“Time to get up for breakfast,” he whispered.


    Still wrapped in the warmth of the quilt, Ste askedzily, “What time is it?”


    “It’s nine,” Matthew replied, gently coaxing her hand from under the quilt to wrap it around his neck.


    He then lifted her up, carrying her towards the wardrobe.


    “Get changed and ready.


    What’s your n for today?”


    Nestled against his chest, Ste’s voice was soft.


    “I need to head to the studio.


    There are several orders I haven’t finished yet.


    ”


    “Okay.


    ” Matthew nodded, setting her down gently.


    “I can drive you there after breakfast.


    ”


    Ste, suddenly more alert, quickly declined.


    “No, I have to discuss something with Miley first.


    You go on to work.


    I’ll go to the studioter.


    ”


    She was determined to keep her deteriorating health condition from Matthew for now.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    Matthew, not pressing further, ki*sed her forehead.


    “Alright, then let’s have breakfast together.


    ”


    After they had breakfast, Ste watched Matthew drive away before she herself left Prosper Bay.


    Spotting a taxi by the roadside, she felt fortunate.


    She turned off her Uber app and got into the taxi.


    “Sir, I’m not feeling well.


    Please drive slowly.


    ” After giving the studio’s address, Ste settled into the backseat.


    The driver acknowledged with a low “okay” and started the car, pulling away smoothly.


    “Please, slow down.


    ” Ste thought the driver hadn’t heard her properly, so she repeated her request.


    To her dismay, the driverpletely disregarded her pleas, instead elerating the car.


    Ste’s heart raced, a mix of panic and dread washing over her.


    Clutching the seat belt tightly, she struggled to speak.


    “Sir, I’m not feeling well.


    Please, slow down.


    ”


    Her hand moved to her cor, feeling as though an invisible force was squeezing her heart, making it hard to breathe.