“If not, why weren’t you at home in the middle of the night? Seems you’ve been cast out!”


    Having grown weary of the whispers about her and Matthew, Ste stood her ground.


    “Should you fancy Matthew, pursue him.


    My standing in his eyes shouldn’t concern you.


    But, with our marriage public, surely you grasp the basics of decorum and dignity?”


    At Ste’s words, Leslie’s expression turned stormy.


    She hadn’t expected Ste to remain unflustered.


    Leslie’s gaze hardened, her mind unhinged by rage.


    “Foolishness will be your downfall!”


    Ste offered a nonchnt smile.


    “Night has fallen.


    How much longer will you loiter at my doorstep? Leave now, or I’ll inform the police you’re causing a disturbance.


    ”


    She feigned reaching for her phone.


    Leslie, though seething, knew better than to continue this fight at Prosper Bay.


    Ruffling Matthew would only serve Ste’s interests, not her own.


    She shot Ste a final re, then turned on her heel and departed.


    Ste watched her departure, a slight crease forming on her brow.


    Her gaze lingered on her phone before setting it down.


    She pushed through the door into the unlit room.


    Clicking on the light, her eyes caught the sight of a man sprawled on the floor.


    “Matthew!” she cried out, her voiceced with panic as she rushed to his side.


    Drawing closer, she noticed his pallor, the unnatural lightness of his lips.


    His expression was contorted with difort.


    She cradled his head, relieved to find his skincked the heat of fever.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    “Matthew, can you hear me?” Ste whispered, struggling to lift him.


    His frame was too much for her to manage alone, so she settled for calling his name softly and holding his hand, which felt unnervingly cool in her grasp.


    Ste, feeling helpless, began to rub his hand methodically, trying to transfer her warmth to him.


    “Matthew, look at me, I’m here!” Her voice quivered with tears born of fear.


    She sensed a gradual warmth returning to his hand, and with it, a measure of her ownposure.


    She redoubled her efforts, massaging his hands to aid his recovery.


    “Mm…” A faint groan escaped Matthew as he fluttered open his eyes.