Chapter 248

 248:
Collin’s frown deepened. “I just wanted to make you dinner. You’ve been so busy lately.”
“It looks like something went wrong with the process; that’s why it blew up,” Linsey reasoned.
Collin looked as if he had been wronged. He hesitated, then announced, “Wait here, I’ll try to make something else.”
“No, let’s not,” Linsey quickly intervened. “Cooking should be left to those who know how. If you keep this up, you’ll only create more mess for us to clean.” As she spoke, she affectionately ruffled Collin’s hair, teasing him. “Looks like there are things you can’t master after all. That makes me feel a little better about my own skills!”
Collin managed a small smile at Linsey’s playful jab.
“You’re right. I shouldn’t make more work for everyone,” he conceded, looking down at his stained clothes. “I’ll go change.”
“Alright,” Linsey said softly.
Just then, a click sounded at the kitchen door.
Collin was about to navigate his wheelchair when he spotted Dustin at the doorway, taking a photo with his phone.
Upon meeting Collin’s gaze, Dustin quickly attempted to hide his phone, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
“Dustin, what are you up to?” Collin asked, clearly annoyed.
“Hey, don’t look at me like that! I wasn’t doing anything,” Dustin protested loudly.
He felt a twinge of annoyance. Linsey had assured him during their car ride that Collin wasn’t as difficult as he seemed. Yet here was Collin, treating him with the same old disdain.
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Dustin silently lamented to himself how Collin always seemed to treat him differently. He wished Linsey could see this disparity, as Collin was never as nice to him as he was to her.
Collin narrowed his eyes and wheeled closer, fixing Dustin with a stern look. “I saw you taking a picture. Delete it now, or don’t blame me if I get really upset.”
Dustin’s eyes flickered around as he scrambled for a way out of the confrontation.
He had always seen Collin as the composed, untouchable one. This disheveled, agitated version of Collin was new to him.
Reflecting on the photo he had captured, Dustin felt a strong urge to keep it.
It was a snapshot of a rare, unguarded moment.
Perhaps, he mused, this photo could serve as playful leverage against Collin in the future.
Dustin playfully teased, “Collin, it’s your first time cooking, a moment to remember. I’m just capturing it for your memory.”
However, Collin was not buying it. His displeasure deepened with each passing moment.
Indeed, it was his first attempt at cooking, but he had failed spectacularly, embarrassing himself in front of Linsey. What was there really to celebrate?
Dustin appeared intent on provoking him.
The more Collin dwelled on it, the angrier he got.
Just as he was about to snap, Linsey, who was right beside him, casually asked, “Mr. Wade, can I see the photo you just took?”
Hearing Linsey’s voice calmed Collin immediately.
He looked over at Linsey, filled with curiosity, and the demand to delete the photo he had been about to make was quickly retracted.
Without any hesitation, Dustin eagerly showed Linsey the photo on his phone. “See? I’m pretty good at this, right? The lighting, the composition—everyone would agree they’re great.”
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