Chapter 1675:

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With a forced smile that couldn’t hide the sadness in her eyes, she replied, “Mom, we’ve both been through the ordeal of losing our memories. Look at us; neither has fully recovered yet. I doubt Matthew’s recovery will be swift, especially with his upcoming surgery. The outlook isn’t very hopeful.”

Bella’s frown deepened, her voice tinged with indignation. “But ever since he lost his memory, Matthew has been like a completely different person. While everyone is sympathetic, if he continues this way, it will really dishearten those who care about him.”

Stella bowed her head, enveloped in silence once more.

Indeed, she felt disheartened and frequently found herself grappling with her feelings toward Matthew, struggling to empathize with him. This internal conflict was a source of profound pain.

Bella was about to say more, but Alissa gently tugged at her arm, a silent plea to consider Stella’s fragile emotional state.

Bella observed Stella’s downcast expression, sighed softly, and reached out to gently touch her hand. “It pains me to see you shoulder so much burden while Matthew is like this.”

Stella raised her eyes, a spark of determination flickering within them. “If I were the one who had forgotten everything, I’m certain Matthew would stand by my side, through thick and thin. So, I’ll do no less for him during this trying time.”

As Stella’s words echoed in the quiet, her phone suddenly rang, pulling her abruptly from her resolve. She glanced at the screen to see Matthew calling.

Bella and Alissa noticed the caller ID as well, and Alissa quickly chimed in, “Answer it, Stella. Maybe Matthew wants to clear the air. I’ll stay with Bella tonight. You two should have a heart-to-heart. Try to sort out any misunderstandings as soon as possible.”

Without waiting for Stella’s reply, Alissa ushered Bella away, giving Stella the space she needed.

The incessant ringing of the phone pulled Stella from her thoughts, leaving her puzzled and slightly on edge. Why would Matthew call now? Yet, beneath her confusion, a glimmer of hope sparked—could he have justified reasons for defending Lindsay?

Holding onto that sliver of hope, Stella pressed the answer button.

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Silence stretched between them as the call connected, neither willing to break it. The quiet was thick, laden with unspoken words.

Just as Stella considered the possibility that the call was a mistake, Matthew’s voice, subdued and hesitant, finally pierced the silence. “How’s your mom? Is she okay?”

Her response was cool, distant. “She’s fine.”

Intent on hanging up, her mind a whirlwind of mixed feelings, Stella reached for the “end call” button. She wasn’t in the mood for explanations or small talk.

Matthew, picking up on her impatience, quickly interjected, “Stella, hold on. Are you back in Prosper Bay yet?”

Her patience wearing thin, Stella answered tersely, “It’s late, Matthew. I’m not up for a chat. Let’s continue this tomorrow.”

Detecting the frost in her tone, Matthew hastened to clarify, his words tumbling out in urgency. “Robin wasn’t released by me. When I got to the station today, the Wheeler family had already picked him up.”

When he began to explain, a wave of relief washed over Stella, softening her initial frustration. Maybe, just maybe, there was a misunderstanding after all.

But as Matthew finished explaining, the flicker of hope that had briefly warmed Stella’s heart was brutally snuffed out, plunging her mood into darkness.

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