When Love Comes Late

Stella paused briefly before replying softly, “Yes, he has been back for a few days.

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Sanford, watching Stella’s profile closely, probed further, “Are things difficult between you two?”

His words struck a nerve, and Stella shot him a frown.

Sanford looked at the drinks scattered on the table, offering an apologetic smile as he explained, “I saw you drinking alone.

Most people only do that when they’re nursing some emotional pain.

Besides, if everything was alright, Matthew would not have let you come to a bar by yourself, right?”

His perception left Stella without a response.

She lowered her gaze, tending to her wound with a casual air, and murmured, “You’re overthinking it.

”

Once the wound was cleaned, she gently applied a bandage over it.

With that done, she glanced back at Sanford, offering a polite smile.

“Thank you.

”

Sanford raised an eyebrow slightly.

“No need to thank me.

I rarely get an opportunity to be of service to you.

”

Stella’s expression tightened, not in the mood to engage with him.

She cut straight to the chase.

“Why do you have such an interest in me?”

Swirling his drink, Sanford locked eyes with Stella.

After a brief pause, he smiled, downed his drink in one swift motion, and set the glass down.

Stella’s frown grew more pronounced, but before she could pose another question, Sanford spoke up once more.

With an intense gaze fixed on Stella, he posed a rhetorical question.

“What do you think motivates a man to show interest in a woman? Are there other reasons you can think of?”

This statement left Stella feeling oddly composed.

She detected no genuine sentiment in Sanford’s words, reinforcing her belief that Matthew’s earlier counsel to keep her distance was wise.

It was evident that Sanford had hidden agendas.

The mere thought of Matthew made it hard for her to breathe once more.

Her face went pale as she suppressed her emotions and responded with a formal tone, “I appreciate your attention, Mr.

Quimby, but I am married.

”

Sanford smiled with understanding.

He then stood, adjusted his jacket, and said with assurance, “Life is long.

I just hope you will consider the possibility of giving me a chance someday.

”

After saying that, Sanford glanced toward the door.

He paused before continuing, “I believe your friend has arrived.

I’ll leave you to it.

”

He then signaled a waiter and said firmly, “Put it on my tab, but no more drinks for them.

Two ladies alone must take care.

”