?Chapter 959:


    Dustin could already guess why.


    Knowing Dolores was with someone she trusted gave him somefort. He didn’t want her caught up in this mess. He felt it was his burden to carry alone.


    Dustin took a deep breath. There was so much he wanted to say, but he kept it short. “Dolores, take care of yourself.”


    On the other end, Dolores sat quietly, tears rolling down the back of her hand.


    She understood him loud and clear.


    He wouldn’t be able to see her for a long time.


    By now, she was sure—his mother didn’t like her one bit.


    And now, she understood why Linsey had insisted she use Collin’s phone.


    It was the only safe way. Dustin’s mother couldn’t trace it.


    Her throat tightened. She swallowed and said softly, “I will.”


    Just two words, but they felt heavy on her tongue.


    After a moment, she added, her voice shaking, “You too.”


    Then silence settled between them. Only the sound of their breathing remained.


    A car horn suddenly red, snapping Dustin back to the moment. The red light had turned green, and the car behind him was honking.


    He started the car again, his hands trembling on the wheel.


    Having given up on going to Collin’s, Dustin didn’t know where else to turn. No matter which direction he took, his mother was watching. She would know every move, every breath.


    Would she try to control every part of his life next?


    The thought chilled him, and his body stiffened.


    “It’s getting dark, Dustin. You should head home,” Dolores said gently. She sat alone on the balcony, staring at the fading sky, her expression unreadable.


    Dustin’s grip tightened on the wheel when he heard her voice. “Dolores, will you wait for me?” he asked, almost like a whisper. Then, more firmly, he added, “Wait for me. I’ll find a way.”


    Dolores lowered her eyes, hiding the sadness in them. “Okay, I’ll wait.” A true smile finally touched Dustin’s lips.


    “We have to stay strong, Dolores. Think about it—Collin and Linsey went through so much, but they made it in the end. We can too. Let’s not give up on each other, alright?” His voice lit up, filled with a hope he couldn’t hide.


    Dolores couldn’t see Dustin’s face, but she could imagine the joy it held.


    She smiled faintly, though her eyes were clouded with tears.


    To her, their situation wasn’t the same as Linsey and Collin’s.


    The problems between Linsey and Collin were theirs to face.


    But what stood between her and Dustin was his mother—and her disapproval wasn’t something that could be talked away.


    Dolores had never been one to beg for eptance, especially from someone who had disliked her from the start.


    Linsey had kindly given her a chance to reach out to Dustin, but Dolores knew it was only to say goodbye.


    She was thankful her feelings hadn’t grown too deep.


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