As Michelle was pocketing some oranges, she couldn't help but feel sorry for Leon.
Nina kept quiet for a while, watching Michelle's face intently. "Don't forget what I said, okay? Stay out of Valerie's way. If you see her, make sure to take a detour instead of talking to her."
"Yes, I remember." Michelle nodded her head, but her attention was still on the oranges. It was obvious that she wasn't even paying attention when she agreed.
Nina quickly grabbed one of the oranges that Michelle had just peeled. There was a serious expression on her face as she said, "I'm serious. I don't want to see you get hurt."
Valerie might appear gentle and sweet, but deep down, she was a cunning woman who knew how to hide her murderous intent. With just a few words, she could slip out of trouble while also achieving her own goals.
Nina was quick to catch Valerie's true meaning when she was talking about Michelle. She was trying to imply that Michelle was trying to replace her position in Leon's heart.
And indeed, nobody would like to feel replaced. Nina valued her brother very much.
If only Valerie was referring to some other girl aside from Michelle, Nina would have been very jealous. She was like a child who liked to hoard all of her brother's attention for herself.
Nine wouldn't care if Valerie would attack other girls, but Michelle was one of her most trusted friends.
So it was then that Nina decided to forbid Valerie's entrance to the North Yard.
Michelle's parents, Adams and Elaine, had raised her well. She had such a pure and simple personality. She saw the best in everyone she met.
But then, other people could easily take advantage of her kind-heartedness. And Michelle would be too naive to see through their malicious intent.
Looking at Nina with earnest eyes, Michelle turned serious. "I won't forget what you said. I will avoid Valerie at all cost. And if possible, I will go the other way whenever I see her just so I won't talk to her."
"Good." Nina smiled in satisfaction. But just to be on the safe side, she added, "If she asks why you're avoiding her, just tell her that it's my idea."
"Okay." Then, Michelle laughed. It was as if something crossed her mind. She pouted and said, "Nini, I'm jealous."
Nina tilted her head in confusion.
Michelle huffed and said, "You wrote to me, asking to be your bridesmaid. Was it because Valerie wasn't available? Was that why you chose me to be your bridesmaid instead of her? But we are good friends, aren't we?"
"What do you mean?" Nina frowned upon hearing this. She tried to figure out what Michelle was trying to say. "Are you saying that I invited Valerie to be my bridesmaid, but after she turned me down, I asked you instead?
Did Valerie tell you this?" She narrowed her eyes.
"Yes." Michelle nodded her head, pouting unhappily.
Nina then reached out and pinched her friend's cheek. It seemed painful, but Nina ignored Michelle's complaint. She scolded, "You said that we are good friends, and yet you are suspecting me.
Valerie and I aren't that close. I don't even count her as my friend." Nina tried to reassure Michelle.
Michelle's eyes lit up. She swatted Nina's hand away from her face and then grabbed Nina's arm, rubbing her face against it happily. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry."
"It's alright. I forgive you." Of course, Nina wasn't really angry with Michelle. But she was furious with Valerie.
It was obvious that Valerie was trying to flatter her, but Nina didn't buy it.
"You really are the best, Nini!" Michelle was acting childishly as she let go of Nina's arm. She asked, "So what are you planning for your honeymoon, Nini?"
Her eyes softening, Nina answered, "I'm planning to send my parents off to the airport tomorrow. John and I will have our honeymoon the day after tomorrow."
Michelle seemed to focus on Nina's first sentence. She frowned and said, "Your parents are going back tomorrow? Does that mean Leon will also go back?"
'If Leon is going back to C Island tomorrow, we might never see each other again.'
She wasn't sure if she could survive the next three years without him.
But worse, he might never come back at all. It might take her longer than three years to see him again.
Michelle lowered her head, feeling dejected.
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