The two nurses hustled down the corridor, their voices carrying as if no one else existed. Moments later, they vanished around the corner.

Linsey caught snippets of their exchange but didn t dwell on it. With the nurses already handling the situation, she saw no need to get involved and headed straight for her best friend s hospital room.

As she approached, she stopped short, surprised to see Dolores lingering outside the door, her eyes darting around suspiciously.

Dolores? Linsey paused, puzzled. What are you doing out here?

Dolores raised an eyebrow and fired back, Did you hear that crying in the hallway?

Linsey nodded. Yeah.

Before she could say more, Dolores leaned in close, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. It s coming from room 3915. Rumor has it, that s Kylee Russell, the actress. She took a bad fall, hit her head, needed over a dozen stitches, and her face is ruined.

Linsey s eyes widened in shock. What?

Dolores, relishing the gossip, pressed on. This morning, she had a full-blown meltdown out here. Her manager tried to calm her, but she complained that someone never visited.

Who?

Collin Riley, Dolores replied, her voice brimming with intrigue. Word is, since her face got scarred, Collin s been dodging her. Hasn t visited once.

Linsey s jaw dropped, disbelief flashing across her face. He doesn t seem like that kind of person.

How would you know? Dolores countered.

Linsey faltered, grasping for words, suddenly unsure how to respond. She just couldn t find the words to explain.

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Deep down, she didn t think Collin was as heartless as the gossip suggested. Though they weren t close, he had come to her rescue every time she had been in trouble.

If he could be that kind to someone he barely knew, how could he treat those close to him so callously?

With that thought, Linsey doubled back. I don t know. It just feels like there s got to be a misunderstanding.

Before Dolores could reply, Linsey swiftly changed the subject to her friend s discharge. Today s your big day out of here. Have you packed everything?

Dolores gasped, slapping her forehead. Oh no, I got so caught up in the gossip I forgot to pack!

Typical, Linsey said with a soft chuckle, taking charge. You go pack. I ll handle the discharge paperwork.

Thank you! Dolores planted an exaggerated kiss on Linsey s cheek, gushing, You re the best girl ever. I wonder who ll be lucky enough to snag you one day.

Linsey laughed at her friend s theatrics, nudging her gently toward the room. Enough chatter go pack.

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