Done with Cheater's Coldness Shine in Rival's Arms novel Chapter 77

Chapter 77 The Weight of Duty

Finished

“Peyton, don’t worry-I won’t cling to you forever,” Wendy said, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She put on a pitiful, despairing look, even as her words sounded selfless. “I know your fiancée will mind our relationship. I’ll keep my distance. I promise I won’t cause you any trouble!”

Peyton smiled faintly, “I’ve always seen you as a little sister. Nothing will change that-not even after I’m married. You can come to me anytime you need help. There’s nothing between us to be ashamed of.”

“And soon, there’ll be someone else looking out for you too,” he added, making his stance clear. He hoped she’d finally understand the boundaries of their relationship.

“You’ve got it all wrong,” Wendy hurried to say, her voice soft and vulnerable. She masked her lingering resentment with a sweet, innocent tone. “I just feel a little sad thinking you’ll be with someone else. I won’t be able to bother you anymore.”

“Peyton, you have to be happy. I truly hope you find happiness,” she said, batting her eyelashes like a

wounded bird.

“Thank you,” Peyton replied flatly, his eyes cold and unreadable.

He stayed a little longer, waiting until her emotions settled before heading out.

Just as he was about to leave, Wendy wheeled herself over to him, tears streaming down her face. “Peyton, please stay the night. I’m so scared being alone here. The house feels so empty… I’m miserable,” she begged, clinging to his arm.

But Peyton had no intention of staying. His care for her stemmed from a sense of duty, nothing more. He was only doing what he thought was right.

“Wendy, that’s enough,” he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. “I have work to finish when I get home. It’s late-you need to rest.”

Seeing his irritation, Wendy quickly let go, her voice dripping with remorse. “I understand, Peyton. I don’t want to be a burden to you-not when you’re swamped with work and wedding preparations.”

“But I’m so useless lately,” she sniffled, looking even more pathetic. “I keep falling, getting worse and worse. I never wanted to call you, but the staff was all gone today…”

“Call me anytime you need to,” Peyton said, his tone softening a little. “If I can’t make it, I’ll send someone else. I’ll take you to the hospital tomorrow. Now get some rest

After calming her down, Peyton left without a second glance.

When he got home, the light in Quinn’s bedroom was off He assumed she’d already fallen asleep-it was well past midnight.

“Welcome back, Mr. Reed,” Mabel greeted him quietly.

“Miss Hart waited for you in the living room for a long time,” she added. “She didn’t go to bed until she couldn’t stay awake any longer.”

Peyton decided not to disturb her. He headed straight to the study, hoping to catch up on some work.

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Chapter 77 The Weight of Duty

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He pulled out two files and flipped through them, but his mind was elsewhere. He couldn’t focus on the words in front of him.

Wendy’s situation was weighing heavily on him. Her physical condition was deteriorating, and her mental state was fragile too. He resolved to make an appointment with a therapist for her tomorrow. She clearly needed professional help.

He knew his engagement would hit her hard. She’d probably find some way to cause a scene. But he couldn’t run from the inevitable. He had to face it head-on.

The next morning…

Quinn got up bright and early. She had a long list of tasks to tackle at the studio.

Peyton was already up too, sitting alone in the living room, reading the newspaper.

“Join me for breakfast,” he said, looking up as she walked in.

“Okay.” Quinn nodded, a small flicker of surprise crossing her face.

Is he waiting for me?

She’d been so tired last night that she couldn’t remember what time he’d gotten home. She only knew it must have been very late.

“Any plans for today?” Peyton asked, breaking the silence.

“I’m heading to the studio to wrap up some work,” Quinn replied. “The two patents are moving forward

two smoothly. Leo and I finalized the collaboration deal.”

“I might be home late tonight,” she added, avoiding his eyes. “No need to pick me up. I can get back on my

own.”

She didn’t want a repeat of the other night. She’d canceled her dinner plans with Leo just to come home with him, only to be left alone when he rushed off to help Wendy. The memory still stung.

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