When Love Comes Late by PASSION

Everything felt like an insurmountable weight pressing on her chest.

Her exhaustion caught up with her, and before she realized it, she had drifted off to sleep.

A knock at the door startled her awake sometime around noon.

She sat up abruptly, her stiff body protesting the sudden movement.

Her mind felt foggy as she tried to reorient herself.

Stella, are you in there? came Doreens gentle voice from outside.

Quickly smoothing her hair and straightening her clothes, Stella called out, Come in.

She felt the heavy weight of fatigue lingering as though her energy had been drained completely.

Lately, it seemed she could fall asleep anywhere, at any time.

Doreen entered and immediately noticed Stellas pale face and tired eyes.

Stella, you look absolutely worn out, she said, her tone filled with concern.

Maybe you should go home and rest for a bit? Stella shook her head firmly.

I cant.

Theres too much going on right now. I dont have the time.

a

a young man outside asking

Stellas brows furrowed.

quickly dismissed the ideaDoreen knew Sanford, so

more, Doreen added,

Lowell sent him.

had asked Bennett to help her investigate

Doreen, she said, Let him

and stepped

escorting a

he was inside, Doreen excused herself with a tactful bow, leaving

with an air

Good afternoon.

name is Dexter

graduate from Stella held

need for a

him a folder that Doreen had prepared

contain details about the chandelier incident at the launch event

to review

on the warehouse fire and see if

folder with a

Understood.

the bottom of it as quickly as

that, he gave a respectful nod and

Dexter proved