Chapter 39
Noelle realized Eli was really upset
et with he
her.
her, heading downstairs without
In the morning, she waited by the door, hoping to greet him as he came out. But when he did, he walked right past he even acknowledging her presence
At breakfast, things got worse. Eli usually sat next to her, but today he chose the seat beside Leia, chatting and laughing with her instead.
“Leia, you should eat more. The shumai is really good today,” he said, placing a couple on Leia’s plate
“Thank you. Eli, Leia replied sweetly.
“Don’t mention it,” Eli said, smiling. “School starts in two days. If you run into any problems on campus, just come to me, okay?
“Got it.” Leia said with a smile.
Hearing this, Noelle chimed in brightly. “Eli, which department are you in! I can come find you too!”
But Eli barely spared her a glance before turning back to Leia. It was as if he hadn’t even heard her. He casually picked up a slice of cake and placed it on Leia’s plate. “Leia, have some whole grains–they’re good for you”
“Okay, I’ll listen to you,” Leia said, her tone syrupy sweet.
Noelle pouted, her lips forming a dramatic arch.
Noelle thought, Great. J
Just great.
She thought they’d finally made progress in building a bond. Now, it felt like all her efforts had been wiped clean, putting them right back at square
Kimberly, who had been observing the exchange, set down her utensils and asked Eli directly. “Eli, what’s going on? Did you have a fight with
Noelle?
Ell’s expression remained neutral as he replied, “Nothing like that, Mom. Don’t worry about it.”
Kimberly sighed. “There’s no such thing as an irreconcilable grudge between siblings. If there’s a problem, talk it out, okay? Don’t keep things bottled up
Eli chuckled faintly, his tone light but sharp. “Mom, I’m not holding any grudges. I get along just fine with Leia, don’t I?”
“You” Kimberly said, exasperated.
Turning to Noelle, she added with a ge
agende smile. “Noelle, make sure you eat plenty too, okay?”
gaze flicking across the room
“Ol.. okay.” Noelle mumbled, her gaze
With the older brothers away on business, the dining table today was sparsely filled–just Kimberly
Kimberly, Vincent, Eli, Leia, and herself.
Despite the Anderson family’s improved attitude toward her, it was clear where everyone’s loyalties lay. They all gravitated toward Leia, leaving Noelle alone
Still, Noelle wasn’t discouraged.
There was plenty of time before the six–month deadline. She wouldn’t give up that easily.
Soon, it was the first day of school at Eston University.
Eh, having his own car and a valid driver’s li
license. was tasked with driving his two sisters to campus.
Leia
naturally slid into the passenger seat beside him, chatting and laughing as though she were the star of the show.
Noelle tried to join the conversation at first, but Eli deliberately ignored her. Every attempt she made to chime in was met with silence. Leia didn’t make any effort to include her entier, leaving Noelle to sulk quietly in the back seat.
“Eli, you said you’re the vice president of the student council, right? You’re going to be promoted to president this year, aren’t you?” Leia asked, her 1/4
9.29 AM
Chapter 39
voice honeyed with admiration
(“Yeah,” Eli replied, his eyes on the road. “The current president’s graduating and focusing on internships and his thesis. At the next council they’ll officially hand the position over to me
Leia bramed. “That’s amazing, Eli! You’re so accomplished”
nieeting.
Eli caught a glimpse of Noelle in the rearview mirror.
She had fallen silent, her face turned toward the window. Normally so bright and animated, she now seemed oddly subdued. Her usually sparkling eyes were half lickled, her expression unreadable.
For a fleeting moment, Eli’s heart skipped a beat.
It wasn’t just her silence that unnerved him–it was the unsettling aura she exuded.
Despite her sunny exterior, there was something dark and unbalanced lurking beneath, a shadow that Eli
li couldn’t quite put his finger on.
“El! Eli!” Leia’s voice snapped him back to reality.
“What?” Eli said, glancing at her.
Leia poured, her tone half–teasing, half–annoyed. I’ve been talking to you, but you’re off in la–la land. What’s so fascinating in your head? “Nothing.” Els said quickly, brushing it off. “What were you saying?”
want to join the student council, but I’m afraid I won’t make the cut. Ell, you’ll help me, right?”
“You’ll be fine. You’re plenty qualified,” Eli assured her.
“But I want to skip the lower ranks and start as an officer, Leia said, her voice taking on a coy note.
“Straight to being an officer?”
Le looked at him with wide, hopeful eyes. “Can I?”
Eli sighed but relented. “I’ll see what I can do.”
Leia’s face lit up instantly. “Thanks, Eli! You’re the best!”
Eli chuckled softly and added, “After the opening ceremony today, each class should elect its student leaders and start organizing activities to help everyone get to know each other. Starting tomorrow, you’ll have two weeks of military training. Focus on getting through that first”
“Got it.” Leia nodded I earnestly, then playfully added, “But you better come visit me during training, Ell:
“If I have time, I will, he replied casually.
“Got a Leia agreed, her tone bubbly
class on
At the university parking lot, Eli parked the car and turned to Leia. “I’ve got to head to a student council meeting. You’ll be fine finding your c your own, right!“.
Leu waved him off playfully. Tm not helpless, Eli
“Good. After the opening ceremony, go to your class and meet your classmates. Then head to the field for orientation.
“Will do! Byr, El!”
Noelle, who had remuined quiet the entire ride, suddenly perked up. She waved cheerfully at Eli, her usual brightness returning “Bye, Elir”
Eli hesitated for a fraction of a second, his gaze lingering on her.
Leia noticed and tensed. Is he about to forgive her!
But Eli quickly turned and left without another word.
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Chapter 39
Relieved, Leia smirked inwardly.
Feigning concern, she turned to Noelle and said, “Don’t feel too bad, Noelle. I’m sure Eli’s just mad for now. Once he cools off, he’ll talk to you
again.”
Noelle tilted her head, studying Leia with an expression that sent a chill down her spine,
Leia felt a chill under Noelle’s steady gaze. She twitched her lips awkwardly and asked, “Why are you staring at me like that?
Noelle suddenly leaned in close.
Leia flinched, startled, her nerves spiking.
Then, in a crisp, sincere voice, Noelle said, “Leia, don’t talk in that tone. You soun
sound so fake.”
Leia blinked, confused.
Before she could respond. Noelle turned and sauntered ahead, leaving Leia behind with a storm brewing on her face.
Leia glared daggers at Noelle’s back, her expression dark and venomous. With a cold laugh, she muttered. “So, the little brat finally wants to go toe- to–toe with me? Perfect, I’ve been waiting for this.”
Noelle and Leia headed to their assigned classroom, per the school’s pre–term instructions.
By the time they arrived, quite a few students were already there. A lively group of girls crowded around the window seats, chatting animatedly with someone seated there
“Hey, what’s your name? I’m Laincy Stanton.”
“Come on, handsome, we’re in the same class! Don’t be so aloof
“Just say something, won’t you?”
The boys nearby snickered, tossing jokes among themselves. “Man, girls these days! They’re bolder than us guys when it comes to making a move.”
kidding. But look, the dude over there hasn’t said a single word to them.”
“Whoa, wait a sec. Look at the door–two more stunners just walked in!”
Someone’s loud exclamation drew everyone’s eyes to the entrance.
crap, what a pair of beautiest”
“Holy c
“They’re like straight–up movie stars
Leia felt the boys‘ gazes lock onto her, and a smug sense of vanity bubbled up. She straightened her posture, holding her head high like a proud little peacock.
But then, someone said, “Honestly, I think the shorter one is prettier.”
“Agreed. Both are gorgeous, but the shorter girl’s looks are on another level.
“Totally
“Count for in
for in on that.
Leia’s face darkened, her pride pricked. What’s wrong with their eyes? she thought bitterly. How could they think Noelle is better–looking than me?
Just then, one of the girls near the windows called out, “Wait, where are you going, handsome?”
The crowd parted as the guy y they’d been flocking around stood up and walked out.
Leia’s jaw dropped when she saw who it was–it was Harley.
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