She was unsure whether to trust Matthew again, considering how his behavior after his memory loss had hurt her deeply.


    Then, Matthew gently turned her by the shoulders to face him directly.


    Matthew continued earnestly, We are still legally married.


    During those difficult times, you remained with the rk family, waiting for me.


    Our issues are just misunderstandings that shouldnt destroy what we have.


    Once I get my memory back, lets start a family.


    Stes eyes widened in surprise.


    This was the first time Matthew had expressed a desire to start a family.


    Some time ago, they had mistakenly believed she was pregnant.


    During that time, he had shown signs of changing his stance, but had remained hesitant. Ste found herself speechless, grappling with how to react to Matthews unexpected statement.


    Then, Matthew began to lower himself, seemingly about to kneel.


    Ste was genuinely startled.


    She instinctively grabbed his hand, urging him to stand up without hesitation.


    What are you doing? Stand up.


    Matthew, however, simply chuckled at her flustered expression.


    He exined, Your dress got caught.


    Embarrassment washed over Ste.


    She hadnt expected to feel so nervous.


    Feigning innocence, Matthew adjusted the hem of her dress. Then, with a yful smile, he pulled her into a gentle embrace.


    When I propose, I promise Ill kneel, he said teasingly.


    The timing isnt right now, but if you decide on a wedding, I can start preparing immediately.


    Stes cheeks flushed a deep red.


    She gave him a soft push and said, Get out.


    I need to change.


    This time, Matthew didnt tease her further.


    He left obediently, hisughter echoing softly as he walked away.


    Watching him retreat, Ste was overwhelmed by a surge of conflicting emotions.


    She patted her face, silently scolding herself for being so easily affected by him. Back at Prosper Bay, Ste went straight to her room to freshen up, leaving Matthew behind.


    Once in the sanctuary of her bathroom, she soaked in the bathtub, allowing her thoughts to settle.


    The evening was unusually uneventful, she realized.


    After some reflection, it struck her-Lindsay hadnt contacted Matthew all night.


    Meanwhile, in a private cinema, a shadowy figure stood with her back to Doreen.


    The woman wore a baseball cap that cast her face into deep shadow, concealing her identitypletely.


    Earlier, Doreen had left the studio, intending to take the bus home.


    However, a man had approached her and taken her to this secluded venue.


    Now, facing this stranger, Doreen couldnt shake her unease.


    She stared at the woman warily and demanded, What do you want? You know kidnapping is a crime, right? The womans voice was calm but chilling as she proposed, without preamble, a coboration.