Chapter 352

 352:
Linsey’s expression turned stern at Beth’s insinuations. Collin, her husband, was not the unreasonable man Beth portrayed. Just recently, Beth had unfairly labeled Collin as incompetent, and now she was casting aspersions on his temperament. What was wrong with her?
Caught up in the moment, Shari suddenly realized a gap in her knowledge and said, “Linsey, are you married? I’ve been so preoccupied with the dress situation that I forgot to ask.”
Before Linsey could respond, Beth interjected swiftly, “Of course, Linsey’s husband is…”
She paused, giving Linsey a pointed look, full of feigned exaggeration. “Oh, Linsey, I’m speaking too much again. Should I continue? You wouldn’t want me to, right?”
Linsey rolled her eyes, clearly recognizing Beth’s intent to instigate drama. Without being perturbed, she turned to Shari and mentioned her husband casually. “Yes. I’m married. My husband is Collin Riley. We had a rushed wedding six months ago, and it was quite private, so not many people are aware.”
Shari, having returned to Grester and hearing some of the local gossip about Collin, was taken aback but responded earnestly, “From what I understand about you, your marriage must be filled with love, or you wouldn’t speak so openly about him.”
Linsey responded with a smile, “Absolutely, I love my husband dearly.”
Beth, unable to hide her contempt, scoffed. “Linsey, weren’t you with a guy all through college? Whatever happened that you ended up marrying Collin?” Aware that Beth was alluding to her ex-fiancé, Felix, Linsey knew her old classmates were not fully aware of Felix’s story due to her discretion. If Beth hadn’t mentioned it, Felix might have slipped from her memory—a painful echo of her past.
“Why does it matter whom I married?” Linsey retorted coolly.
Beth clenched her jaw, trying to keep her irritation under control as she continued to taunt Linsey. “Oh, come on, Linsey. If you and Collin truly care about each other, why isn’t he here tonight? Kane mentioned we could bring our partners. You always talk about how wonderful your marriage is. Could it be you’re just ashamed that he uses a wheelchair?”
Before Beth could add more, Linsey’s icy stare made her retreat. Muttering under her breath, Beth said, “Well, try not to make a fool of yourself later!” With that, she turned and walked back to her seat.
Linsey watched her go and felt relieved. She beckoned Shari over and they continued their meal.
Beth, now seated, couldn’t stop herself from looking towards the entrance. Her behavior did not go unnoticed.
“Beth, what are you staring at?” someone asked.
“Stop waiting. Kristy isn’t coming back. Looks like you’re stuck dealing with Linsey on your own.”
Beth snapped, “Who said I’m waiting for Kristy?”
“So, what are you looking at?”
“Nothing,” Beth replied curtly, waving them off. She wasn’t ready to share her plans. Yet, she found it odd. Why hadn’t he arrived? It had been over ten minutes. Anxiety was starting to set in. She had seen the confirmation that her message was sent. Could it be that Collin hadn’t gotten it? Another thought struck her. Maybe Collin just didn’t care about anything to do with Linsey. That might explain his absence.
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