Chapter 219
219:
“Collin, I understand that your grandmother must have pressured you immensely. You must have married Linsey out of desperation,” she remarked, gazing at him with feigned affection, clasping his hand between both of hers. “But now that I’ve returned, you can trust me to stand by your side, always and forever. Alright?”
Collin’s eyes widened in surprise, quickly replaced by a glacial coldness. He withdrew his hand, his voice devoid of any warmth.
“Kylee, I am married, and I love Linsey deeply. The only reason I accompanied you today is out of respect for our long-standing friendship. Nothing more.”
He averted his gaze, his voice brooking no argument. “So,” he added, “don’t ever say anything like that again.”
Kylee was momentarily stunned, unable to comprehend the iciness in his demeanor and the sharp edge to his words.
“Collin, what are you saying?” she asked, a forced smile plastered on her face. “You’re just joking, right? You’re still upset that I left for so long, so you’re deliberately saying these things to hurt me… You’ve only known Linsey for a short while. How could you possibly have genuine feelings for her?”
Before she could say more, his icy glare silenced her.
She flinched, her face hardening.
After a tense silence, despite her reluctance, she dared not utter another word. She simply lowered her head and mumbled, “Alright. I understand.”
Collin didn’t even bother to look at her again. He turned his wheelchair and departed, instructing his subordinate as he left, “Please arrange for another car to take Kylee home. We’ll be leaving now.”
“Yes, Mr. Riley,” the subordinate replied.
Tears welled up in Kylee’s eyes as she watched Collin’s retreating figure.
She had hoped that Collin would at least glance back at her, if only for the sake of their shared past, but he didn’t.
It was as if she meant nothing to him, as if he could simply discard her without a second thought.
And he had treated her like that solely because she had brought up Linsey.
A wave of resentment washed over Kylee, her tear-filled eyes hardening with a newfound determination.
How could this be? How could Collin possibly have fallen for someone…?
What was it about Linsey that captivated Collin so? How had she managed to steal his heart in such a short span of time?
Kylee’s fists clenched, her nails digging painfully into her palms.
If that was how it was going to be, she would find a way to destroy Collin’s illusions about Linsey and drive her away from him forever.
“Just you wait, Linsey,” she hissed under her breath.
Her breath hitched with barely suppressed fury, her eyes narrowing with resentment.
Upon returning to Vista Villa, Collin noticed Linsey’s absence from their bedroom.
He inquired about her whereabouts and learned from a servant that Linsey had retired to the study after dinner and hadn’t been seen since. Recalling Linsey’s unusual quietness during dinner, Collin felt a pang of concern. Without hesitation, he turned his wheelchair and headed towards the study.
He pushed open the study door and found Linsey fast asleep, her head resting on the desk.
A tender smile touched Collin’s lips as he gazed at her sleeping form.
He wheeled himself closer. As he was about to wake her and suggest she retire to the bedroom, his eyes fell upon several design sketches scattered across the desk. Surprise flickered in his eyes.
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