Done with Cheater's Coldness Shine in Rival's Arms novel Chapter 80

Chapter 80 The Distance He Chooses

“I understand. Thank you for making the trip back just for me,” Peyton said sincerely.

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“Come on, we’ve been friends for years. No need for formalities,” Megan replied with a smile. “I’m in a hurry this time, but next time I’m back, let’s have dinner with your fiancée.”

Peyton nodded. “That sounds good.”

“You don’t have to carry this guilt forever,” Megan added, her tone softening. “She got hurt saving you, but you’ve done so much for her over the years.

“Everything she has now is because of you. Don’t let the past trap you. You’ve given more than enough. If you keep dwelling in this shadow, you’ll never find yourself or a new life.

“You’re getting engaged soon. You owe it to yourself, and to your partner, to move forward. If you’re stuck in guilt every day, she’ll suffer too. She didn’t live your past. Keeping her in the dark isn’t fair to her.”

Megan couldn’t help but say these final words before leaving. Once, Peyton had been consumed by guilt, struggling with severe mental stress, and they’d talked on the phone every day back then.

Peyton was strong. He could handle any work problem effortlessly.

But not this one.

The thought that he’d caused someone to potentially be disabled for life was a weight he could never fully shake.

“Don’t worry, I’ll handle this,” Peyton assured her. “I’ll protect my fiancée. I don’t plan on telling her about any of this. I don’t want her to carry this burden with me, or to misunderstand our relationship.”

That was his true feeling now. He wanted to bear it all alone, not drag an innocent person into his past.

“But if you’re still taking care of Wendy after you’re engaged, you have to tell your fiancée the truth,” Megan pressed. “Otherwise, misunderstandings will definitely arise between you two.”

She was right. That was a problem.

Peyton knew this truth would be cruel to Quinn.

“I understand,” he said quietly.

“Alright, my job here is done. I’ve told you everything you need to know,” Megan said, checking her watch. “I have a lot to take care of today, so I’ll head out now. Call me anytime if you need anything.”

Megan hurried out of the hospital. She’d been consulting abroad recently and hadn’t been back to the hospital in a while.

She’d only come back today for Peyton.

After leaving the hospital, Peyton returned to the car.

“Peyton, what did the doctor say?” Wendy asked anxiously, having waited in the car the entire time. “Was she

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Chapter 80 The Distance He Chooses

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talking about me? Is my condition serious?”

“We’ve been good friends for years. We just talked about work,” Peyton lied calmly. “She also said your mental health is fine, no issues at all.”

“But she did mention I should take you out more often to relax. Don’t keep yourself cooped up at home all day,” he added.

After hearing Megan’s words earlier, Peyton knew he had to keep his distance from Wendy from now on. He didn’t want her to think he was giving her hope.

But he couldn’t be too blunt. He was afraid she wouldn’t be able to handle it.

“Peyton, I do want to go out more,” Wendy said quickly, seizing the opportunity. “Staying at home all day is boring. When you have time, take me out, okay? I can look up fun places online, and we can go together!”

Wendy’s possessiveness was growing stronger by the day. She wanted to keep him tied to her side forever.

But Peyton was different now. He would never spend time alone with her again-unless there were other people around.

He was getting engaged soon, and he had to be responsible to his fiancée!

He’d once wondered if he should be with Wendy out of guilt. But later, he’d realized he couldn’t lie to himself. Quinn was already in his heart.

If he stayed with Wendy just because of guilt, neither of them would be happy. It would be unfair to both himself and her.

“I’m too busy with work. I’ll ask someone else to take you out,” Peyton said, his voice cold and distant.

But Wendy refused. She shook her head firmly, putting on a sad, wronged expression. “Peyton, I only want to go out with you. I’m not interested in going with anyone else!”

“I know you’re busy with work, and I hate to bother you,” she pleaded, her voice trembling. “But I really want to go out and relax with you. Can you spare just a little time for me?”

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