Ste blinked, her surprise fleeting.


    Ever since Matthews memory had been patchy, his moods swung unpredictably, and shed long grown ustomed to the rollercoaster.


    Masking her emotions, she replied with measured calm, Its fine.


    As Matthews eyes wandered, theynded on Stes tablet, where details of tomorrows Launch were disyed.


    Curiosity sparked in his expression.


    Need any help with this? he offered.


    Stes answer came swiftly, firm and without a second thought.


    No.


    Barely had the word escaped her lips when the office door swung open once more.


    Sanford entered with a takeout bag. Ste, I stopped by your favorite restaurant and picked something for you.


    You must be starving… However, he stopped mid-sentence when he noticed Matthew.


    After a brief pause, Sanford shrugged off the surprise with a carefree smile, seemingly unfazed by Matthews presence.


    He approached Ste and resumed his earlier thought, saying, Have you eaten yet? You tend to forget meals when youre caught up in work.


    Rememberst time? You ended up in the hospital with a stomachache, which really worried me.


    His tone was so caring that Ste felt slightly overwhelmed and quickly replied, Im not hungry.


    Yet, just as she finished speaking, her stomach loudly contradicted her, rumbling audibly in the quiet studio.


    Ste turned red with embarrassment.


    Sanford pretended not to hear the growl,pletely ignoring Matthew.


    He opened the takeout bag and ced the dishes before Ste, saying, Dont hold back. Eat a Little.


    Ste was torn, uncertain how to react.


    ..


    Library At this, Matthews temper red unexpectedly.


    He stared at Ste and asked, Were you waiting for Sanford? Stes silence spoke volumes, confirming his suspicion.


    Matthew scowled and said to Sanford, Im taking her out to dinner.


    Shes still my wife and shouldnt have to eat someone elses food.


    Sanfordughed scornfully.


    Its just food, Matthew.


    Do you really need to be jealous? Besides, Ste is already hungry. If you really cared, why didnt you bring her something to eat on your way? Theres already food here; why cause a scene? Instantly, Matthews expression turned grim.


    He fixed a stern look on Ste and demanded, Are youing with me or staying? Upon hearing Sanfords mocking, Ste realized Matthews concern was not genuine-he was merelypeting with Sanford.


    She inhaled sharply and said firmly, Im not leaving.


    I have work to handle.


    If theres nothing else, Matthew, you should go.


    Seeing Sanfords self-satisfied grin, Matthew felt rage building inside him, growing hotter and more intense.


    His eyes narrowed as he looked at Ste, his voice rising.


    Ste, Im asking you again.


    Are youing with me or not? he said decisively, leaving no room for argument.