“Lenny, why don’t you stay tonight?” Lina gently held Lena’s hand and suggested, “Tomorrow, I’ll introduce you to
my parents in Jangasas. They are wonderful people. My younger brother is studying at the University of Centrolis,
and he’s quite a handsome young man.”
Lina added, “Lenny, let’s head upstairs first. You can choose which room you like.” She was talkative in her happy
state.
Lena followed behind, not fully absorbing her words.
As they ascended the stairs, Lena stole a glance at Nicholas and offered a soft smile. She couldn’t help but envy her
sister’s family. Lina had loving biological parents, caring adoptive parents who raised her for 20 years, and a fiance
who cherished her dearly.
Such blessings were rare, and Lena appreciated them deeply.
Despite this, Lena felt no trace of jealousy.
On the contrary, she was determined to protect this happiness at all costs. Having endured many hardships herself,
she cherished all the beauty life had to offer. She couldn’t bear to see anyone destroy it, and she certainly didn’t
want to be the cause of its ruin.
–
As the quiet night hours passed, sleep eluded Lena. This was her first time staying over at the Thompsons’ house.
Sleep seemed impossible to attain with her father just a few rooms away.
In the midst of this restlessness, she took out Krystal’s diary and penned her thoughts, expressing her feelings for
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇther mother.
“Mom, I met my father today. I wanted to call him ‘dad’, but I held back. Still, I feel content just having had the
chance to meet him up close.
Lina’s getting married, and her fiance is very caring. I’m truly happy for her! But I can’t help worrying about the
future. I remember reading in your diary that men can be unreliable. If her husband ever mistreats her, I’ll stand up
for her and protect her from any trouble!
By the way, mom, there’s a sniper by her husband’s side. His gun is much more powerful than your little pistol…
What will I do if I can’t handle both of them when it comes to protecting her?
But enough of that. Let’s not dwell on imaginary scenarios. I trust that Zuko is reliable and Lina will be happy.
As long as she’s happy, my father and Aunt Linda will be happy, too.
So, I will be happy too, right?
Alright, I should go to bed early. Lina will try on wedding dresses tomorrow, and I must accompany her!”
After closing the diary, Lena sat at the spacious desk facing the window. As she looked up, she admired the moon
shining brightly. She took a deep breath and savored the fragrant scent of dew and earth in the late-night air,
feeling peaceful and content.
The following morning, for the first time in her life, Lena overslept and realized it was already 10:00 a.m.
Lena hurriedly got out of bed and went downstairs, where the maid informed her that Lina was trying on the final
two outfits with the designer’s assistance.
Lena rushed to the dressing room without having breakfast. The room was bustling with people, including the
styling team, Nicholas, and Linda, all seated on the couch.
Lina’s measurements had already been taken, and now it was time to work on the bridesmaid’s styling. When Lina
spotted Lena, she happily beckoned her over.
Lina smiled and linked arms with Lena, understanding her social anxiety and trying to ease her unease.
During their conversation about bridesmaids, Linda pointed out that Renee and Toph were getting ready for their
own wedding, making Renee unavailable. They also felt that having Abigail, a celebrity, as a bridesmaid might
overshadow the bride.
Then, Nicholas turned to Lena and proposed, “How about you be Pammy’s bridesmaid?”
Lena’s eyes widened, and she nervously clutched the hem of her clothes. She wanted to look at Nicholas but felt
too anxious. Sweat beaded on her nose as her heart raced.
Concerned, Linda quickly approached and asked, “Lenny, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”
Lena shook her head. Besides Lina, no one else was allowed to call her Lenny, but she was willing to accept it from
Linda.
Nicholas approached her as well. “Was my request too sudden?”
“It sure was!” Linda scolded him. “Can you please change that loud voice of yours? Were you seeking opinions? I’ve
told you before, pay attention to your tone and the way you speak!”
Nicholas seemed a bit dazed by his wife’s scolding, lowering his head and fiddling with his fingers.
Lena chuckled softly and reached out to hold Linda’s hand.
“I’m fine with being Lina’s bridesmaid,” she said with certainty. “I’ll do whatever she needs me to do.”
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmNicholas slapped his thigh and burst into laughter, saying, “Hahaha! That’s great! You’re quite loyal, even though
you’re not that old yet. You’re cut out for the gang life!”
Linda promptly stared him down, and Lina and Lena giggled.
Chris, who had just emerged from the fitting room, was stunned by the scene before him. Lena was smiling and
looked remarkably different and graceful, like a mimosa flower swaying in the sunlight beside a stream.
“Hey, Chris is here!” Nicholas turned around and excitedly informed Lena, “You’ve seen him, right? Chris Hamerton!
He’ll be the best man for Zuko and Pammy’s wedding, while you’ll be the bridesmaid!”
Chris stood still, feeling overwhelmed. Similarly, Lena looked astonished.
“What do you think, Lenny? Isn’t Chris quite handsome?” Nicholas grinned. “Hmm, the suit looks good! But I think
the shoulder area could use some adjustments…”
Linda tugged at him and said, “Young people nowadays dress like this! It’s not the same as back in your time.”
“Sweetheart, can you stop ruining my moment?”
Linda laughed, rolling her eyes at him before turning to Lena. “Hmm… Lenny’s complexion would suit light purple
or pale pink. That off-shoulder dress has a great cut. You should try it on and stand beside Chris.”
“Huh?”
Lina agreed. “Yeah, try it on!”
Caught between a rock and a hard place, Lena froze.
Seeing her awkward state, Chris couldn’t help but laugh.
“It’s just a piece of clothing,” he whispered. “You can handle a gun, but you’re afraid of changing clothes?”