Linsey pursed her lips, staying quiet.

Truthfully, she had felt a pang of disappointment that morning. Collin had always been open about his daily plans, and she was used to knowing his whereabouts. But today, when she had needed his support, he hadn t been there.

You left without saying anything, then flooded me with texts and calls saying you were worried about me. But you didn t tell me anything today. Don t you think I worry

About you too? Linsey said, taking a deep breath, her tone serious. She wasn t trying to start an argument just clear the air to prevent any misunderstandings. Still, her words carried a slight edge of frustration. Even Linsey couldn t entirely escape the pull of emotional tension.

Seeing the hint of hurt in her expression, Collin couldn t stay put and started to rise from the bed. Baby, I He suddenly grimaced, sucking in a sharp breath. Alarmed, Linsey snapped out of her frustration and hurried to his side, her face etched with worry. What s wrong? Did you hurt the incision? I m getting a doctor!

She turned quickly, ready to fetch medical help.

In her rush to argue, she had nearly forgotten he had just had a vasectomy a procedure painful even to imagine.

Collin quickly composed himself and gently pulled her back.

Caught off guard, Linsey tumbled into his arms.

Collin! Her face paled as she tried to ease off him, terrified of aggravating his wound but hesitant to move too forcefully. Her torn expression made Collin chuckle softly.

I m okay. It was just a minor surgery, not a big deal. No need to worry, he said in a warm, soothing tone, his hand gently resting on her head, offering comfort.

But Linsey wasn t convinced. Realizing what had happened, she shot him a look, her voice tinged with irritation. Collin! You lied to me again!

Again? Collin latched onto the word at once. One hand softly gripped Linsey s arm, the other cradling her hands, his face growing solemn. Linsey, when was the last time I lied to you?

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He hadn t mentioned leaving that morning, and going through with the vasectomy alone was, at worst, an omission not a lie. Since the incident four years ago, Collin had vowed never to deceive Linsey again, so her accusation left him genuinely puzzled.

Linsey s eyes brimmed with tears in an instant. Her expression now was worlds apart from the warmth she had shown earlier when Ivy s words had touched her.

Collin caught the shift immediately, his heart sinking. He tightened his hold on her hands, brows knitting together, his eyes filled with unmistakable worry. Linsey, what s wrong? Please, talk to me. Why are you so upset? I don t understand what I ve done, but if I ve made you sad, I m sorry. I would never want to hurt you. Please don t cry, he said, his voice soft and pleading.

His gentle tone broke Linsey s resolve, and tears slipped silently down her cheeks, falling onto Collin.

She knew relationships sometimes involved personal boundaries or secrets, and she could accept that in theory. But the pain from four years ago still haunted her, and Collin knew it yet he had hidden something from her again. Worse, it was something he had shared with Ivy but kept from her.

When he saw her tears, Collin s panic deepened. He lifted his hand, gently wiping her tears with his warm fingertips, his voice low and laced with emotion. Linsey, please don t cry

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