Erin, sensing an undercurrent of distress in Ste’s demeanor, spoke with a gentler tone.


    “Mrs.


    rk, you seem to have lost quite a bit of weight recently.


    Mr.


    rk won’t be traveling for business anytime soon.


    It might do you good to rest and nourish yourself properly.


    ”


    Ste merely nodded, her voice soft.


    “I understand.


    Please, go on with your duties.


    ”


    With a respectful nod, Erin withdrew silently.


    When Matthew emerged from the kitchen and noticed Ste still lingering by the table, he urged, “Sit down and eat.N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    ”


    A N G E L A ‘s L I B R A R Y


    His voice, cool and distant, snapped Ste back to reality.


    She nced at him, heart heavy with the knowledge that he hadn’t regained his memory, and that their past sweetness was lost to them now.


    With a quiet sigh, she took her seat and began to eat in silence.


    The familiar vors of the meal stirred memories, bringing tears to her eyes.


    Yet, in Matthew’s presence, she restrained her emotions, eating mechanically, her gaze fixed on the te.


    Matthew sat across from her, observing her quietly.


    Unaware of how long he had been watching, he suddenly spoke.


    “I’m sorry.


    ” He paused, swallowing hard, and then said, “It was my faultst night.


    ”


    At his words, a sob caught in Ste’s throat, her emotions threatening to spill over.


    She kept her head bowed, too afraid to meet Matthew’s eyes, lest her tears betray her emotions.


    Once she had regained herposure, she simply nodded and murmured, “Alright.


    ”


    Matthew sensed Ste’s mncholy but was at a loss to pinpoint its cause.


    His thoughts drifted to Lindsay, suspecting she might be the reason for Ste’s gloom.


    Eager to clear the air, he began, “In fact, Lindsay—”


    Ste’s heart skipped a beat.


    She cut him off sharply, “I’m sorry.


    T don’t want to hear her name.


    ”


    Silenced, Matthew retreated into quietude once more.


    The rest of the meal passed in an oppressive silence.


    Ste never imagined a day when she and Matthew would sit across from each other with nothing to say.


    The thought alone was enough to make her stomach turn; despite the appealing food before her, she found herself without an appetite.


    Yet, because Matthew had prepared the meal for her, she forced herself to eat, swallowing the sadness with each bite.