Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Happy Ever After Novel

Chapter 178: After a brief pause for consideration, Linsey smiled and set the book aside. "I recall Dr. Larson mentioning that, in addition to massages, fresh air and relaxation could aid in your recovery. A positive outlook plays a vital role in healing."

Her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "Oh, Collin, we've been married for some time now, yet we've never truly had a proper date. Given our current free time, wouldn't it be wonderful to go out and spend some quality time together?"

"Are you asking me out?" Collin's eyes lit up, a smile playing at the corner of his lips. "I'd say it's about time we went on a real date." He turned to the butler, his expression turning serious. "Josh, book the best restaurant in town. Make it private if you can. And while you're at it-"

Linsey's eyes widened. "Wait, no! That's way too much!" Collin and Josh both turned to her, equally confused. She sighed, shaking her head with a small smile. "I just meant something simple. Laid-back. We don't have to go all out." Clearing out a fancy restaurant? That felt like overkill.

Collin hesitated before asking, "Alright, then. Where do you want to go?" His voice was calm, but there was a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. Dating was uncharted territory for him-he had never been in a relationship, let alone planned a date. Even the idea of going to a restaurant was something he had learned from Dustin.

Did Linsey hate that kind of setup?

She hadn't expected him to put so much thought into this. As she mulled it over, an idea lit up in her mind.

"Actually, I just thought of the perfect place. Since we're married now, it's about time you met my family," she said, a bright smile forming.

Collin stiffened, momentarily caught off guard.

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Hadn't Linsey been raised in an orphanage? Did she have any family? Despite the questions swirling in his mind, he offered a warm smile. "Alright," he said simply.

The destination didn't matter. As long as Linsey was with him, that was enough.

It wasn't until the car pulled up that he realized where she had taken him-the orphanage she once called home.

As soon as they stopped, Linsey stepped out and moved toward the entrance. She paused, eyes fixed on the sign, nostalgia flickering across her face.

Behind her, Collin's aide quietly wheeled him forward.

"This is where you grew up," Collin murmured, taking in the worn brick walls and faded sign.

Linsey smiled and nodded. "Yeah. I lived here until I was fifteen. Then Dolores and I left so I could continue my studies."

Without another word, she stepped inside, Collin's aide following close behind. Outside, children paused their games, their laughter fading as they turned toward the entrance. For a split second, they stared in surprise. Then, recognition lit up their faces.

"Linsey's here!"

"It's Linsey!"

A chorus of excited voices rang out as the kids rushed toward her, their small hands grabbing at her arms. "You finally came back!" A little girl clung to Linsey's hand, beaming up at her. "You haven't visited in so long! We missed you so much!"

Linsey's chest warmed as she took in the children's eager faces. She gently pinched the little girl's cheek, her voice soft. "I've just been really busy with work, but I finally found time to come see you. You're not mad at me, are you?"

A playful smile crossed her lips. "I even brought gifts to make it up to you!"

Off to the side, Collin watched in silence. The way the children lit up around Linsey made it clear-she wasn't just someone they admired. She was family.

She must have visited often after leaving-there was no other way their bond could be this strong.

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