?Chapter 961:


    Dolores eased herself upright slowly, then sank back against the headboard. She let her head drift close to Linsey’s, their bodies naturally finding an intimate rhythm.


    “Linsey, do you remember our days at the orphanage? You were such a tiny, delicate thing back then, always catching something. Whenever fever took hold of you, E and I would keep vigil by your bedside.” Dolores’ voice carried the weight of tenderness, her eyes soft as they traced the outline of Linsey’s hand nestled within her own.


    The words stirred something deep within Linsey, distant memories surfacing like photographs developing in gentle light.


    “Of course I do,” she responded with a smile. “Every time illness imed me, you looked after me and were always so kind to me.”


    Dolores arched an eyebrow, mischief flickering in her expression. “So, I wasn’t good to you when you were perfectly healthy?”


    Though she spoke teasingly, Linsey’s response was swift and unwavering. “You’re always nice to me. I’ve always seen you as a sister.”


    Her voice dropped to something more intimate as she spoke, fingers tightening around Dolores’ hand. “Even though you’ve always sheltered me like your little sister, always standing as my shield, I hope you’ll let me be your refuge sometimes too. Don’t bury everything so deep inside, carrying those burdens alone.”


    Linsey shifted to capture Dolores’ gazepletely. “Dolores, we trust each other more than anyone else in this world. No matter how crushing life bes, letting me share that weight will lighten the load.”


    The meaning behind Linsey’s words crystallized perfectly in Dolores’ mind. Joy bloomed across Dolores’ face, even as tears began gathering at the corners of her eyes.


    Before they could fall, Linsey pressed a gentle finger to the corner of Dolores’ eye. Her voice carried a mock sternness. “It’s perfectly eptable to shed tears over some man, but never because of words I speak. We’re sisters in every way that matters. Save those precious tears for something truly deserving. Besides, you should catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror. Do you have any idea how puffy your eyes look right now?”


    Dolores blinked in startled realization, her fingertips flying to her swollen eyelids. “Are they really that obvious?”


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    Linsey’s voice softened with gentle honesty. “They’re crimson and swollen. Anyone could see you’ve been crying.”


    Dolores released a sigh that carried both resignation and bitter acknowledgment. Self-mockery crept into her tone as she spoke. “How pathetic I must look. What’s there to mourn over, really? It’s just a guy. I’ll move on soon enough.”


    Dolores’ attempt at dismissal came as no surprise to Linsey. She studied Dolores with unwavering intensity before asking, “Have you truly decided then? Are you certain you want to sever things with Dustin?”


    Dolores’ lipspressed into a thin line. “I honestly don’t know how to navigate his mother’s hostility. She’s made her position crystal clear, and I refuse to linger where I’m clearly unwanted.”


    Linsey considered this carefully, weighing her words before speaking with deliberate slowness. “Let’s set aside what Dustin thinks or whatever he might do next. First, you need to answer something more fundamental. Can you truly let him go?”


    After a thoughtful pause, Linsey leaned forward. “Since graduation, dating has never really been on your radar. You’ve poured yourself into building your career. Dustin is probably the first person who’s truly captured your heart in years. Are you really prepared to walk away from that?”


    Dolores shifted her gaze, her expression caught in a web of conflicting emotions. “I won’t deny it. I still have feelings for Dustin, and I know he cares for me too. But this time, what we feel for each other isn’t enough to bridge the divide.”


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