When Love Comes Late by PASSION

Her words struck Matthew like a bolt.

His brows knitted together as he quickly asked, You mean Stella didnt tell you herself? You overheard about the divorce? Lucia, oblivious to the sudden edge in his voice, continued, We had some free time today, so we thought wed check on you at Prosper Bay.

Thats when we overheard- Before she could finish, Matthew cut her off sharply, his tone clipped.

I get it, Grandma.

Lets talk about it another time.

Ive got something to take care of.

Without waiting for a response, he hung up abruptly, leaving the conversation unresolved.

Matthew leaned back in his chair, his thoughts tangled.

His phone was already in hand, Stellas number glowing on the screen.

His finger hovered indecisively over the call button.

Lucias words replayed in his mind, stirring up a storm of emotions that made it impossible for him to act.

Across the city, night had fallen, and neon lights illuminated the streets in a kaleidoscope of colors. Inside Stellas studio, the atmosphere was bright and bustling.

She was deeply immersed in the final preparations for the new product launch, her team buzzing around her with documents and discussions filling the air.

the clock ticked closer to eight, a collective sense of accomplishment settled over the

details had been ironed

exhaled, a small, satisfied smile appearing on her

an amazing job today, she said warmly

home and get some

take care of

team filed out gradually, Leaving the

Stella began organizing her desk, her

the

Sanford began, his voice steady, hows everything looking for tomorrows launch? Are you running into any trouble? Stella tucked the phone between her shoulder and

she

touches left, but nothing I

didnt miss

by to lend a

one, right? Stella waved off the suggestion with a

No need, really.

almost wrapped

a long day-go catch some

Sanford wasnt one to

down, insisting on coming

with no choice, Stella relented, albeit