Chapter 949

 949:
He could tell she was avoiding his eyes.
Recalling Hester’s recent words, Dustin slowly averted his gaze, concealing the heaviness within.
He stayed silent, making no move to stop Dolores as she left with the children.
After a moment, Dustin turned to Hester, who wore a faint, mocking smirk, and asked in a raspy voice, “Mom, why?”
Hester didn’t respond right away. Instead, she curtly ordered, “Let’s go home.”
Dustin clenched his jaw in frustration, itching to clear things up with Hester immediately.
But reflecting on her years of devoted care and guidance, he swallowed his irritation.
“Alright,” he muttered, nodding reluctantly.
When Dolores reached Collin’s place with the two kids, Linsey and Collin were still busy preparing dinner in the kitchen.
“You’re back, Dolores!” Spotting them, Linsey slipped off her apron, wiped her hands, and approached with a warm smile.
“Mommy!” Zenia and Zander bounded into Linsey’s arms, cuddling close with carefree joy. “We missed you so much!”
“I missed you both too,” Linsey replied, her face lighting up as she returned their affection. Then, glancing up, she noticed the distant look clouding Dolores’ expression.
After more than twenty years of friendship, Linsey instantly knew something was wrong.
Her eyes flicked to the closed door behind Dolores and she realized Dustin hadn’t returned with them.
That confirmed it—Dustin was at the heart of the issue.
Lᴀtєst chαptєrs ιn g𝒶l𝑛ovеℓ𝑠.𝑎𝓂
Collin emerged, carrying plates of food to the table.
Linsey shot him a subtle glance.
Catching her cue, Collin took the kids’ hands. “Alright, you two, let’s go wash our hands.”
“Collin, Zander says you’re our dad. Is that true?” Zenia asked innocently, following him to the bathroom.
Zander corrected her, “Zenia, you should call him Daddy.”
Collin chuckled softly. “No worries, call me whatever feels right.” The bathroom door clicked shut.
Linsey gently took Dolores’ hand, pulling her back from her drifting thoughts. “Dolores, what’s going on?”
Dolores blinked, snapping back to the moment, and forced a weak smile. “Linsey, I’m suddenly feeling under the weather. I think I need to rest for a bit.”
Although Dolores had a smile on her face, Linsey could tell—there was no joy in her eyes.
She looked completely downhearted.
Linsey pressed her lips together and gently pulled Dolores inside. “Collin and I just hired a lovely housekeeper. The guest room is all tidy now, fresh sheets and everything. You should go lie down for a bit.”
Dolores hesitated, her voice low. She wanted to say no.
Linsey and Collin had only just gotten back together. Dolores didn’t want to be a bother.
But Linsey held her hand tightly. Her voice dropped as she said, “Dolores, you can’t fool me. I know you too well.”
She looked down, her warm fingers brushing over the back of Dolores’ cold hand.
.
.
.