“My appearance is completely different from before. That’s why Matthew sought me out today,” Haley explained, her voice tinged with a mix of resignation and sadness.
Stella gently patted Haley’s hand, her voice choked with emotion. “It’s all in the past now. Let’s move forward and leave it behind us. Now, all we need to do is live well and make the most of each day in the future.”
“Okay.” Haley smiled in relief. “Let’s eat. You must be starving after such a busy day.”
Matthew and Neville met at the bar.
Matthew’s intuition pricked when he observed the seemingly content expression on Neville’s face.
Raising his glass, he remarked, “Congratulations; it seems you two are back together.”
“Thank you,” Neville replied, declining the glass politely. “I’m still undergoing treatment, so I can’t drink.”
Matthew nodded understandingly and proceeded to enjoy a few glasses of wine.
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Neville sensed something wrong with Matthew. “What’s wrong? Why are you drinking like this?”
Matthew observed Neville in silence for a while, his gaze eventually drifting off aimlessly.
After a considerable pause, he shared with Neville, “Not long ago, a woman claiming to be Stella’s mother approached her. The DNA results we got back today confirm they’re related.”
“Shouldn’t that be relieving? What’s troubling you?” Neville asked as he poured himself some juice.
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Matthew shook his head. “I had Fernando look into Stella’s background.
Everything suggested her mother was Bella, making this woman’s appearance quite puzzling. There are many questions left unanswered.”
Narrowing his eyes thoughtfully, he fiddled with his glass’s rim, then downed his wine in one go.
Observing Matthew’s gloomy expression, Neville suggested, “Maybe you’re overthinking it.”
Matthew looked up, offering Neville a silent, questioning frown.
Neville whispered, “Your idea about Bella and Stella’s relationship is just a guess. You seem stubborn that anyone close to Stella is up to no good.”
Matthew’s expression turned grave, his lips tightening without him realizing.
Sitting up more straightly, he acknowledged, “You have a point. My thoughts have been chaotic lately.”
Neville watched, surprised. Matthew was typically reserved, seldom sharing his anxieties so openly.
After a moment’s reflection, Neville reassured him with a pat on the shoulder. “Recent events have been unsettling, likely causing you to overthink. But remember, we’re in control here in Seamarsh. Don’t stress too much.”
Matthew remained silent.
After pondering, Neville said, “Don’t treat Haley like that. She’ll only ease up on being watchful around you if you seem harmless. If you still think she’s doubtful, you could give the DNA test another go.”