?Chapter 951:


    Dolores said, “Dustin did all the heavy lifting today. He carried them when they got tired, made themugh. I barely contributed anything.”


    A knowing smile tugged at the corners of Linsey’s mouth.


    “The way you notice his efforts tells me everything about how much you care. If his mother can’t see your worth, that’s her failing, not yours. What truly matters is how Dustin feels about you, how he chooses to be with you.”


    Dolores worried her lower lip between her teeth. “I can’t stand the thought of him going against his mother because of me. She raised him, shaped who he is. If he defies her for my sake, it’ll only bring him pain.”


    Deep sympathy filled Linsey’s gaze as she watched her friend’s internal struggle.


    Before falling in love, Dolores had been fearless, unshakeable in her confidence.


    Now Dustin had be her greatest vulnerability, the one thing that could bring her to her knees.


    “But Dustin is crazy about you. Would his mother really force him into a marriage without love? Would she watch her own son live a life of quiet misery? That can’t be what any mother wants for her child,” Linsey spoke with quiet conviction.


    Dolores remained quiet for a long moment, then her lips twisted into something that barely resembled a smile. “I can’t guarantee Dustin will always feel this intensely about me. What if this is just infatuation passing itself off as love?”


    Her gaze found Linsey’s again as she searched for understanding.


    “He’s nothing like Collin, you know. Collin came to you with a clean te, noplicated history. But Dustin…” She trailed off, the weight of unspoken concerns hanging between them.


    A hollowugh escaped her as she continued, “I’m not naive enough to believe I’m somehow special enough to transform a man who’s loved and left so many others. What makes me think I could be the exception?”


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    Linsey absorbed every word without judgment, recognizing the familiar spiral of insecurity that had taken hold of her.


    Uncertainty had poisoned Dolores’ confidence, making her question not just Dustin’s feelings, but her own worth in the rtionship. Perhaps Dustin hadn’t proven himself thoroughly enough. Perhaps his reassurances had fallen short of what Dolores needed to feel secure. Otherwise, his mother’s disapproval wouldn’t have struck such a devastating blow to her sense of belonging.


    Linsey suggested, “Dolores, why don’t you stay here for now? You’ll havepany, and the children would be thrilled to spend more time with you.”


    Sensing potential resistance, she hurried to add, “You wouldn’t need to lift a finger. We’d handle everything for you. And if work calls, I’ll have Collin arrange transportation. No stress, noplications.”


    A genuineugh bubbled up from Dolores despite her mncholy. “Are you afraid I might do something reckless?”


    Linsey’s eyebrows lifted in mock surprise. “Of course not. I’ve just finished untangling a mess of problems and finally have breathing room. I’d love nothing more than to spend quality time with you.”


    Mischief sparked in Dolores’ eyes as her mood lightened slightly. “I would have thought you’d want to make up for lost time with Collin, especially after sorting through all those misunderstandings.”


    Linsey countered, “Right now, he needs to focus on rebuilding his rtionship with the children. Otherwise, Zenia will keep branding him the bad man.”


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