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Zuko stared at Lina in astonishment. She had brought him a can of green tea, but it felt like a scalding hot potato
that could scorch his hands.
“What’s wrong?” Lina smiled playfully. “You drink beverages from others, but when I give one to you, it’s like poison.
Are you that afraid?”
Zuko quickly put the can down and reached for her hand. “Lina!”
Lina turned away, and Zuko embraced her from behind. She struggled a bit but could not break free from his
strong grip, so she surrendered and let him hold her. Although she stopped moving, her eyes glanced elsewhere.
“Lina,” Zuko whispered into her ear. His low, husky voice carried a hint of remorse and innocence. “I don’t know
why she sent these to me.”
“Are the photos photoshopped?” she asked.
“Well…” Zuko was taken aback and truthfully admitted, “No.”
Lina turned to look at him, her cheeks a bit puffed up. “So, you really took her to the beach?”
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt“When… you were not around,” Zuko explained incoherently, “She came to visit in Centrolis. My parents were
worried about her safety and took her to our family’s private beach.
“Lina, look!” Zuko zoomed in on the photos. “Look at my expression at that time! I didn’t even smile! I was very
reluctant because I always thought that the beach was reserved for you and that I could only take you there!”
Lina pouted, but her anger had already subsided by half. She found it amusing that she had gotten jealous over
such a little thing. After all, Zuko was just a nine-year-old child at that time. What could he do?
If she really picked a fight with him over this, it would be unreasonable.
Clearly, Desiree was the one with ulterior motives. She had known the Hamerton brothers since childhood and had
taken advantage of Lina’s 20 years of separation from the Thompsons to repeatedly use those childhood memories
with Zuko to provoke her.
“If I fall for it, I’m an idiot,” Lina murmured.
Zuko was confused. “What did you say?”
Lina smiled slyly. “I said, you should hurry to your appointment. We don’t want your ‘buddy’ to wait anxiously and
blame me for it then!”
“Lina!”
Seeing Zuko sweating with worry, Lina could not help but laugh.
“Alright, I’m just messing with you.” She gently held his hand. “I admit I felt a little jealous, but I’m not
unreasonable. I know exactly how you feel about me.”
“So…” Zuko’s eyes twinkled as he pulled her. “So, you’re going to the appointment with me!”
“Huh?”
Zuko pushed her into the car and grinned, his smile even brighter than hers had been just moments before.
–
Desiree was at the bar, ordering a cocktail. When she saw Zuko come in, she waved at him. Unfortunately, her
delight quickly faded upon seeing he was with Lina.
Lina was wearing a soft smile, and her long hair was down, making her look prettier than usual.
Zuko had his arm carefully wrapped around her, and he looked like he was holding an invaluable gem.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmDesiree’s heart sank. She felt a pang of jealousy and could feel the heat rising in her cheeks.
“Lina… what brings you here too?” Desiree asked.
Lina looked at her with a smile but said nothing.
“Look, I didn’t even know you were coming, and I didn’t get a seat for you—”
Lina looked around the bar and said, “It looks like the place has been cleared out. “It should be at its busiest time
right now, but there’s only the three of us.”
Lina then looked around and smiled. “And you said you didn’t get me a seat? There are so many empty ones here!
Thanks, Desiree!”
Desiree clenched her fists and began to scowl.
“Lina, are you that worried about Zuko having a drink with me? There are no other girls. Do you have to keep such
a tight leash around him?
“I’ll keep an eye on him for you. Lina, don’t worry!”
“I’m worried because you’re here,” Lina said with a smile, gritting each word through her teeth.
“You! What do you mean? I grew up with Zuko. Do we not have the freedom to have a drink together anymore?”
“No.” Zuko took a step forward and looked at Desiree with a smile.
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