Chapter 82 I Won''t Make Things Harder For You


    Collin''s grip remained steady, the warmth of his palm grounding Linsey as his fingers rested lightly against her wrist. Beneath his touch, her pulse trembled, unsteady yet alive.


    "You''ve got makeup on. Stay still," he said, his voice a quietmand.


    Linsey froze, her breath catching as their eyes met. She felt the weight of the moment press against her chest, making it impossible to move.


    Her lips parted, but no words came. A shimmer of unshed tears clung to hershes, catching the dim light.


    A flicker of something unreadable passed through Collin''s gaze. She looked so fragile, so small, that it made his chest


    tighten.


    He let out a slow breath before reaching up, his rough fingers brushing away the dampness collecting at the corners of her eyes. His touch was careful, deliberate.


    "I just want to know if you like the dress. No lies," Collin said, his tone measured.


    A flicker of surprise crossed Linsey''s face. For a beat, her heart stuttered-then surged forward, sending warmth rushing through her veins.


    "I..." The single syble barely made it past her lips before dissolving into silence. “Hmm?” A quiet hum left Collin''s lips, the depth of his own patience catching him off guard.


    Answers might note easily, but he found himself strangely content to wait.


    Linsey''s breath stuttered before she finally spoke, her voice fragile yet sincere. "I love it. Every word is true."


    After a pause, she confessed, "Marrying you... it''s something I''ll never stop being grateful for."


    The instant the words slipped from her lips, something inside him stirred, a feeling too powerful to suppress.


    Though his expression remainedposed, his next words carried an


    unmistakable weight. "And why is that? What makes someone like me worth your gratitude?"


    Doubt lingered beneath the surface, an unspoken need for reassurance gnawing at him.


    Yet in the end, uncertainty kept him from pressing further.


    Before she could respond, he flicked something toward her. "Catch."


    Instinct took over as she reached out, fingers closing around the object before she even registered what it was.


    How could she not be grateful? He had been more than she ever dared to hope for.


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    Chapter 82 I Won''t Make Things Harder For You


    Linsey blinked down at the handkerchief in her grasp, momentarily dazed.


    "Don''t get too ahead of yourself," Collin said, amusementcing his tone. "Save your tears forter. Once you get there with


    me, you''ll have a real reason to cry," Collin said.


    She hesitated, then asked, "Are you worried they''ll single you out? Do you think I''d ever be ashamed of you?"


    His movements stilled, his gaze returning to hers.


    Gone was the hesitation in her expression. Determination had taken its ce.


    Collin narrowed his eyes, his voice was unreadable. "Say that again."


    His reaction only strengthened her resolve. She lifted her chin and said firmly, "Collin, I''d never be embarrassed because of


    you. If anything, I''ll stand up for you. And if anyone gives you trouble, I''ll make sure they regret it."


    Collin arched an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his eyes. "You? Make them regret it?"


    "Absolutely. I''m capable of more than just words. If ites down to it, I won''t hesitate to use stronger methods. But don''t worry I won''t be reckless. I won''t make things harder for you." Linsey spoke with unwavering certainty.


    A quiet chuckle escaped Collin, amusement flickering in his eyes. She had to be joking. After all, the memory of her tear-


    streaked face was still fresh in his mind.


    If those tears returned, he wasn''t sure he would know how to soothe them.


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