Feigning indifference, she said, “Take care.


    I’m heading back.


    ”


    He studied her for a second before attempting to rify, “It’s not about Lindsay.


    It’s apany issue.


    Fernando’s on his way to pick me up.


    ”


    Ste’s smile deepened, though it was tinged with disbelief.


    Whether or not Matthew was withholding the truth didn’t matter anymore.


    She doubted the sincerity behind his words.


    Suppressing both her physical difort and the disappointment festering inside, she persisted, “I’ll drop you at thepany on my way home.


    ”


    Matthew’s brows furrowed, and he quickly declined.


    “No, it’ste.


    You should get some rest.


    ”


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    His refusal only fueled her suspicions.


    A fresh wave of disillusionment swept through her—he had indeed lied to her.


    If it were genuinely a business matter, why would he be so resistant to her offering a ride?


    Matthew said nothing further and stepped out of the car.


    Ste watched him leave the car, herplexion growing paler.


    Just as he was about to close the door, she fought through the pain gnawing at her stomach and asked, “Why did youe back to pick me up tonight?”


    Her words brought him to a halt.


    Matthew had initially nned to take Lindsay home, but as he left the charity event, an inexplicable sense of unease crept in, tugging at him.


    Concern gnawed at him, so he directed the driver to drop Lindsay off while he returned for Ste on his own.


    He opened his mouth, intending to exin, but Fernando’s car pulled up at that moment.


    Instead of answering her, he quietly shut the door and walked away, leaving her question hanging in the air.


    Ste watched through the rearview mirror as Matthew climbed into Fernando’s car, which then drove away.


    She kept her gaze fixed on the road until the vehicle waspletely out of sight.


    She sat alone in the car motionlessly.


    She found it increasingly challenging to understand Matthew.


    His behavior oscited between fervent and indifferent, often delivering words that stirred her emotions and gave rise to fleeting hopes.


    Lost in contemtion, she felt the familiar, sharp pangs in her stomach once more.


    She slumped over the steering wheel, quietly enduring the fiery cramps in her stomach.


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