Lynn set the takeout bag on the desk and stopped in front of her. And Nina… Nina felt something inside her twist painfully, like she’d just been cornered.
This was why Jasper hadn’t wanted her to come.This was why he’d tried so desperately to get rid of her.He’d been afraid she would run into Lynn.
Nina drew in a breath, but it caught painfully in her throat.
“I’m sorry, I…” Lynn gave her a warm, sincere smile.“I was just so scared that day. And I never thanked you. So—thank you.”
Nina had no idea what to say. No idea how to look her in the eyes.
“I brought my dad some food,” Lynn added, glancing at the bag.“He works so much he rarely has time to eat. Always busy, always skipping meals. What about you? What are you doing here?”
The question was innocent, but Nina felt something seize painfully in her chest.
A heavy pause filled the room. She had to answer. Anything. Any lie.
She forced a smile.
“Well…” Her voice came out rough.“Your father squeezed me in without an appointment. I’ve had… some minor health issues.”
Lynn’s expression changed instantly. Her eyes sharpened with concern.
“Wait, are you having heart problems?”
She inhaled sharply, her fingers tightening around the bag’s handle.
A cold shiver crept down Nina’s spine.
She cares so much…
Nina didn’t want to lie again, but what was she supposed to say?
“No, nothing serious,” Nina assured quickly.“I just wanted an opinion from a qualified specialist. For… peace of mind.”
Lynn relaxed slightly and nodded.
“I understand. My dad’s the best. You’re definitely in good hands.”
Nina couldn’t find a response. She simply nodded, though inside everything was tightening, suffocating—guilt, fear, tension.
Lynn hesitated for a moment, as if unsure how to begin, then her expression softened with genuine warmth.
“You know, I actually tried to find you,” she admitted,“to thank you for that day. I didn’t know where you lived, otherwise I’d have reached out sooner. But…” she gave an embarrassed smile,“I guess fate brought us together again.”
Nina froze. She stared at the girl, fighting the sting in her chest. The sting of guilt she’d been carrying for years—toward the very child she’d abandoned to fate.
But Lynn didn’t know. And maybe she never would.
Better that way.
“There’s nothing to thank me for,” Nina replied calmly, masking the tremor in her voice.“Anyone would’ve done the same.”
Lynn shook her head and brushed her hair back.
“No, not anyone. You put yourself in danger, you risked your life. It was…” She exhaled softly.“It was incredibly brave. You saved me.”
Nina managed a weak smile, not knowing what else to say.
She looked at the girl and realized she genuinely enjoyed seeing her like this—so bright, so honest, so kind.
