Seeing the curious look on Reese’s face, Bianca chuckled. She gently squeezed Reese’s cheek, which, despite her slim figure, remained plump and pleasant to touch. “Everything’s okay with us. Don’t overthink it, Reese.”
Bianca’s playful pinch made Reese’s face contort into a smile. She reached out, trying to catch Bianca’s hand, her words muffled. “That’s a relief. No more worries for me then.”
Bianca realized that Reese’s concerns were not about her; they were elsewhere.
Seeing the affectionate worry on Reese’s face, Bianca couldn’t resist teasing her a little. “Oh? Are you looking out for the feelings of a certain someone? Just let me know the date of the wedding, will you?”
Reese quickly blushed, her cheeks turning bright red. She stomped her foot and said, “Bianca! Stop saying that, please! There’s nothing between Blake and me. If you don’t stop… I’ll… I’ll stop talking to you!”
As Reese dashed off bashfully, Bianca burst into laughter. The girl’s feelings for Blake were clear as day. Why would she be embarrassed about others noticing?
Bianca had hoped to see a spark between Reese and Blake, but recent events had made things feel awkward between her and Blake.
This thought weighed heavily on Bianca. Even if Blake had feelings for her, a relationship was not an option. She decided she needed to find a way to gently push him away from pursuing her.
In her mind, Reese was the perfect match for Blake. She believed that he would notice all of Reese’s great qualities with a little more attention.
Bianca never really thought Blake had romantic feelings for her. They had always been just friends, right?
Maybe it was their long friendship and the recent talk of an arranged marriage that confused him. Bianca was sure that with a little guidance, she could help him figure out his feelings.
With this plan in mind, Bianca felt a bit more at ease.
As she was finishing up her day, she received a message from Leonel. It simply said, “If you’re free tonight, would you like to join me for dinner?” He included the restaurant’s location.
Realizing it had been a while since she’d seen her brother, Bianca agreed.
After work, Bianca arrived at the restaurant Leonel had mentioned. A waiter escorted her to a private room where Leonel was already seated, waiting for her.
Taking her seat across from Leonel, Bianca noticed the spread of dishes before her and shyly asked, “Did I keep you waiting?”
Leonel shook his head, dismissing her concern. “We’re family; you don’t need to worry about that.”
However, his expression was gloomy, making Bianca feel that something deeper was going on, but she chose to stay silent.
Leonel continued, “As a family, you know Mom, and I only want the best for you. Linds, it’s important to follow our advice. We have the experience and mean no harm. With Mom unwell and me being your older brother, it’s important that I take good care of you, and you need to value and listen to my guidance.”
Feeling uneasy, Bianca kept a polite smile and asked, “Leonel, you seem troubled. What’s going on?”
“Mom’s condition is serious. She’s practically unresponsive, and you’re my main concern. Your well-being is the most important thing in our family, and you need to know that.”
Taking a deep breath, Leonel fixed his eyes on Bianca and said firmly, “Linds, listen to my advice. End things with that man.”
Leonel had heard from Blake that Dave was dating another woman. Blake had passionately accused Dave of being unfaithful and deceitful.
After hearing that, Leonel had become furious, but he managed to hold back his anger because of Blake’s persuasion. After thinking it over for a night, he decided to be clear with Bianca.
Serious about protecting his sister, Leonel was determined not to let her suffer because of an asshole.
Bianca felt a heavy weight in her chest, knowing this confrontation was about her relationship.
With a serious expression, she asked, “Leonel, do you have to force me like this? I respect your opinion on most matters, but when it comes to my heart, I can handle it alone. Please, stay out of it.”
Leonel responded with a scornful chuckle, followed by a stern declaration. “You can handle it alone? Mom and I don’t like Dave. That means you can’t be with him.”
Bianca nearly burst into laughter at his bold attempt to dictate her feelings.
Taking a moment to compose herself, she sighed heavily and replied, “Let’s end this conversation here. I’m not leaving him. He’s the one I love-no one else but him. Do you understand that?”
Leonel was visibly shaken by her declaration of love for the man he disliked.
“Listen, Bianca, this isn’t a request. I’m telling you to end it with him immediately. Do you hear me?” Leonel shouted harshly.
The pressure made Bianca feel like she was suffocating.
Noticing the shock on her face, Leonel realized he might have gone too far. He softened his tone and tried to reason with her. “Linds, you’re not thinking clearly. Can’t you see that?”
“See what?” Bianca asked, confused about what he meant.
“You’re completely blinded by love. He’s playing you. You’ll do whatever he asks. Aren’t you scared of being cheated on? What if he ends up hurting you?”
Bianca realized that Leonel might be basing his harsh judgment on the incident from the previous day, leading him to misunderstand Dave.
But Dave had already explained everything to her. How could Leonel judge so harshly without knowing all the facts and still push her to leave him? That was something she couldn’t accept.
“I’m mature enough to make my own decisions. I think you have the wrong idea about my boyfriend. Let me explain…”
But Leonel cut her off with a dismissive sneer and a tone of sorrow. “I think I know what you’re about to say. But listen, Bianca. I’m only trying to protect you. Your lack of experience is making you vulnerable to his deceit.”
“He would never deceive me,” Bianca said, raising her voice with strong belief.
She alone knew the happiness and joy she felt with Dave when they were together. The love and care he showed filled the emptiness left by her absent mother and brother.
Dave had always been her protector, never causing her any harm. In her heart, he was her true love, deserving of her complete trust.
Especially after their heartfelt conversation the night before, Bianca couldn’t stand hearing Leonel say anything bad about him.