Chapter 356
356:
Beth was stunned into silence, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she slowly took her seat.
The room fell quiet as everyone watched Collin tenderly look after Linsey, his actions seamless and caring.
He called over to the waiter, “Excuse me. My wife has some stomach troubles. Could we have a lighter dish instead of this greasy one? Thank you.”
He then offered Linsey his steak, already sliced. “Here, Linsey, take my steak.” He suggested, “Maybe drink less wine and try some juice instead. You like this flavor best.”
Linsey stayed serene, showing that Collin’s considerate actions were nothing out of the ordinary for them.
In the quiet of the room, whispers began to circulate among the onlookers.
“Linsey’s husband is such a great guy,” one person murmured.
“Indeed, it’s rare to find a man this thoughtful,” another added.
“Wow, I’m so envious of Linsey. I wish I could find a man who treats me like that,” someone else confessed.
“And what does it matter if he can’t walk? I’ve known many men who seemed perfect but turned out to be terrible,” a fourth voice chimed in.
Gradually, the quiet praise transformed into open admiration for Collin. “Mr. Riley, you’re so good to Linsey. She’s really fortunate to have a husband like you,” a voice called out.
“I don’t get it. Why does someone constantly criticize Linsey, suggesting she might not find happiness?” another commented, casting a side glance at Beth.
Beth was in disbelief. She had intended to make Linsey look bad, yet she only succeeded in humiliating herself and boosting Linsey’s confidence.
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Overwhelmed with frustration, she burst out, “Can everyone just stop this charade? What’s the purpose of all this performance? Just days ago, you all mocked Linsey for marrying a man who can’t walk, and now here you are, showering him with praise. Have you no decency?”
The crowd was taken aback, their eyes wide in astonishment as Beth unexpectedly lost control and unleashed all the gossip they had been covertly exchanging.
Beth, unable to hold back, derided Linsey. “I pity you, Linsey! Your husband just bought you a dress, right? It’s hardly anything special. Why make such a fuss?” She scoffed, continuing, “If such a trivial gesture wins you over, you’re obviously too easy to impress. I, for one, cherish deeper qualities in people rather than mere materialism.”
Undeterred by the surrounding gazes, Beth turned her attention to Collin, as if she were offering sage advice. “Mr. Riley, choose wisely who you wed. You could find yourself with a woman of poor character. Linsey is quite shallow. She might leave her longtime boyfriend for you, but what’s stopping her from doing the same to you when another catches her eye?”
Her statements resonated with a tone of moral superiority, as though she were bestowing essential wisdom. Those unaware of the backstory might even believe her assertions.
Linsey was seething with anger, on the verge of confronting Beth. How much longer would Beth continue this tirade?
Just then, a long hand reached out, preventing Linsey from standing. She turned to Collin next to her, catching his words just in time. “I married Linsey because I chose to. If she ever decides to leave, it would mean I failed to be the man she deserves.”
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