?Chapter 1142:


    “I know,” Christina replied, her tone utterly t and detached. “His mess. Not my concern.”


    Dn felt his shoulders rx.


    He hadn’t realized how worried he’d been—that she might feel sorry for Brendon after everything. But clearly, she’d drawn the line. “Alright.” His lips curved into a relieved smile.


    Meanwhile, at the hospital—


    “Brendon, do you feel better now…” Ynda whispered. She reached out gently to touch his sore, aching legs.


    Brendon hissed through clenched teeth, his face twisting in pain.


    “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to hurt you!” Ynda panicked, drawing her hand back quickly.


    “It’s fine,” Brendon muttered, voice tight. “I’m alright.”


    She replied softly, grabbing a bottle of ointment. “Let me apply something.” She moved carefully, dabbing his legs with a cotton swab soaked in medicine.


    Each touch made him flinch, his breath sharp and uneven.


    “I’m really sorry, Brendon,” she murmured again, her heart aching.


    “It’s okay. Just do it—I can take it,” he said, jaw clenched.


    The pain was sharp, stabbing. And it was only day one. Eight more to go. A wave of regret hit him hard. What the hell had he been thinking?


    But it was toote. The entire inte had seen his vow. The press had picked it up. Backing down now would turn him into a joke—and worse, it could tank Dawson Group’s stock overnight.


    “You’re all set,” Ynda said softly, putting the medicine away. She nced at him hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper. “Are you continuing it tomorrow?”


    Brendon nodded, firm. “Yeah. I have to. For you, Ynda—I’ll push through. I won’t let anything happen to you.”


    Every tale finds a home at g?lnσν???s


    “Maybe… maybe you should just stop,” Ynda said, her eyes ssy with insincere tears.


    But deep down, she wanted him to go on. Becausepared to everything she was enduring, Brendon’s pain was nothing.


    Brendon gripped Ynda’s hand tighter, his voice low but steady. “No. I’m not giving up.”<fn611f> This text is hosted at find[?]ovel</fn611f>


    “But…” Ynda’s voice shook, but before she could say more, Brendon pulled her into his arms.


    “Don’t try to talk me out of it,” he whispered against her hair. “I won’t give up.”


    “I’m so sorry, Brendon…” Her voice broke as she cried, but her eyes stayed distant—dry, almost hollow.


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