The iciness in his eyes was a blow that nearly knocked the wind out of her.


    It was clear-he didn’t believe Lindsay’s im of innocence on her part.


    His cold stare cut through Ste like a de, but she pushed through the pain, her voice trembling as she tried to exin.


    “I didn’t push her.


    I have no reason to harm her.


    ”


    But Matthew’s gaze remained steely, devoid of warmth, as if her words were nothing more than echoes in the wind.


    In that crushing instant, Ste knew-he didn’t just suspect her; he had already judged and condemned her.


    The weight of this realization pulled her heart into a dark abyss.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Lindsay, looking as fragile as a porcin doll, piped up through gritted teeth, “Perhaps the wheelchair slipped.


    Ste really didn’t mean to hurt me.


    She has no reason to.


    ”


    Matthew’s eyes narrowed as he snapped at Ste.


    “Lindsay’s still learning to manage the wheelchair.


    She needs help wherever she goes.


    ”


    A bitter smile twisted Ste’s lips as she bit back, “In your eyes, am I truly such a monster?”


    “Don’t ask me.


    I don’t know you well,” Matthew replied indifferently.


    “Ask your own conscience.


    ”


    Lindsay, savoring the discord she had sown between them, could barely contain her glee.


    When she was certain no one was watching, she allowed herself a small, triumphant smile.


    Tears welled in Ste’s eyes, the pain of Matthew’s distrust far outweighing the ache in her body.


    Clinging desperately to thest thread of hope, she asked, her voice trembling like a leaf in the wind, “We’ve loved each other for so long.


    And now you say you don’t know me well? Was it all a lie?”


    Lindsay, rmed that Ste might mention too much of their past, hurriedly intervened, her voice urgent as she pleaded, “Matthew, please, don’t me her.


    My arm is bleeding, and it hurts so much.


    Can you help me with the wound?”


    Matthew’s expression softened as he nodded at Lindsay, his tone gentle.


    “Alright.


    Let’s go.


    ”


    He began to push Lindsay’s wheelchair, his attention solely on her as they moved to leave.


    But as they passed Ste, Matthew delivered a final, cold blow.


    “Sign the divorce papers.


    I don’t want to see you again.


    ”


    Hearing this, Lindsay’s smile grew wider, satisfaction curling in her heart.


    Her n was working wlessly.


    With each calcted move, she was driving a deeper wedge between Matthew and Ste.


    Once the divorce was final, she was certain Matthew would be hers.


    Ste watched their retreating figures, her strength crumbling as she copsed onto the ground, her heart shattering into a million irreparable pieces.


    Matthew’s heartless words echoed in her mind, and the tears flowed freely, her sobs wracking her body like a storm.


    There was no longer any reason to pretend.


    The man she had once known had vanished-reced by a stranger, cold and merciless.