Chapter 401:
Linsey’s tears continued to stream down her face.
She hiccuped between sobs, struggling to regain her composure. “I-I’m not sure. Just listening to what you endured, it overwhelmed me and brought me to tears.”
It was then that Collin truly understood, feeling a prickling behind his own eyes.
She wasn’t shedding tears of indignation—she was absorbing his anguish as her own.
His heart churned with a poignant mix of sweetness and sorrow, as he caressed her face, brushing away her tears with a tenderness that belied his rough exterior.
“Please don’t cry. It shatters me to see you in such agony. Remember, those torments are long behind us.”
In a gentle, calming tone, he added, “I really thought you’d be upset with me.”
Linsey met his gaze, her expression one of genuine concern. “I am upset, upset that you weren’t honest with me. I even pursued massage therapy to help you heal, only to discover there was nothing wrong with your legs to begin with.”
“All the work I put into helping you walk again feels completely pointless now,” Linsey said.
Thinking about everything Linsey had done for him, Collin felt a warmth spread through his chest.
“But it wasn’t for nothing. You can still give me a massage, can’t you?” he responded, trying to lighten the mood.
Linsey’s expression darkened, her patience snapping. “Keep dreaming!” She wasn’t that clueless girl anymore.
Now that Collin’s legs were fully functional, continuing to massage him wouldn’t be for recovery—it would be for something else entirely.
This shameless man! He must have said that on purpose!
Memories surfaced—Collin deceiving her, pretending to be crippled, making her take the lead during their encounters. Heat rushed to her face as irritation surged through her.
She had no intention of staying any longer. Yanking her hand free, she flung the blanket aside and climbed out of bed.
“Where are you going?” Collin asked, watching her.
“Home. Where else?” she snapped.
Still concerned, he offered, “You’re not fully healed yet. Let me carry you.”
Linsey scoffed, rejecting him outright. “I’m injured, not helpless. I can walk just fine!”
Without another glance, she stormed out of the hospital room. Collin sighed as he watched her disappearing figure, her defiance clear in every step. She was still upset.
Running a hand through his hair, he knew he had a long road ahead to make things right.
Back at Vista Villa, Linsey entered the bedroom, her face unreadable, ignoring Collin completely.
But he didn’t leave her side. “Sweetheart, it’s late. Still busy?” His voice was soft, but she barely reacted.
Eyes on her tablet, she replied flatly, “Mind your own business.” She wasn’t really working—just keeping herself occupied. After all, she had rested enough at the hospital.
