Chapter 216
216:
Kylee feigned concern, her lips tightening into a worried frown. “Collin, you know, allergies can be quite serious. In some cases, they can even be life-threatening.”
She then turned to the servants, her voice laced with reproach. “Why didn’t any of you inform Linsey about Collin’s allergy? He might be careless about his own well-being, but you should know better!”
Linsey’s cheeks burned with shame. It was a stark reminder that despite their growing intimacy, she still had much to learn about Collin. Kylee, noticing Linsey’s discomfort, felt a thrill of victory. Seizing the opportunity, she piled more food onto Collin’s plate. “Here, Collin, have some more fish. I remember it’s your favorite,” she said sweetly.
Kylee turned to Linsey, a sugary smile plastered on her face that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Linsey, don’t worry about it. You and Collin haven’t been married long. It’s perfectly natural that you wouldn’t know all his likes and dislikes yet. But I’ve known Collin since we were children. I know him like the back of my hand. And since I’ll be staying at Vista Villa for a while, please don’t hesitate to ask if there’s anything you need help with.”
Linsey’s emotions were a tangled mess as she looked at Kylee’s beaming face.
She simply nodded absently, unable to find the words to respond.
The remainder of the meal passed in strained silence.
As Linsey rose from her seat, intending to assist Collin with his customary after-dinner stroll, Kylee interrupted. “Collin, wait! I have something for you. I think you’ll really like it.”
Kylee retrieved an elegantly wrapped gift box and presented it to Collin with a flourish.
Collin cast a brief glance at Kylee before opening the box. Nestled inside was an antique watch, its value clearly substantial.
Linsey, standing close by, observed the surprise that flickered across his face as he beheld the timepiece.
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“Collin,” Kylee began with a smile, “I’ve always remembered your passion for antiques, even from when we were kids. During my years working abroad, I kept my eyes peeled for anything that might be a worthy addition to your collection. Fortunately, I stumbled upon this and brought it back for you. What do you think?”
Collin raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. “There are less than three of these antique watches left in existence,” he remarked. “I once spoke with a billionaire collector, but he refused to sell it to me. Where did you manage to find it?”
“The collector you’re referring to wouldn’t happen to be Mr. Bruce Quimby, would it?” Kylee asked with a knowing smile.
Seeing Collin nod in confirmation, Kylee explained, “It was quite a coincidence, actually. Mr. Quimby is a huge fan of one of my films and considers himself quite the admirer. I paid him a visit, and after a bit of persuasion, he agreed to part with it.”
Kylee tilted her head slightly, her gaze fixed on Collin. “So, Collin, do you like it?”
“Of course,” Collin replied without missing a beat. “It’s something I’ve wanted for a long time.”
Kylee breathed a sigh of relief, placing a hand on her chest. “That’s wonderful,” she said. “I was so worried you might not like it.”
Linsey, who had remained silent throughout the exchange, felt a pang of bitterness.
She felt utterly like an outsider.
She realized she didn’t know Collin as well as she thought. Not only was she unaware of his allergy to chili peppers, but she also didn’t know about his passion for antique watches.
Until this moment, she had believed they were growing closer.
Now, Linsey recognized the naiveté of that belief.
.
.
.