Haisley felt like a spoiled child. With Dean and Gilbert in her apartment, these two men truly treated her like a princess, and they were her guards. Gilbert didn't hesitate to wash Haisley's clothes, which had been neglected for two days because she was feeling unwell. Despite Haisley's protests, he insisted on doing it. However, behind that kindness, Gilbert mocked her when he found her underwear that he had washed."Look, Haisley's size is just this." Gilbert even demonstrated the use of his bra in front of Dean. When Haisley's face turned red with embarrassment, Gilbert just laughed."Maybe that's why Nathan rejected her?" teased Dean, his eyes glancing at Haisley. Haisley threw a pillow at him."H, how about getting breast implants? Many college girls do it." Gilbert teased her again."G, ew!" Haisley felt uncomfortable just thinking about it. Although she wasn't really embarrassed or lacking in confidence. "If I get breast implants, I might end up hunchbacked," she replied, givi
"If not what?" This question came from Gilbert, who had returned from upstairs. All four pairs of eyes looked at him simultaneously. Gilbert looked at Dean with a questioning expression. "What are you guys talking about?" he asked, curious. His large hands now gently pushed Haisley and Dean, who was still faithfully holding her, to step out of the lobby."It's not important, G," Haisley replied softly as Gilbert matched his steps with hers.However, Loretta reacted differently. In her steps, she turned her head back with an accusing gaze at Gilbert. "Why are you pretending to be Haisley's boyfriend when she already has Dean?" she pouted playfully. Gilbert looked back at Dean and Haisley.Dean murmured something to him, prompting Gilbert to respond. "You never asked," he said flatly. "And Haisley isn't someone who likes to show off." That was his brief answer.Loretta looked back again. "Since when?" she asked, more directed at Haisley and Dean. "Have you two been together for a long t
Nathan didn't comment at all. No nod, no shake of the head. Dean's fingers tightened around Haisley's. She raised her face and smiled. Although the smile didn't reach her eyes, it was enough for Dean to know that the heart of the girl he loved was now hurting. Gilbert, who had been silent all along, also reached out his hand. He placed his palm on the back of Haisley's hand, which was previously held by Loretta, and squeezed it gently. In his silence, he gave his support to Haisley. If the three of them were together at that moment, Haisley might have cried from the pain. But she tried to hold back her tears. There would be a time when she was alone and could let out all the remaining tears she had been trying to hold back. They had arrived at the Chinese restaurant Gilbert had mentioned. Haisley really wanted hotpot. Although Dean had initially forbidden her due to her unwell condition, he later allowed it. At least he hoped the food would cheer Haisley up. Haisley smiled bright
"What do you want?" Haisley asked, her remaining courage intact. "Are you really going to get engaged to Dean?" the man asked coldly. "That's none of your business, Nath," Haisley reminded him. "Are you planning to play my brother and cousin?" Nathan asked again. "What do you mean?" Haisley asked, confused. "You're flirting with Gilbert. You said you were with Gilbert on the yacht earlier, but now you're with Dean. Are you planning to hurt both of them to get back at me?" he asked again. Haisley snorted. "Does that bother you?" Haisley challenged. "No, right? So why should I fulfill your thoughts?" "You're cunning," Nathan sneered. Haisley looked up at him. Fortunately, the dark alley could hide her blushing face. "I'm just taking advantage, Nath." "Advantage of what? Fooling Dean for the rest of his life?" he challenged. "Pretending to love him when you really love me?" Haisley laughed hysterically. "You're really arrogant. Just because I love you doesn't mean I can't move
"How is she? Is she okay?" Gilbert asked again after the doctor finished stitching. "Physically, she is weak. Besides this wound and the pain you mentioned earlier, I think the patient is also in shock," the doctor answered. Both men nodded their heads. "She can go home and be treated at home once she regains consciousness. But my suggestion is, for one or two days, the patient should receive treatment here. At least if there's a medical team here monitoring her." Gilbert and Dean exchanged glances. Then they nodded together before looking back at the doctor. "Just let her be treated here, Doc," Gilbert finally concluded. The doctor nodded in agreement. "You can take care of that at the administration desk." He replied succinctly. Gilbert nodded. He then went to the administration area without being told twice. In less than twenty minutes, Haisley had been transferred to a VIP room. Her small body looked even more fragile when she was in pain. Her face was pale, and her eye bags
Gilbert rolled his eyes excessively. Then he snorted and looked at Dean with a sharp gaze. 'Yes, I'll take care of her. If needed, I'll cage Haisley. Are you satisfied?' 'You can't just cage her, what do you think she is? A cat?' Dean retorted, displeased. 'Yes, she's a naughty cat that can't be managed,' Gilbert said, looking at Haisley with a raised eyebrow. 'Her hair,' he said mockingly, 'is messy like it hasn't been combed for years, her fangs haven't been trimmed for a long time, not to mention her claws, they haven't been polished.' Dean hit Gilbert with the fork in his hand. 'Do you think Haisley is what? A cat, a human, or a shoe?' Dean asked sarcastically. Gilbert shrugged indifferently. 'Don't worry. She'll be fine here. We'll meet directly in America. Just a few more weeks, right? The semester is almost over,' Gilbert said, intending to reassure his cousin. 'Haisley, you behave well with G here, okay? If he's naughty to you, report it to me. I'll report it to Aunt so h
Dean's boarding call echoed once more. He reluctantly released his embrace on Haisley. His beautiful eyes mirrored Haisley's reddened ones; he didn't need a mirror to know. They locked eyes for a few moments before they both smiled. "Call me if you consider my request," he said, gently stroking Haisley's head. "And remember, we still have to be 'engaged' when we get back to America," he chuckled, a teasing tone in his voice. Haisley chuckled along. She felt Dean drawing his head closer, his thin lips pressing a heartfelt kiss on the top of her head. "Take care," he said after the warm kiss. "I'm leaving," he said, stepping back. He waved to Gilbert, who somehow had returned to stand beside him, before turning around and walking away, putting more distance between them. During his journey back to his apartment, Haisley became quieter. Gilbert noticed, but his friend didn't want to disturb Haisley either. Gilbert knew what had happened in the last moments before Dean boarded his fli
Gilbert reached out his right hand and gently stroked Haisley's head. "Is that what's bothering you?" Gilbert inquired. Haisley nodded her head. "How could he be so stupid to say something outrageous like that, G?" she asked, her anger exploding instantly. "Because he loves you, H." "Yes, but that doesn't mean he should hurt himself like that. Are there no other girls out there he could like? Many women would fall in love with him. He's handsome, he has a clear future, and more than that, he's a gentle and kind-hearted man. So why does he have to do all this, G?" she asked passionately. "The same question goes for you, H," Gilbert replied softly, not accusingly. "Why are you still holding on to Nathan when you know he likes your sister, he never notices you, and often behaves rudely, hurting you?" "Because I'm stupid and blind," Haisley replied softly. "Same goes for Dean, he's stupid and blind too. He's clueless," Gilbert replied mockingly this time. "But I'm trying to avoid a