After some time, Fernando returned to find Stella still engrossed in the contract. He cleared his throat and said, “If everything looks alright, you can go ahead and sign it.”
Stella paused, her brow furrowed as she noticed something. “This address doesn’t match the commercial space I requested, and it seems like this one’s already been taken. What’s going on here?”
Fernando’s heart raced, but he stayed calm. He didn’t want to reveal too much, fearing it might only lead to more questions. Instead, he quickly shifted focus to the advantages of the new location. “I understand, but even though this spot isn’t the exact one you had in mind, the area is still ideal. There’s heavy foot traffic, and transportation is convenient. It’s perfect for your business. You might want to consider that.”
Stella still felt something was off, but Fernando’s reasoning seemed reasonable enough, and she was convinced.
Reaching for the pen, she signed her name and started to stand up, ready to leave.
Just as she was about to head out, Fernando called her name.
Fernando’s face showed concern as he said, “Mr. Clark has been working nonstop all day, skipping meals. I’m really worried about his health if this continues.”
Stella’s brow furrowed ever so slightly at his words. She replied coolly, “That’s your job to manage, not mine. I’m no longer involved with him, so I don’t see why I should step in.”
Hearing Stella’s words, Fernando became even more convinced that there was a rift between her and Matthew. Desperately, he pleaded, “Please, give me a break. We used to be colleagues, after all. How can you just stand by and do nothing? Just this once, help me deliver the meal.”
Stella initially wanted to refuse, her resolve firm, but worry for Matthew’s health gnawed at her. Under Fernando’s persistent persuasion, she reluctantly gave in.
Taking the meal from Fernando, Stella walked to Matthew’s office door.
She took a deep breath, knocked, and pushed the door open. Without saying a word, she placed the meal on the table.
Assuming it was Fernando, Matthew didn’t bother to look up. Irritated, he snapped, “Get out. I have no appetite.”
When no response came, he impatiently looked up. His gaze softened the moment he saw Stella, and for a brief second, a flicker of joy lit his eyes.
Before he could say anything, Stella spoke coldly. “You’re old enough to know better than to skip meals. If you end up in the hospital with a stomachache, it’ll be Fernando who suffers-and your grandparents will worry too.”
The warmth in Matthew’s heart quickly faded. His expression darkened, and with a hint of defiance, he retorted, “What does it matter to you whether I eat or not? I don’t need you pretending to care.”
Stella, still upset over last night’s events, felt her anger flare at his obstinance.
Her voice was icy as she snapped, “Fine, do whatever you want!” She turned sharply and made for the door.
But just as she opened it a crack, Matthew darted over, slammed it shut, and locked it with swift determination.
Furious, Stella spun around, glaring at him. Her voice was sharp as she demanded, “What do you want?”
Matthew knew Stella would be coming by that afternoon to sign a contract. He had planned to use the opportunity to mend the strained tension between them, but things hadn’t gone as he’d hoped, leaving him simmering with frustration.
Stella, unwilling to engage in any further argument, tried to push past him to leave.
However, Matthew caught her wrists, his grip firm yet gentle. He lifted her hands and pressed them lightly against the door. Then, he leaned in slowly, the space between them shrinking with every passing second.
Panic flared in Stella’s chest, and she shouted, “Let go of me!” as she began to struggle fiercely against his hold