Linsey was even more surprised. “Wow, you really went all out… Honestly, I’m not that picky.”
Collin chuckled. “When you were in the hospital, it was pretty clear you weren’t a fan of those healthy meals. You practically choked them down every time, so I had the chefs make some changes.”
Linsey cringed slightly as she remembered the bland hospital food. They were so healthy they were practically tasteless, and she really didn’t enjoy them.
But she didn’t want to waste food, so she ate it all every time. Most people would have thought she liked the food since she always finished it.
She hadn’t expected Collin to notice that she didn’t actually enjoy it.
“Try it,” Collin said softly. “It should taste just as good, but it’s healthier now.”
Linsey took a bite, and her eyes lit up. “Wow, it’s delicious! Just the way I like it!”
Seeing her reaction, Collin felt a wave of relief wash over him. He picked up her plate and added a generous helping of her favorite dishes.
“Eat up, Linsey,” Collin encouraged, his voice filled with concern. “You’ve lost weight while you were in the hospital. You need to build your strength back up.”
Linsey gave him a sheepish smile. “It’s really nothing, Collin. Just a couple of pounds.”
At least the hospital food hadn’t been a complete disaster, she thought to herself.
Dolores, who had been sitting quietly observing them, couldn’t help but feel a twinge of surprise.
Growing up with Linsey had given Dolores an intimate knowledge of her friend’s quirks and preferences, especially when it came to food.
She knew just how selective Linsey could be with her meals.
But Linsey was always so polite and considerate that even if she didn’t like something, she would eat it without a word of protest, simply because she didn’t want to be wasteful.
Dolores had once playfully teased Linsey, suggesting that she must have been a pampered wealthy girl in a past life, used to only the finest cuisine, which would explain her discerning taste in this one. Linsey was so mindful of others’ feelings that hardly anyone realized the extent of her culinary preferences.
Yet, Collin, who was relatively new to Linsey’s life, seemed to have deciphered her tastes. He had even gone to the effort of modifying recipes to cater to her preferences.
His attentiveness was remarkable.
Dolores could see it clearly-Collin was head over heels in love with Linsey.
How else could he remember her likes and dislikes so precisely after such a short time, unless he was truly smitten?
A spark of unexpected competitiveness ignited in Dolores’ eyes. She simply couldn’t fathom it. Could Collin truly be that incredible, surpassing even her in his knowledge of Linsey’s likes and dislikes? After a moment of contemplation, Dolores abruptly poured some mango juice into a glass.
She adored anything and everything made with mangoes, and the mango juice present tonight had been specifically requested by Linsey for the kitchen staff to prepare.
“Linsey, this mango juice is absolutely divine. You should definitely have some,” Dolores remarked, sliding the glass of mango juice toward Linsey.
Linsey was momentarily taken aback.
Before she could even utter a word, Collin swiftly moved the glass of mango juice out of reach, stating flatly, “I’m afraid Linsey can’t have any. She’s slightly allergic to mangoes.”
He turned to Linsey, asking, “Are you thirsty? Would you like me to have the staff prepare some fresh orange juice for you? I know you enjoy that.”
Without waiting for her response, Collin promptly instructed the staff to prepare the orange juice.
Dolores was utterly dumbfounded. She hadn’t anticipated Collin knowing about Linsey’s mango allergy.
Was there anything he didn’t know about Linsey?
Linsey, equally surprised, stared at Collin in a daze, an unfamiliar emotion stirring within her.
Observing her reaction, Collin presumed she was unaware of her own allergy. He explained, “When you had your check-up at the hospital, they conducted an allergen test. The reports indicated you have a mango allergy. You’ve seen those reports as well. I naturally assumed you were aware.”
Linsey replied instinctively, “There were too many reports… I didn’t get through them all.”
The sheer volume of medical reports had been overwhelming. She had relied on Dominic’s summary, assuring her there was nothing serious to be concerned about.
But Collin had read them all?
Linsey’s eyes drifted towards Dolores, seated opposite her at the table. Naturally, Linsey was fully aware of her own mango allergy, and Dolores knew it all too well.
During their time at the orphanage, Linsey had once ended up in the hospital after consuming a small piece of mango.
The incident had terrified Dolores, who had been on the verge of tears, fearing that Linsey might not survive.
Such a harrowing experience was not something Dolores could easily forget.
Linsey quickly realized that Dolores had orchestrated this scenario as a test for Collin.
Both women were now deeply impressed by Collin’s attentiveness and meticulous nature.
Collin let out a soft chuckle in response to Linsey’s remark and said gently, “It’s okay. I’ve committed everything to memory, and I’ll make sure to remind you in the future.”
Dinner concluded shortly thereafter.
Linsey accompanied Dolores to her car, parked in the open area in front of the villa.
In contrast to her initial arrival, Dolores now appeared to have completely abandoned her quest to find flaws in Collin.
“Linsey, it seems you’ve truly married an exceptional man. I’ve never encountered someone as thoughtful and considerate as Collin. If this is all an act… well, I’d be thoroughly impressed,” she confessed with genuine admiration.
Linsey couldn’t suppress a laugh. “Don’t worry. Collin wouldn’t bother putting on an act for someone like me. That would require far too much effort. Even I’m surprised by the things he has done.”
Witnessing the genuine happiness radiating from Linsey’s face, Dolores felt a surge of relief. Reaching out, she gently patted Linsey’s cheek. “Promise me,” she pleaded. “If anything happens, you’ll tell me immediately, alright?”
“Alright,” Linsey responded dutifully.
Content with Linsey’s assurance, Dolores finally settled into her car and drove off.
Turning back towards the villa, Linsey spotted Collin at the door. She hurried over to him and said with concern, “It’s cold out here-come inside before you catch a chill.”
Linsey strode over to Collin’s wheelchair and, with a gentle but firm hand, propelled him into the room.
“Hey now,” Collin chuckled. “I’m not completely helpless, you know.”
Linsey’s smile faded. “Collin, I spoke with Dr. Larson today about your legs. He’s optimistic about your chances for recovery. You promised you’d prioritize your health, and I’m holding you to that. No more excuses. Your well-being isn’t just about you anymore.”
Collin’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “And why is that?” he inquired, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.
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.