Chapter 25
25:
For a brief moment, he was caught off guard by the softness of his own thoughts, a surprising warmth spreading through him.
As if to snap him out of his daze, Linsey fully awakened, her face lighting up as she threw the blanket off her, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
“Collin, you’re finally back! I have something so important to share with you!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with anticipation.
Collin’s mind immediately raced back to the reports his subordinates had shared over the past few days.
He knew Linsey had been busy, but he had no clue what she was up to. His thoughts darkened as he considered the possibility that she was about to announce her departure.
The butler had said she made dinner. Maybe it was her final gesture of care—something to soften the blow of her leaving.
Collin’s lips curled into an inward sneer.
She was really deluding herself.
He didn’t need her concern. It was completely unnecessary.
If she wanted to leave, the sooner, the better.
With a cold, unreadable expression, he asked, his voice flat,
“What important thing?”
Linsey rose from her seat but didn’t answer right away. Instead, she looked at him with a gentle smile and said,
“It’s getting late. Let’s eat first. You’ve been working nonstop; you must be starving.”
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Collin opened his mouth to refuse, but as his gaze met Linsey’s bright, hopeful eyes, his words faltered.
He exhaled sharply, steeling himself for this to be the last time he indulged her.
“Alright.”
He washed his hands quickly and followed Linsey to the dining table, his eyes widening in surprise as he took in the sight before him—an elegant spread of dishes, flickering candlelight casting soft shadows, wine glasses glimmering, and roses scattered artfully across the table. Linsey flashed him a bright smile, gesturing for him to sit. Then, she took a lighter and lit the candles with a flourish.
“So?” she asked, her voice playful. “How’s my candlelit dinner? Up to standard?”
Collin stood frozen for a moment, caught off guard by the effort she had put in.
His lips pressed into a thin line, and with an air of stiffness, he asked,
“Why prepare a candlelit dinner?”
“It’s romantic,” Linsey replied matter-of-factly, her eyes gleaming with sincerity. “We’re married. Isn’t it normal to add a bit of romance every now and then, to spice things up?”
The soft glow of the candlelight danced over her face, making her look even more captivating, her smile full of life and charm.
In the quiet of the moment, Collin felt a flicker in his chest, his heart skipping an unexpected beat.
He clenched his fists, his emotions warring inside him, then abruptly reached for the wine and drained his glass in one swift motion.
Linsey blinked, momentarily stunned by his sudden action.
“You haven’t eaten yet. Please, have some food first.”
With a soft laugh, she placed food carefully onto his plate.
“I know you prefer lighter flavors, so I made some dishes I thought you’d enjoy. Let me know if they suit your taste.” Her excitement was palpable as she eagerly watched him take his first bite.
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