With renewed purpose, Alexa set off once more.
Meanwhile, Linsey was visiting Dominic in his office.
“Dr. Larson, am I interrupting?” Linsey inquired as she entered.
Dominic smiled and waved her in, offering her a glass of water. “Not at all. How can I assist you today?”
When Dominic posed his question, Linsey didn’t hesitate for a moment. She addressed him directly.
“Dr. Larson, our butler mentioned that you’ve been treating Collin’s legs.”
Dominic responded with a nod and a smile. “Yes, that’s right.”
Linsey took a deep breath, her eyes shimmering with a mix of anxiety and hope as she ventured, “With all the treatments over the years, do you think there’s still a chance for his legs to heal?”
Dominic’s expression shifted subtly, but he kept his tone even as he echoed a sentiment Collin had shared previously.
“There is a chance for improvement,” he admitted cautiously. “But I can’t pinpoint a timeline. There’s a lot up in the air.”
Hope sparked in Linsey’s expression. “This morning, I accidentally stepped on Collin’s foot, and he felt it-he actually felt pain. Could that be a positive sign?”
With a reassuring smile, Dominic replied, “Mrs. Riley, it’s clear you deeply care about him. I promise to keep striving for any possible improvement. However…”
Linsey interjected quickly, her voice tinged with concern. “What is it?”
Dominic continued, “Well, I may need your support throughout this journey. After all, you’re his partner.”
“Absolutely!” Linsey responded immediately, relief flooding her voice. “Whatever it takes, I’m here to help. I’m holding onto hope that his condition will improve.”
While Dominic stopped short of promising a recovery, Linsey clung to the possibility of progress.
Observing her closely, Dominic maintained a poker face.
Since the ordeal of Linsey’s kidnapping, it had become clear to Dominic just how deeply Collin cared for her. Collin had even pondered revealing everything to her. Yet, the more people who knew the truth about Collin’s supposed disability, the greater the risk it posed to his safety.
“Mrs. Riley, I’d like to ask you a question. It might seem a bit forward, so please feel free to decline if it makes you uncomfortable,” Dominic stated unexpectedly.
Linsey was unbothered. “Go ahead.”
Dominic’s gaze was intense, locked onto her face as if to capture every nuance of her reaction. “What if Collin can never stand again? What would you do then?” he asked.
Linsey paused briefly, then answered with conviction, “When I married Collin, his ability to stand was not my concern. Throughout our marriage, he has been nothing but kind and courageous, even saving me. No matter what, I will stand by him. If he remains unable to walk, I am prepared to support and care for him for the rest of our lives.”
Dominic was visibly touched by her words.
In that moment, he began to grasp why Collin held Linsey in such high regard. It was her generosity and selflessness that shone through.
After a thoughtful pause, Dominic had a sudden inspiration. “Mrs. Riley, I have an idea that could potentially aid Collin’s recovery, but it will require a lot of patience on your part. Without it, it won’t work. Are you willing to give it a try?”
Linsey’s eyes sparkled, her voice earnest. “If there’s even a chance it could help Collin, I’m ready to do whatever it takes. Dr. Larson, please, let me know what needs to be done.”
Dominic said, “After Collin’s car accident years ago, he underwent major surgery on his legs. The muscles and nerves took a serious hit. If you commit to massaging him daily, it could help with his recovery. But it has to be consistent-every day, at least half an hour, or you won’t see results.”
Linsey nodded immediately. “Got it, Dr. Larson. I’ll do it every day.”
Dominic met her eyes. “No exceptions. You have to keep at it.”
After she thanked him and left, he got up and shut the office door. He exhaled in relief, then turned toward the corner of the room. “She’s gone. You can come out now. No need to hide.”
The moment he finished speaking, Collin stepped out from the shadows.
Half an hour earlier, Josh had tipped him off that Linsey was heading to the hospital to question Dominic. Uneasy, he canceled his morning meetings and arrived at Dominic’s office before she did. Not long after, Dominic’s assistant warned him that Linsey was on her way up. With no time to talk to Dominic, he had no choice but to slip into the corner and stay out of sight.
He couldn’t help but wonder what Linsey had wanted to ask Dominic. Even though he had expected it, hearing her bring up his leg injury still hit him in a way he hadn’t prepared for. Then she went as far as to promise Dominic she would stay by his side-whether he could stand again or not.
Her words echoed in his mind, sinking deep and rattling something inside him.
Noticing the shift in Collin’s expression, Dominic smirked. “You heard everything, didn’t you? I’ve got to hand it to you-Linsey’s completely devoted to you. What did you do, cast a spell on her?”
“Nonsense. She’s my wife. Of course, she’s going to stay by my side.” Collin shot him a sidelong glance, the corners of his lips quirking up slightly. A flicker of pride lit his eyes.
Dominic nearly did a double take.
For some reason, Collin reminded him of a rooster puffing out its chest, strutting around like it owned the place. Something told him this was only the beginning-Collin was going to get even bolder about flaunting his relationship.
“Oh, and I suggest Linsey start giving you daily massages. Do yourself a favor-don’t slip up again,” Dominic said, arching a brow.
Collin’s scowl darkened. “Why would you tell her that? There was no need.”
He was already slipping around Linsey, letting his guard down in ways he hadn’t meant to. Just this morning, he had almost exposed himself when she stepped on his foot.
If she started massaging him every day, he wasn’t sure how much longer he could keep up the facade.
Dominic feigned innocence, sighing dramatically. “I’m just looking out for you. A little physical closeness never hurt a marriage.”
Then he smirked. “Besides, Linsey clearly dotes on you. If you don’t let her do this, she’ll just come back to me with more questions.” Noticing Collin’s furrowed brows and clear irritation, Dominic adopted a pragmatic tone. “You and Linsey are married. The more time you spend together, the closer you’ll become. And who knows? Maybe a baby isn’t too far off.”
Before Collin could get a word in, Dominic pushed back his chair and stood. “I’ve got surgery this morning. I’m heading out.”
Just before stepping through the door, he threw one last jab over his shoulder. “When your kid arrives, Dustin and I will be sure to give you our blessing.”
The door swung shut behind him, leaving Collin simmering in his frustration.
Dominic and Dustin never missed a chance to stir the pot.
He released a slow, weighted sigh.
Dominic’s words lingered in his mind-him and Linsey, having a child. It was something he had never seriously considered before.
If anything, he had always been indifferent-maybe even repelled-by the idea of children, avoiding them whenever possible.
But if the child was Linsey’s-one who might inherit her bright eyes, her effortless smile…
Somehow, the thought didn’t seem so intolerable anymore.
Maybe kids weren’t as insufferable as he had always believed.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.