“Matthew, I’m truly heartbroken.”
Upon seeing Lindsay’s tear-streaked cheeks, irritation was the only emotion Matthew could muster.
He struggled to remain unaffected by her distress, yet a sense of duty compelled him to offer comfort. “Don’t cry, Lindsay. I’m exploring options with other specialists. Should there be any positive developments, I’ll take you abroad for treatment.”
Lindsay sobbed, her voice shaking with doubt. “Ronan is a top expert in this field. If he can’t help, what hope do we have with anyone else?”
Matthew resolved to keep his tone gentle, encouraging her. “The world is vast, Lindsay, and there’s always a glimmer of hope. We mustn’t lose faith just yet.”
As her tears subsided, a flicker of hope sparked in Lindsay’s eyes.
She grasped at this newfound possibility, her voice steadying as she made a heartfelt request. “Matthew, could you come with me to my next rehab session? Your support means everything to me.”
Matthew’s gut twisted with the suspicion that Stella would be upset if he accompanied Lindsay to her rehab session.
He wavered, descending into a thoughtful silence.
Witnessing his indecision, Lindsay’s voice softened with desperation.
“Matthew, please, just this once, okay? Having your support makes rehab a little less daunting.”
Matthew wrestled with his thoughts for a moment before yielding. “If I can manage the time, I’ll be there.”
Lindsay’s face lit up with a hopeful smile upon his words.
She then made a gentle gesture toward the ointment tube on the table.
“Let me apply this for you.”
Matthew, however, showed reluctance. He casually checked his watch and said, “I’m due in a meeting in three minutes. You should probably head back now; the store renovation won’t handle itself. If you hit any snags, Fernando’s your guy.”
Lindsay had envisioned a cozy lunch with Matthew, a chance to deepen their connection. But his curt dismissal deflated her spirits, leaving her to accept his decision quietly. “Alright then, I’ll let you be. No more interruptions.”
As she left the office, Lindsay’s spirits sank further.
The more she pondered, the more she was convinced that the bruises marring Matthew’s face had something to do with Stella.
Her ears still rang with the echo of a woman’s voice near Matthew the previous night. Undoubtedly, it was Stella.
Seeing Stella as too wily, Lindsay realized that mere misunderstandings wouldn’t sever the ties binding her to Matthew. A more cunning plan was essential.
With a heavy heart, Lindsay returned home, her frustration barely contained.
As soon as she opened the door, the sight of Robin lounging carelessly on the sofa grated on her nerves.
Her mood nosedived, sparking an irritable demand. “What are you doing here?”