Matthew hung up and found himself gazing at the phone screen that bore Stella’s name. The image of her earlier disappointed look lingered in his mind, piercing his heart like a sharp blade and weighing it down with sadness.
The depth of emotion Stella stirred in him baffled Matthew. His memories of her were as blank as an unwritten book, yet the sight of her distress seemed to twist his heart with an invisible grip, leaving him swathed in confusion and distress.
Elsewhere, Bella, leaning on Stella and Alissa for support, settled into the car, her emotions swirling. Upon arriving home, concern etched her face as she turned to Stella and asked, “Has Matthew been treating you this way recently? He wasn’t like this in the past.”
Alissa echoed the concern, her eyes clouded with worry. “Stella, please don’t keep things from us. If Matthew is mistreating you, we’ll stand by you.”
A wave of gratitude washed over Stella, and she managed a reassuring smile. “Thank you, but honestly, it’s nothing. Conflict is just a part of any relationship. We’ll sort it out ourselves.”
Bella’s frown deepened, her resolve hardening. “I appreciate that Lindsay helped Matthew, and for that, we owe her thanks, but her family shouldn’t be stirring up trouble. What do the Clark family elders think of Lindsay? Surely, they wouldn’t allow the Wheeler family to bully you like this.”
Stella responded honestly, “When the Wheelers came to the Clark family home today, they had an argument with Lucia. Both Lucia and Waldo are principled and won’t bend their values for Lindsay or anyone else.”
Hearing that, Bella felt a flicker of reassurance. However, memories of Matthew’s recent behavior clouded her thoughts. She turned to Stella with a concerned look and asked, “When will Matthew’s memory come back? What if he never returns to how he was?”
Stella considered the latest test results, and Cordell had yet to update them about the arrangement of the surgery.
With a forced smile that couldn’t hide the sadness in her eyes, she replied, “Mom, we’ve both been through the ordeal of losing our memories. Look at us; neither has fully recovered yet. I doubt Matthew’s recovery will be swift, especially with his upcoming surgery. The outlook isn’t very hopeful.”
Bella’s frown deepened, her voice tinged with indignation. “But ever since he lost his memory, Matthew has been like a completely different person. While everyone is sympathetic, if he continues this way, it will really dishearten those who care about him.”
Stella bowed her head, enveloped in silence once more.
Indeed, she felt disheartened and frequently found herself grappling with her feelings toward Matthew, struggling to empathize with him.
This internal conflict was a source of profound pain.
Bella was about to say more, but Alissa gently tugged at her arm, a silent plea to consider Stella’s fragile emotional state.
Bella observed Stella’s downcast expression, sighed softly, and reached out to gently touch her hand. “It pains me to see you shoulder so much burden while Matthew is like this.”
Stella raised her eyes, a spark of determination flickering within them. “If I were the one who had forgotten everything, I’m certain Matthew would stand by my side, through thick and thin. So, I’ll do no less for him during this trying time.”
As Stella’s words echoed in the quiet, her phone suddenly rang, pulling her abruptly from her resolve. She glanced at the screen to see Matthew calling.
Bella and Alissa noticed the caller ID as well, and Alissa quickly chimed in, “Answer it, Stella. Maybe Matthew wants to clear the air. I’ll stay with Bella tonight. You two should have a heart-to-heart. Try to sort out any misunderstandings as soon as possible.”
Without waiting for Stella’s reply, Alissa ushered Bella away, giving Stella the space she needed.
The incessant ringing of the phone pulled Stella from her thoughts, leaving her puzzled and slightly on edge. Why would Matthew call now?
Yet, beneath her confusion, a glimmer of hope sparked-could he have justified reasons for defending Lindsay?
Holding onto that sliver of hope, Stella pressed the answer button.
Silence stretched between them as the call connected, neither willing to break it. The quiet was thick, laden with unspoken words.