Stella blinked, her surprise fleeting.
Ever since Matthew’s memory had been patchy, his moods swung unpredictably, and she’d long grown accustomed to the rollercoaster.
Masking her emotions, she replied with measured calm, “It’s fine.”
As Matthew’s eyes wandered, they landed on Stella’s tablet, where details of tomorrow’s Launch were displayed. Curiosity sparked in his expression. “Need any help with this?” he offered.
Stella’s answer came swiftly, firm and without a second thought. “No.”
Barely had the word escaped her lips when the office door swung open once more.
Sanford entered with a takeout bag. “Stella, I stopped by your favorite restaurant and picked something for you. You must be starving…”
However, he stopped mid-sentence when he noticed Matthew.
After a brief pause, Sanford shrugged off the surprise with a carefree smile, seemingly unfazed by Matthew’s presence.
He approached Stella and resumed his earlier thought, saying, “Have you eaten yet? You tend to forget meals when you’re caught up in work. Remember last time? You ended up in the hospital with a stomachache, which really worried me.”
His tone was so caring that Stella felt slightly overwhelmed and quickly replied, “I’m not hungry.”
Yet, just as she finished speaking, her stomach loudly contradicted her, rumbling audibly in the quiet studio. Stella turned red with embarrassment.
Sanford pretended not to hear the growl, completely ignoring Matthew.
He opened the takeout bag and placed the dishes before Stella, saying, “Don’t hold back. Eat a Little.”
Stella was torn, uncertain how to react.
.. Library
At this, Matthew’s temper flared unexpectedly. He stared at Stella and asked, “Were you waiting for Sanford?”
Stella’s silence spoke volumes, confirming his suspicion.
Matthew scowled and said to Sanford, “I’m taking her out to dinner. She’s still my wife and shouldn’t have to eat someone else’s food.”
Sanford laughed scornfully. “It’s just food, Matthew. Do you really need to be jealous? Besides, Stella is already hungry. If you really cared, why didn’t you bring her something to eat on your way? There’s already food here; why cause a scene?”
Instantly, Matthew’s expression turned grim. He fixed a stern look on Stella and demanded, “Are you coming with me or staying?”
Upon hearing Sanford’s mocking, Stella realized Matthew’s concern was not genuine-he was merely competing with Sanford.
She inhaled sharply and said firmly, “I’m not leaving. I have work to handle. If there’s nothing else, Matthew, you should go.”
Seeing Sanford’s self-satisfied grin, Matthew felt rage building inside him, growing hotter and more intense.
His eyes narrowed as he looked at Stella, his voice rising. “Stella, I’m asking you again. Are you coming with me or not?” he said decisively, leaving no room for argument.