The ache behind his eyes pulsed with a rising frustration.


    He had never been good at offeringfort, and today, his patience was fraying at the edges.


    Still, he gritted his teeth and tried to keep his voice steady.


    Stop overthinking.


    Nothings certain yet.


    Dont give up hope on yourself.


    But Lindsays sobs only grew louder as she reached out for his hand.


    Matthew, already feeling the urge to withdraw, tried to pull his hand back.


    But Lindsays grip tightened, her tears flowing more freely.


    Im terrified, Matthew.


    Youre all I have left.


    Please… you have to help me.


    Nearby, Ste stood, a quiet spectator to the scene unfolding before her. A strange heaviness pressed against her chest as she watched.


    She knew Lindsay wasnt looking for her support, so she held her tongue, staying in the shadows.


    After a struggle, Matthew finally freed his hand from Lindsays hold.


    His voice grew colder, sharper.


    Stop saying such hopeless things.


    Ill take you to the hospitalter.


    But first, I need to change my clothes.


    Lindsay opened her mouth, perhaps to protest, but when she caught the hard, unreadable expression on Matthews face, she recoiled slightly, realizing she might have pushed him too far.


    Her voice faltered.


    Okay.


    Matthew stood and turned around.


    Then he paused, his gaze briefly flickering toward Ste.


    His steps faltered, as if he wanted to speak, but in the end, the silence between them grew thick, and he ascended the stairs, leaving his words behind.


    Ste understood-there was nothing more to be said to Lindsay. The scent of alcohol still lingered in the air and clung to her clothes, making her skin crawl.


    She turned, ready to change, but before she could escape the tension in the room, Lindsays voice rang out, sharp as a knife.


    Ste, you really have no shame, do you? Resorting to such dirty tricks.


    Are you so afraid Matthew will leave you that youd stoop to seducing him while hes drunk? Ste didnt want to dignify Lindsay with an answer, not this early in the day.


    Without uttering a word, she turned to leave, seeking escape.


    But Lindsay wasnt done.


    Her voice rang out once more, thick with malice.


    Let me make one thing clear.


    Even if my legs cant be healed, Matthew will never leave me.


    Hell take me all over the world searching for a cure while youre left clinging to that empty title of Mrs.


    rk.


    Whats the point of it? The words were like thorns in Stes chest, but she could take no more.


    She spun around, her eyes locking with Lindsays smug, self-satisfied expression. Her voice, cold as ice, cut through the room like a de.


    The treatment hasnt even started yet.


    How can you be so certain your legs wont recover? Lindsays heart stuttered, panic flickering in her chest.


    For a heartbeat, she feared Ste had uncovered her deception.


    But after a careful, scrutinizing gaze, she saw nothing-no hint of suspicion in Stes eyes.


    Herposure returned, like a snake shedding its skin.


    The doctors in Sothrea have already told me my legs are beyond repair.


    Isnt it normal to believe that? Stesugh was dark, devoid of warmth.


    Normal, you say? She closed the distance between them, leaning in just enough to look Lindsay in the eye, her voice a whisper of frost.


    But tell me, why does it feel like youve never really cared about your legs? To me, it seems as though Matthew matters far more to you than your legs.


    Could it be.


    that even before you saved him, you had already given up your Legs, just to keep him tied to you? Just like how you fought off that thug barehanded to retrieve my bag and moved into Prosper Bay.


    And remember the chandelier at the Launch event? You risked your life to push me out of the way.


    Was it all part of your n-to make us feel indebted to you, to manipte us into achieving your own hidden agenda?