His voice softened, tinged with a hint of pleading. “Talk to me. You’ve been ignoring me all day and night. I’ve already reflected on my mistakes.”
Stella’s expression was unwavering as she replied, “Let’s see how you behave.”
With that, she spun on her heel and left the room.
Out in the hallway, Neville and Miley were enthusiastically recounting the scene to Cordell, who had been waiting outside.
The moment Stella emerged, their laughter died down, and they fell silent, though their amusement was still evident. Stella’s cheeks flushed an even deeper shade of red.
Matthew followed her out and directed a stern look at Neville and Cordell. “Enough is enough. What brings you here?”
Neville glanced between Matthew and Stella before explaining, “We heard Clint was hospitalized, so we came to check in. Plus, Cordell has something to discuss.”
Cordell stepped forward and added, “I’ve located a specialist for Matthew’s condition. It depends on Matthew’s schedule, and I can arrange for the doctor to visit Seamarsh.”
Upon hearing this, tension and worry instantly clouded Stella’s face.
For a moment, the natural rhythm of her recent interactions with Matthew had made her forget the gravity of the health issue Looming over him.
Her gaze locked onto Matthew, her unease evident in her eyes.
Matthew’s expression turned serious, and he instinctively glanced at Stella, their eyes meeting in a silent exchange of concern.
Cordell broke the moment, his tone steady but urgent. “The surgery needs to be done as soon as possible. Delaying it could increase the risks significantly.”
Stella averted her gaze, turning toward Cordell with a determined yet anxious expression. “Can the doctor you found guarantee the success of the surgery?” she asked, her voice laced with worry.
Cordell responded with measured honesty, “There’s no guarantee of complete success. Every surgery has its risks. But this doctor is a leading authority in the field and will do everything in his power to ensure the best outcome.”
Matthew reached for Stella’s hand, his grip both firm and reassuring.
Looking at Cordell, he said with quiet determination, “Let’s schedule it for this week.”
He knew the time for hesitation had passed. He couldn’t bear to let Stella continue worrying, and he understood the urgency of acting now.
After briefly visiting Clint in the next room, the three returned, their thoughts weighed down by what lay ahead.
Stella walked back absentmindedly, her mind consumed by thoughts of Matthew’s condition. The weight of Cordell’s words lingered heavily in her heart.
Sensing her distraction, Matthew gently pulled her into the next room.
He had noticed how frequently her thoughts seemed to drift, and he knew exactly what was troubling her.
Wrapping his arms around her, he held her close, his voice soft yet reassuring. “Trust Cordell, and trust me. I’ll be fine.”
Stella nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’m just a bit uneasy.”