The topic of children could wait.


    With a self-reassuring nod, Ste disengaged from his hold and stood up.


    Matthew sped her hand and, with his other hand, pressed against his stomach.


    “I’ve not had a bite to eat all day,” he said, his voice tinged with distress.


    A wave ofpassion washed over Ste.


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    “I’ll cook something for you.


    ”


    He released her hand and watched as she made her way to the kitchen.


    Observing her bustling about, he allowed himself to unwind.


    At Agate Bar, Leslie sat sipping her drink at the counter, the potent liquor numbing her senses, her vision slowly blurring.


    As a child, she reveled in the warmth of a joyous family and the affection of a caring brother.


    But at the age of ten, her world shattered, happiness bursting like bubbles.


    Divorce cleaved her parents apart, her mother departing with her brother, leaving her in Mateo’s care.


    Her mother’s remarriage granted her brother a new sister, and with time, the distance between them grew until he ceased all contact.


    This abandonment lodged a deep ache in Leslie’s heart, a pain not even her doctor father could heal.


    In Matthew, she glimpsed a shadow of her brother, a semnce of rekindled kinship.


    Yet, she soon discovered Matthew harbored affections for another, reigniting the sting of rejection.


    Lifting her head, Leslie downed her wine in one swift motion, signaling the bartender for another.


    Today’s revtion of Matthew’s circumstances through Mateo had spurred her to action.


    She had seized the chance to visit Matthew, only for Ste’s unexpected return to foil her ns and leave her mortified.


    Leslie’s lips tightened, a storm brewing in her expression.


    She mmed her fist down, cursing under her breath.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    “Damn it!”


    “ALL your anger makes no difference to Ste and Matthew.


    ” A raspy voice intruded upon her thoughts.