Linsey shook her head, a small, honest gesture. No.

Would you like to hear it? Ivy s tone was warm, almost conspiratorial, as she leaned closer. A spark of curiosity flared in Linsey s chest. She nodded, her lips parting slightly. Yes.

Ivy s smile returned, soft and knowing.

She settled back, her hands clasped, and began to unravel the story of Collin a tale Roland had always meant to share but never dared.

As Ivy recounted the story, her voice remained soft and measured, though it carried the weight of deep sorrow.

Only then did Linsey come to understand the full truth on the very day Collin was born, his mother, Margaret Riley, tragically lost her life during childbirth.

Not long after, his father, Alfredo, remarried and had another son, Huntley.

From that point on, Collin s place in the family diminished to something even less than that of a servant. Alfredo had never cared for him, and with Huntley s arrival, Collin was treated like a shadow in his own home.

But that wasn t the worst of it.

A devastating car accident left him permanently injured, stripping him of the ability to walk.

As Ivy continued, her eyes clouded with tears, her voice trembling. Aside from me, no one in this family ever truly cared for Collin. His father and that wicked stepmother treated him with nothing but cruelty. He used to be such a gentle, obedient child but after enduring so much abuse and neglect, his heart closed off. He became someone different withdrawn, volatile.

Linsey felt a tightness in her chest, a sting behind her eyes as emotion threatened to spill over.

Just then, Ivy s tone shifted. Linsey, she said gently, if you re not here by choice, I can help you leave. I ll make sure Collin never bothers you again.

Linsey didn t respond right away. Her expression flickered. She was caught between hesitation and something unspoken.

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Ivy noticed and smiled patiently. There s no rush. Take your time to think it over. For more chapters visit find?novel.net

But Linsey s thoughts were anything but calm.

When Collin had first forced her into living with him, she had been overwhelmed, constantly seeking a way out. But things had changed. And now, hearing all that Ivy had shared, Linsey saw him through a different lens one not shaped by force or fear, but by pain and loneliness.

She began to realize: maybe Collin wasn t cruel by nature. Maybe he was just broken.

And maybe his possessiveness stemmed from a desperate longing not to be left behind again. The idea of leaving him now felt crueler than staying.

Her heart ached at the thought of him alone once more.

Time passed in silence. Then, slowly, Linsey sat up straight, her voice calm but resolute. I m willing to stay. I want to take care of Collin.

Ivy, mid-sip of her coffee, was so stunned that she choked, coughing violently. Linsey quickly moved beside her, gently patting her back in concern. Are you alright? she asked softly.

I m fine, Ivy said, waving a hand.

Still dazed, she stared at Linsey. Have you truly thought this through? This is a lifelong decision. And Collin he s disabled. The doctors say there s little chance he ll ever walk again.

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