Don't Mess with the Girl with Candy novel Chapter 1000

"Wow, so this is Liberty Island," Luella says, keeping her arm slung around Juniper's waist as she looks around in awe. "Nice place. You guys even have a vegetable garden."

"Hey, your sister has the same taste as you. She likes cilantro?"

"Yeah," Juniper murmurs, her gaze softening as she looks at the thriving patch of cilantro. "Let's have her make cilantro meatballs tonight. It's been forever since I've had them. I really miss it."

Celine stands rooted to the spot, watching the intimate exchange. The welcoming smile slides right off her face, replaced by a dark, serious scowl.

"Hey, Celine," Juniper says, walking over with a faint smile.

"Uh-huh," Celine replies stiffly. Her eyes are locked onto Luella in male disguise as she demands sharply, "Who is *he*?"

Juniper blinks, but before she can answer, Luella takes the liberty of introducing herself. "Me? I'm your sister's little sweetheart."

Celine's eyes widen to the size of saucers, her mouth falling open in sheer horror.

If this punk is Juniper's little sweetheart, then what the hell is Shanley?!

Sure, Shanley is a bit older, but he's gorgeous, loaded, and treats Juniper like absolute royalty. Over the past few months of observing them, Celine has finally accepted him as her brother-in-law. And now this random 'sweetheart' pops out of nowhere?

*Is my sister really playing the field like this?!*

"Stop messing around," Juniper scolds Luella lightly. She turns to Celine. "Is there any food? I'm starving."

"Yes," Celine forces a gentle smile, taking Juniper's arm and leading her inside. "I knew you were coming, so I had the kitchen prep your favorites."

"I could eat too," Luella says, strolling casually behind them.

Celine shoots her a death glare. *How about you eat a knife instead?!*

...

At the dining table, Luella continually picks up choice pieces of food and drops them onto Juniper's plate. Juniper doesn't reject a single bite, happily eating everything given to her.

*He doesn't know?!* Celine's frown deepens. *Did they sneak off together for a secret getaway?*

She is going out of her mind. She desperately wants to interrogate her sister but doesn't know how to start.

Finally, Luella finishes eating and wanders outside to play with the dogs. Seizing the opportunity, Celine yanks Juniper into a quiet corner, crossing her arms over her chest and glaring furiously.

"Spill it."

"Spill what?" Juniper looks up from her dessert, completely lost.

"What is going on with you and this Luella guy?" Celine leans in, lowering her voice to a furious whisper. "Does Shanley know about him?"

"Yeah, he knows," Juniper blinks, answering honestly.

"You..." Celine presses her lips together, finally summoning the courage to drop the bomb. "Are you two-timing Shanley with this boy toy?!"