When Love Comes Late

Fernando shook his head, unaware of any new developments.

He proceeded with the plan, escorting Stella and Bella inside for a quick check-up before their flight back to Seamarsh.

Despite the reassurances, Stellas intuition screamed that trouble was brewing.

Her heart thudded against her chest, echoing her fears.

Fernando had picked up on the unease in Stellas expression too, but his immediate focus was getting Stella and Bella comfortably situated.

Once they reached the examination room, the doctor Fernando had called in was already there, swiftly tending to Bella.

Outside, Stella ran into Miley, who Looked harried and noticeably shaken.

She scanned Stella anxiously before blurting out, Stella, are you alright? Im fine.

Stella nodded, her concern shifting outward. And everyone else? Whats happening with Matthew and the others? Miley could only offer a helpless shrug, her uncertainty palpable.

Neville had someone rush me here to get you back to Seamarsh first, Miley managed to say just as Fernando prepared to dash off to deal with yet another crisis.

Stella grabbed his arm, her eyes clouded with worry.

Whats going on with Matthew? Fernando stopped dead in his tracks, his face a mask of inner turmoil.

Reluctantly, after Stellas persistent probing, he admitted, Mr.

Clark is in surgery.noveldrama

Its pretty grim.

Stellas heart sank.

She quickly turned to Miley, her voice firm despite the fear.

Please stay here with my mom.

She and Fernando hurried to the surgical floor.

There, in the hallway, stood Neville, his white shirt a stark canvas of bloodstains, matching the grim splatters on the floor.

The ghastly sight spun Stellas head, a vivid flashback of Lindsays tragic end surfacing unbidden.

Battling the wave of nausea, Stella faced Neville.

Neville, are you hurt? Neville met her gaze, his eyes heavy with dread.

Its Matthews blood.

Hes bleeding heavily, and the clot in his brain needs urgent attention.

Were out of time.

Were running two operations simultaneously. Cordells dealing with the external trauma while Bradlys in the brain surgery.

Thankfully, Bradly had a jumpstart on the plan for the brain surgery, but everythings so rushed there was no time for updates.

Stella felt a chill spread through her hands, her voice trembling as she whispered, So youre saying Matthew might… Neville caught the mix of fear and hope in Stellas eyes, feeling a surge of sympathy wash over him.

He opened his mouth to speak, but words failed him.

Stella felt as if an invisible hand was clutching her heart, the pain almost unbearable.

She stood frozen in the hallway, her spirit seeming to evaporate, leaving her unable to speak.

Beside her, Neville remained silent, the weight of the moment hanging heavy around him.

Unsure of how to offer comfort, he chose to simply stand by her side.

Half an hour Later, Cordell emerged from the operating room, his face etched with fatigue.