But Matthew was faster. He grabbed her outstretched arm by the wrist, and pulled her onto his lap in one fluid motion. The next thing Stella knew, he had taken her lips in a rough and forceful kiss.
Matthew held her flush against his chest, as if he wanted to absorb her into his very being.
Even so, Stella struggled to escape, pushing against his shoulders while trying to break free from his kiss. But her strength was no match against Matthew’s. He held her in a death grip, and his tongue kept trying to part her teeth to gain access to her mouth.
The only sound that could be heard were their heavy breathing and the occasional grunts as they continued to struggle with each other.
The air grew hot and thick with sexual tension.
When she could no longer bear his aggression, Stella went ahead and bit Matthew’s lip.
It worked. Matthew flinched and loosened his grip, albeit only a little. More importantly, though, it ended his brutal kiss.
Their breathing steadied, slowly syncing as they both found a calmer rhythm.
A flicker of regret shadowed Matthew’s eyes when he looked at Stella.
He had envisioned this evening as a fresh start to mend their strained relationship. However, the unexpected sight of Sanford by her side had ignited a sudden blaze of jealousy that he couldn’t quench.
With a gentle touch, Matthew caressed Stella’s cheek and offered a heartfelt apology. “I’m sorry, Stella. My actions were too hasty; I lost myself for a moment there.”
Stella was momentarily stunned by his sudden remorse. His apology hung in the air, heavy with unexpected sincerity, and she found herself at a loss for words.
Matthew’s eyes softened as he continued, “Please, don’t hold this against me. The last thing I want is for us to be at odds. It pains me deeply every time we argue.”
The reason behind his pain remained elusive, yet the sight of Stella’s tears during their quarrels always tugged at his heartstrings, leaving a dull ache that lingered long after.
Silence fell between them, thick with unsaid words. Stella knew Matthew was dancing around the true issue-unaware or perhaps unwilling to confront the heart of their conflict.
Exhausted by the emotional whirlwind, Stella sighed deeply and made a simple request. “Take me home, please.”
Matthew paused, his expression hopeful. “Why don’t we stop for a bite? You haven’t had dinner yet.”
Her reply was frosty, her tone detached. “I’m not hungry. I really don’t feel like eating right now.”
With a nod of reluctant acceptance, Matthew helped Stella into the passenger seat, ensuring her comfort with a gentle precision. He then started the car and they headed toward Prosper Bay.
As they drove, Stella leaned back, closing her eyes to the world yet her mind remained acutely awake, tracing over the contours of their recent conflicts.
A heavy sense of injustice weighed on her, and silent tears began to stream down her cheeks.
In the quiet solitude of her thoughts, Stella contemplated the drastic changes in Matthew. She would’ve divorced him without hesitation if these changes hadn’t been caused by his amnesia. It was simply too exhausting to continue like this.
When they reached Prosper Bay, Erin emerged as she heard the car approaching. Her eyes immediately widened at the sight of Matthew’s bruised face. With a mix of concern and confusion, she exclaimed, “Mr. Clark, what happened to your face? Did you get into a fight?”
Stella cast a fleeting glance at Matthew’s bruise, a silent acknowledgment, before she ascended the stairs with determined steps.