Gia froze, feeling the weight of Lina’s refusal for the first time since they had become friends.
Zuko, who had been silent, was surprised by Lina’s unexpected response. He had thought that she would prioritize
her best friend and give the bangle to Gia. That’s why he had tried to stop her earlier.
Lina’s response exceeded Zuko’s expectations and warmed his heart. He couldn’t help but feel a glimmer of
surprise in his eyes.
Gia smiled awkwardly, her emotions flickering as she looked at the couple before her. But she quickly regained her
composure and changed her approach. “I understand that you value this bangle a lot, and I’m not refusing to give it
back to you after trying it on. So… can I at least take a photo?”
Gia knew that Lina had a soft heart, and with a pitiful expression, she believed Lina would agree. After all, it was just
a bangle. What harm could there be in taking a photo of it?
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtAlthough Gia couldn’t explain why, she had a gut feeling that this bangle was extraordinary and wanted Melvin to
know about it. With that thought in mind, she smiled lightly and reached out to hold Lina’s arm.
However, Lina evaded her touch, calmly removing the bangle and placing it into Zuko’s hand. She smiled at Gia and
said, “Zeke, it’s better to keep such a valuable item safe to prevent any damage.”
Zuko was momentarily taken aback but quickly smiled and turned to head upstairs, carrying the bangle with him.
Gia was caught off guard. “Lina, you…”
As Zuko disappeared upstairs into his room, Lina apologetically smiled and tried to hold Gia’s arm. “I’m sorry.”
Gia’s expression darkened, and she shook off Lina’s hand.
“Gia!” Lina called out, looking at her with concern. “That… was a gift from Zeke to me, and I don’t want anyone
else touching it or taking pictures of it. I hope you can understand.”
“I see. Now that you have a man, you’ve forgotten about your best friend!” Gia crossed her arms in front of her
chest and glared at Lina. “It’s just a bangle. What’s so special about it? When I have a boyfriend, I’ll have him buy
me a whole collection of them!”
“Yes, yes, yes!” Lina agreed with a smile. “Zeke told me that the bangle isn’t expensive. Considering your family’s
current situation, you can afford to buy one too!”
Lina’s words were meant to console Gia, but she was unaware that they came across as mocking and insulting.
It was as if she was implying, “If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t have the money to buy a bangle, would you?”
Gia’s expression suddenly darkened, and she felt suffocated.
“Gia…” Lina looked at her with concern and a soft smile. “Wait for me. I’ll go upstairs and change, and then we can
go shopping!”
“No need!” Gia snapped in a cold tone.
Lina stood there, stunned and unsure of what to say.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm“I suddenly don’t feel like shopping anymore. Just stay home and keep your husband company!”
“But…”
“Oh, and one more thing.” Gia glanced at her. “Check your campus email when you have time. This semester’s off-
campus activity is a visit to Southeast Aciatic for an architectural art exchange! The registration deadline is
approaching, so if you’re interested, you need to act quickly!”
Gia spoke quickly and walked away as if she didn’t want to spend another second there.
Lina sat in the chair, lost in thought. She couldn’t understand why Gia’s attitude had changed so suddenly. Was a
bangle really that important?
Suddenly, a large hand gently pressed on her shoulder.
Lina snapped back to reality and turned to meet Zuko’s tender gaze.
“Why are you sighing?”
“Huh? Did I sigh?”
Zuko smiled and held her face in his hands, examining it carefully. “Your unhappiness is written all over your face.”
Lina blushed and murmured, “I just feel like Gia’s feelings toward me have changed.”
“Hmm… when did you start feeling that way?” he asked.