Chapter 193
Chapter 193:
The car glided toward the private hospital owned by the Moore Group. The moment it stopped, Austin quickly gathered Brinley into his arms and hurried inside.
Medical staff rushed forward and promptly began her check-up. Brinley leaned against Austin’s chest, her thoughts mostly clear despite the lingering dizziness. The sharp tang of antiseptic hit her nose, making her grimace as she pressed closer to him.
“I’m alright. I just drank too much. There’s no need for a hospital p>
“You call that alright after vomiting like that?” Austin shot her a stern look, his voice unyielding. “Please, let them examine you, just to be sure p>
He carried her into the examination room and briefed the doctor on her condition.
The exam went smoothly. It was nothing more than gastrointestinal discomfort caused by excessive alcohol consumption. Still, Austin insisted on a full check-up and only relaxed when the doctor confirmed her vitals were stable.
Afterward, he settled her into a familiar hospital room from a prior stay.
Lying in bed, Brinley scanned the room. A sudden memory of Austin sharing it with her sent a soft flush creeping across her cheeks.
𝖳𝗵e 𝖻е𝘀𝘁 r𝘦a𝗱𝗂ո𝘨 𝘦xpеr𝗶𝘦ոсe o𝗇
A nurse soon arrived and set up an IV, the clear fluid trickling steadily into Brinley’s veins. Austin sat beside her, gently tucking the blanket around her.
As the IV worked, the dizziness from the alcohol slowly ebbed away, and Brinley’s mind sharpened with clarity. She glanced at Austin. His face was taut, his attention fixed on the drip line.
Abruptly, memories of her drunken ramblings in the car crashed over her—how she’d scoffed at Colin’s looks, complimented Austin’s build, and even bemoaned not getting to feel Colin’s biceps.
The last traces of intoxication vanished, replaced by a tidal wave of shame.
Brinley cringed, wishing she could disappear.
Austin’s voice cut through the quiet room. “Do you remember what you said in the car p>
Brinley’s eyes flickered nervously as she avoided his gaze. “I was drunk, just spouting gibberish,” she mumbled.
“Really?” Austin’s brow arched as he leaned closer, shrinking the space between them. “But you talked about Colin’s muscles.” His tone dripped with envy.
Brinley’s face flushed, her words tumbling out in a rush. “I was just… venting a little p>
“Venting?” Austin’s voice deepened. “You mocked Colin one moment, then sighed about not getting to grope his muscles the next? Brinley, you’ve certainly perfected the art of being two-faced.” His words stung, pricking her heart like a needle.
She sensed his jealousy, but his relentless probing sparked a flicker of grievance within her.
Drawing in a sharp breath, she met his gaze with defiance. “It’s not like that p>
Austin held her eyes, unwavering, the air in the room growing thick with tension.
Staring into the storm of his emotions, Brinley realized some things demanded a proper discussion—not just to ease his mind, but to finally close the door on her past.
Her lashes lowered, her voice softening under the weight of memory. “I spent two years with Colin. Do you know what our most intimate interaction was p>
Austin remained silent, giving her space to continue.
“It was those rare nights when he came back from some event and leaned down to brush a kiss on my forehead or cheek.” Her voice was steady, almost detached, as if she were recounting someone else’s story. “Whenever I tried for more, he always shut me out. Intimacy was off the table p>
She paused, collecting her thoughts before going on. “I believed him back then. I thought he was just tired from work and all those social gatherings p>
Only later did the truth strike—those excuses were nothing more than his polished way of keeping her at arm’s length.
He wasn’t avoiding closeness; he simply didn’t want it with her. Brinley lifted her gaze, a bitter glint in her eyes, and continued, “Then I found out he saw me as a placeholder for Milly, even nudging my clothes and perfume to match hers. And Milly? She was his real focus, the two of them sneaking around behind my back p>
So no, there was no longing for Colin’s physique—only drunken memories of her naïve past, spilling out her foolishness without restraint.
She didn’t miss Colin; she only mourned her own gullibility.
After laying it all bare, Brinley felt the weight on her chest finally lift, her heart growing lighter. She met Austin’s eyes, open and sincere. “Colin is nothing to me now. I once despised his betrayal, but even that feels pointless now. As for you p>
Her expression softened, her tone turning warm. “I have no complaints about you p>
Austin listened in silence, the sharp edge in his gaze easing into warmth and quiet relief.