Matthews response was faint, almost drowned out by the weight of his words.
Its not her.
Nevilles curiosity nudged him forward.
Is it about Ste? Cordell, watching Matthew closely, furrowed his brow.
He had seen Matthew and Ste together earlier at the hospital, and their departure had seemed perfectly fine.
How could things have spiraled so quickly in just a few short hours? Matthew remained silent.
He picked up his ss of water, took a slow sip, and then sat back, his gaze clouded with a storm of emotions tooplex to unravel.
Seeing Matthews silence, Neville pressed on, his voice deliberate.
Ste is still young, beautiful, and capable.
If youre really contemting divorce, maybe its better to rip off the band-aid sooner rather thanter.
Youre notcking admirers, and if Ste finds herself single again, Im sure therell be no shortage of suitors.
It might even be for the best for both of you.
At these words, Cordells instincts kicked in. He quickly tugged at Nevilles sleeve, whispering urgently, Stop talking.
Youre only adding fuel to the fire.
But Neville, undeterred, continued, Matthew, instead of drowning in your drink, why not face the problem head-on? Didnt you n on divorcing Ste? Whats holding you back now? Matthews grip on his ss tightened, his knuckles paling under the pressure.
His cold gaze shot a warning so sharp it could freeze the air.
Neville, seemingly unfazed by the ice in Matthews stare, continued, Ive heard Mileys got someone lined up for Ste.
Theyre just waiting for you two to finalize things.
The mans already ready to go.
Matthews face hardened.
His voice cut through the air.
Dont you dare have such ns for Ste.
Neville arched an eyebrow, a teasing smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
Oh? You care so much about Ste.
If thats the case, why are you two at odds? Is married life too boring for you, and youve decided to spice it up with drama? At that moment, Cordell realized Neville was pushing Matthews buttons on purpose. Yet, he couldnt shake the feeling that Matthews recent behavior toward Ste was unnecessarily harsh.
Perhaps this provocation might help Matthew see things with clearer eyes.
Matthews mind was in turmoil.
He couldnt make sense of his feelings for Ste anymore.
He had once been resolute in his decision to divorce her, but now, even the thought of it left him uneasy-like a fire burning beneath his skin, too hot to ignore, yet too confusing to understand.
Cordell, sensing the deeper struggle, spoke up, his voice soft but earnest.
Stes always been there for you, especially with your amnesia.
Shes been patient, understanding your pain, and constantly thinking of you.
But you cant keep pushing her away like this.
Even the strongest rtionships have their breaking points.
He recalled the scene earlier at the hospital, when Lindsay had suddenly appeared, and his tone grew more serious.
If you dont handle the situation with Lindsay, you might really end up divorcing Ste.
Matthew paused for a moment, his voice barely above a whisper as he finally said, I understand. Neville, however, was unyielding.
If you truly understood, you wouldnt be here sulking over a drink.
If you keep this up, youll push Ste away for good.
Then what? Youll regret it.
Matthews brows furrowed, his expression growing tense.
A flicker of worry clouded his eyes, making his seriousness all the more evident.
Neville had meant to tease, but Matthews sudden shift in demeanor left him startled.
Concerned, he asked, Whats wrong? Has Ste really stopped Liking you? Matthews face darkened further, a shadow crossing his features.
He was all too aware of the people Ste frequently interacted with.
The young man he saw at her studio earlier was unfamiliar, and their casual, animated conversation didnt seem like one between business partners.
What unsettled him the most was Stes demeanor-so warm and rxed with the stranger, a side she rarely showed around him.
The thought gnawed at him.