Chapter 1000

 1000:
A crisp knock shattered the room’s tranquil atmosphere, prompting Linsey to rise and cross to the door.
Expecting the restaurant delivery, she found herself staring in bewilderment at an entirely different visitor.
Joanne stood in the doorway, the same woman who had departed a mere fifteen minutes earlier.
Warmth radiated from Joanne’s smile as she lifted a paper bag with practiced ease. “Ms. Brooks, I suspected you might not have eaten, so I picked up something from the restaurant downstairs.”
Linsey’s eyebrows arched with subtle surprise, though her response remained graciously polite. “How thoughtful of you.”
Rather than refusing the unexpected gesture, she accepted the offering, her gentle demeanor masking a flicker of careful assessment. “Would you care to step inside?”
Joanne’s innocence appeared effortless, her tone carrying natural composure. “I wouldn’t dream of intruding further. You all deserve your peace.”
Her gaze lingered meaningfully on the bag now cradled in Linsey’s hands.
“I wasn’t certain of your preferences,” she continued with apparent casualness, “so I selected a variety. I do hope something appeals to you.”
Even as Joanne’s footsteps faded down the corridor, bewilderment lingered in Linsey’s mind.
The notion that this woman had returned solely to deliver food felt implausible, almost absurd.
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Lost in contemplation, Linsey lowered her gaze and secured the door behind her, returning to the quiet sanctuary of the hospital room.
Both men turned their attention toward her entrance.
Collin’s eyes fixed on the unfamiliar bag in her grasp, his brow creasing slightly. “That’s not from the place you ordered from earlier.”
With a subtle nod of acknowledgment, Linsey set the bag on the bedside table and began unpacking its contents. “Joanne brought it by.”
From his position propped against the hospital pillows, Gorman released a derisive snort. “Collin, your magnetic appeal continues to astound. Already another devoted admirer arrives bearing gifts, bold enough to flaunt her intentions right under Linsey’s nose. I’m genuinely curious about your technique with women.”
He stretched lazily, adding with mock wistfulness, “Must be nice. Here I am, faithful as a saint all these years, never so much as glanced sideways at another woman.”
A muscle ticked dangerously in Collin’s jaw.
His voice turned razor-sharp. “You know, spending days in this hospital bed is no excuse for letting yourself go completely. When’s the last time you brushed your teeth? The whole room’s starting to smell like a garbage dump.”
Instead of taking offense, Gorman’s grin only widened with pure delight. “Oh, now that’s interesting. Are we feeling a little jealous? Getting worked up just because Linsey was kind enough to help me with my hair?”
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