Matthew’s expression grew distinctly severe.


    Ste found herself the focal point of attention, with all three pairs of eyes fixed on her.


    She felt a twinge of difort and awkwardly began, “Matthew, if you have other ns…”


    Before she could finish with “you can go,” Matthew cut in decisively, “I’m quite free today, and I’m also hungry.”


    ..


    Library


    Be chuckled, noting that despite Matthew’s memory loss, his possessiveness over Ste remained unchanged.


    Ste felt a pang of resignation but acquiesced to his presence.


    Matthew surveyed the seating arrangement.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Ste and Be were seated together, and there was an empty spot next to Sanford who was directly opposite Ste.


    Without hesitation, he maneuvered Sanford to make space and took the seat directly across from Ste.


    Sanford’s expression darkened, and his emotions were conflicted, but he chose to remain silent.


    Ste, meanwhile, was thoroughly perplexed by Matthew’s actions.


    With Matthew joining the table, the mood became even more strained and ufortable.


    It wasn’t until the waiter began serving that the tension eased slightly.


    “I remember you enjoy these dishes.


    Try them and see how this restaurant’s versionpares,” Sanford said, cing a few of Ste’s favorite foods in front of her with care.


    Ste forced a smile and said, “Thank you, but there’s really no need to go out of your way.”


    As Sanford focused on her, Matthew clenched his fists silently in frustration.


    He wanted to contribute, but his mind drew a nk when it came to Ste’s preferences, leaving him unable to participate.


    This only fueled his anger.


    Watching Sanford’s attentiveness also worsened Matthew’s irritation.


    He pushed the dishes Sanford had ced in front of Ste back to their original spots, saying stiffly, “You need variety.


    It’s unhealthy to be picky.”


    Before Ste could respond, Sanford ced his hand on Matthew’s wrist to stop him, smiling coolly.


    “Mr.


    rk, don’t you think you’re overstepping? Everyone has their own choices.


    Why force Ste to eat what she doesn’t prefer?”


    Matthew, not backing down, replied icily, “How do you know what she does or doesn’t like?”


    Sanford’s tone turned sharper.


    “Because, right now, I know her better than you do.”


    Matthew, momentarily at a loss for words, stared at Sanford, his irritation intensifying.


    Sanford’s constant attempts to charm Ste only heightened Matthew’s unease, though he couldn’t quite understand why.


    For a tense moment, both men locked eyes, gripping the edge of the same te in a silent power struggle.


    The air at the table grew heavy with unspoken conflict.


    Be, observing the tension, shifted ufortably, second-guessing her decision to invite Matthew.


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    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!