Chapter 829

“Something more beautiful…” Sumner’s scoff carried a tinge of self -mockery.

“Lindsey, what is it that he has that I lack? I can take you to the places he has, and offer you things greater than he ever could.

Why can’t you give me a chance?”

“Tell me, why won’t you give Xiomara a chance?” Lindsey retorted with a smile.

“Because…” Sumner’s voice trailed off.

He knew he didn’t have feelings for Xiomara.

At that moment, he understood that Lindsey had given him a definitive answer.

He felt a deep pain in his heart.

He couldn’t understand why Lindsey couldn’t even give him a little hope.

She kept saying no to him, leaving him to question his worth.

“The meteor shower is beautiful, but you should watch it with someone else, not me,” Lindsey said softly upon seeing his dejected expression.

She then turned to leave, but Sumner quickly grabbed her wrist.

As a result, she lost her balance and was pulled into his arms.

The subtle fragrance of flowers filled Sumner’s nose as the distance between them closed.

“Remember you asked about my wish? I wished for you to be happy, always.

” Sumner’s raspy voice echoed in Lindsey’s ear, making her heart thump uncontrollably.

After a pause, he added, “Even if you can’t love or accept me, please don’t push me away.

I’ll always be here, waiting.

When you’re hurt or tired and need comfort, you’ll find me right here if you look back.

”

His words were full of affection and longing.

Lindsey felt an overwhelming sense of confinement and suffocation in his embrace.

“Sumner, can you please not be so kind to me? I’m scared I’ll never be able to pay back what I owe you,” Lindsey said, pulling away from Sumner’s embrace.

Her eyes, filled with tears, looked earnestly at the man whose generosity overwhelmed her.

Yet, Sumner offered her a soft smile.

“You owe me nothing.

My happiness lies in protecting the one I cherish.

It’s my choice.

There’s no need for stress on your part.

”

“But Sumner, Love isn’t meant to be this self-effacing.

It’s about reciprocity, a mutual endeavor.

You ought to let go of this fixation and find someone who’s a better match.

”

“If you’re aware of my infatuation, then you’ll understand it’s not easily discarded.

Lindsey, you’re my salvation in this life.

”

Sumner’s gaze was so intense that Lindsey couldn’t bear to meet his eyes.

“You called me self-effacing.

True love, however, inspires one to lower oneself to the very dust, and you alone can compel me to such humility.

”

Lindsey found herself at a loss for words, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts she couldn’t organize.

She was at a loss on how to respond to such devotion.

The clock had neared one in the morning by the time they headed back.

Sumner drove in silence while Lindsey, seated beside him, remained quiet.

They exchanged no words.

The moment the car started, Sumner’s phone, resting by his side, lit up.

He unlocked it to find a photo sent by the grill’s owner.

Sumner offered a faint smile, glancing over at Lindsey.

He then dismissed the message from his screen.

As they reached the hill roads, Lindsey’s eyelids grew heavy.

The events of late had drained her, and she found it impossible to resist the pull of sleep.

Resting her elbow beneath her chin, she prepared to doze off.

But the sound of something amiss woke her up.

She glanced at Sumner to see him frantically pumping the brakes.