?Chapter 986:


    He said, “Linsey, must you really be this cruel? You say you’re grateful, but every word you speak feels like a knife to my chest. I don’t feel even a drop of gratitude from you.”


    Whenever he was with Linsey, Gorman always found his tone softening, unable to muster a harsh response.


    Steadying her gaze on him, Linsey said with sincerity, “Gorman, you’ve been a significant part of my life, and I genuinely want to see you heal and grow.”


    A sigh escaped her as she knitted her brows, her voice tinged with resignation. “But let’s be honest—what you’re asking from me isn’t something I can give. Those wishes are simply out of my reach.” Her heart already belonged to Collin; loving someone else wasn’t an option anymore.


    All the good in Gorman, all the sacrifices he had made, could never sway her heart to match his devotion.


    Anger red briefly in Gorman’s eyes. A strainedugh escaped, but it was cut short by a sudden fit of coughing.


    Each cough rattled through him, sharp pains seizing his chest and spreading in dull, lingering waves.


    Reacting instantly, Linsey left her seat, filled a ss with warm water, and searched for a straw so he could sip without effort.


    A few careful sips soothed the burning in his throat, bringing a measure of relief.


    “Thank you.” Gorman’s eyes locked on Linsey as she ced the ss aside, as if he were trying to capture the memory.


    Linsey settled back in her chair, her tone gentle but firm. “You’re suffering all this because of me. If you really can’t sense how grateful I am, let me stay and care for you a while. It’s only fair to repay the kindness you showed me.”


    Ga ln ovels . fuels your imagination


    When he heard those words, Collin’s expression turned cold. He cut in firmly, “There’s no need for you to wear yourself out, Linsey. We can easily hire someone to take care of him.”


    No matter what, Collin would never allow her to shoulder that burden alone.


    Fixating on Linsey’s expression, Gorman felt an unfamiliar emotion churn inside him at her words.


    Collin’sment, however, drew a mockingugh from Gorman. “Collin, your possessiveness never fails to show.”


    Eyes narrowed with challenge, Gorman met his stare and spoke slowly. “Linsey chose to care for me this time. I never forced her hand. Do you really believe you have the right to dictate everything Linsey does?”


    Those words hit their mark, irritation rising sharply in Collin’s eyes.


    Linsey’s presence held Collin’s temper in check, so all he managed was a coldugh. “You’re hurt, Gorman. Save your breath. I’d hate to see you cough up more blood trying to score points.”


    Amusement flickered across Gorman’s face. “I carry this wound because I protected Linsey. If someone else had been quick enough to block that knife, would I even be here to speak?”


    At that, Collin’s expression darkenedpletely.


    Failing to protect Linsey back at the bridal shop haunted him like a bad dream.


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