Chapter 700

700:
At last, Dustin spoke up with a bright grin, cutting through the quiet. “Hey there, Linsey. It’s been a while, hasn’t it? How’ve things been on your end?”
With a courteous smile, Linsey responded to Dustin, “Thank you, Dustin, I’m doing well.”
Collin opened his mouth to speak, but before he could form words, Linsey interjected coldly, “Collin, do you have all the documents we need?”
A faint shiver passed through his eyes, stung by the cold space she now kept between them.
A wave of sorrow washed over him, rendering him speechless and overwhelmed by the emotional gulf between them.
Seeing Collin’s expression, Dustin let out a quiet sigh and quickly said, “Everything’s ready. Collin caught a slight cold and still has a sore throat.”
Linsey’s eyes shifted at his words. She looked closely at Collin. He looked thinner, worn down. It hadn’t even been that long since they last met, but he already seemed different.
He tried to keep a calm face, but Linsey could still sense the quiet changes behind his mask. She had loved him for too long not to notice.
With effort, she pulled her gaze away and forced herself not to look at him again.
“Let’s head in,” Gorman said with a smile, acting as if Collin and Dustin weren’t even there.
Linsey gave a small nod and walked ahead. Gorman folded the umbrella and followed closely behind, never leaving her side.
Collin and Dustin stayed where they were.
“Snap out of it, Collin,” Dustin said, a little helpless.
Collin shut his eyes for a moment, then opened them slowly. “Go back to the company. There’s a big meeting this morning.”
Dustin blinked. “But you—”
“I’m fine. I’ll come after I finish the procedures. I’ve already made up my mind. If I keep dragging this out, it’ll only make things harder for Linsey. I know what I need to do.”
R𝒆𝓐𝓓 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓼 𝒏𝑬𝒙𝑻 g𝓪l𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝓈.𝒸o𝓂
Dustin didn’t argue. He gave a small nod. “Alright. I’ll wait for you at the office.”
When Collin finally stepped in, Linsey was already sitting in front of the judge.
The judge noticed him and cast a knowing glance at Gorman, who was seated next to Linsey.
Gorman caught the look easily. With a smirk, he raised his voice and said, “Mr. Riley, you’ve misled Linsey for so long. It’s dishonest from the start. She married you without knowing the truth. If we’re being technical, that’s marriage fraud, isn’t it?”
Linsey’s face darkened. She turned to him and said, “Gorman, wait for me outside.”
He hesitated. “Linsey, I—”
But her cold stare silenced him.
He gave in, lowering his voice. “Call me if you need anything.”
“I will,” she replied softly.
Gorman didn’t even glance at Collin as he walked out.
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Message from Noah: Happy monday dear readers. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. ヾ( ˃ᴗ˂ )◞ • *✰
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