her hand.

Observing Stella, Alissa explained, “I’m sorry, but you look incredibly familiar.

It’s so startling that I find myself unable to look away.

My apologies for staring.

”

Stella lowered her hand and offered a forgiving smile, responding lightly, “It’s no problem at all.

”

Alissa continued to gaze at Stella, curiosity piqued, and inquired, “Your last name isn’t common around Seamarsh.

Are you from here, Ms.

Anderson?”

her head, Stella replied, “No, I grew up in Bysea

here after I

”

she continued, “Did you just mention you had a

seemed unusual, and Stella,

“Yes, he raised me.

”

strange look on

quickly dismissed

“Oh, no, it’s nothing.

confused you with

”

awkwardness, Stella got straight to

Perez, I’ve come to

working on a project that

the pattern

not skilled in embroidery myself, I’m hoping

”

Stella unfolded a design draft and pointed to a specific

it would take two days to complete this pattern, but she had to attend to an emergency and couldn’t

need this dress completed

tight deadline and ensure the work

respond right

do everything we can to meet your needs, whatever they

”

Alissa shook her head.

don’t need anything,” she

but it’ll take at least a