"Chere," Romeo's voice was lighthearted yet commanding, causing Cathy to shrink back a little.
"My legs have gone numb, | can't move." she protested weakly.
"Weren't you sprinting just moments ago?"
"Now I'm stuck."
Seeing she wouldn't cto him, Romeo started walking towards her.
This terrified Cathy, and with a sudden burst of energy, she sprang to her feet and dashed behind her older brother, gripping the
hem of his shirt as she pleaded, "Jeffrey, save me."
"Romeo," Jeffrey interjected, trying to smooth things over, "Cathy's just being silly. She was out of line earlier, I'll have her write the
house rules a hundred times and send you a snapshot."
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt
"Jeffrey?" Cathy's eyes widened in disbelief. It was the New Year! Their family's house rules were so extensive that even writing
them once or twice could cramp her hand, let alone a hundred times.
She felt utterly betrayed by her own flesh and blood.
"She seems quite reluctant," Romeo observed, his gaze resting on Cathy.
"Romeo, can | just write it once, please." Cathy's eyes brimmed with a pitiful plea, "lI promise to be the most welcoming, friendly,
and sincere person later! Just watch me!"
"You could also try not being welcoming, friendly, or sincere."
"No, no, no, I'll be all that and more!" Cathy begged, her eyes pleading with Romeo.
"Finish writing it a hundred times and email it to me, and if there's a single typo, start over."
"Romeo?" As her brother walked away, Cathy hurried after him. "Listen to me, | was just hungry, okay? | have nothing against your
fiancée, she's so beautiful and elegant, such a perfect match for you. Why would | have any issue with her? Plus, her voice is so
lovely, and she's got such a great figure, all tall and slim."
"Make it fifty times. Send it when you're done."
Cathy paused, then quickly followed him, "Romeo, I'm not finished. The moment | saw your fiancée, | was stunned by her beauty.
Not a single word can be used to describe her allure. Her looks are the most beautiful, unique, and distinct I've ever seen!"
Seeing that her brother wasn't stopping, she added, "Such a stunning, lovely fairy joining us for the New Year dinner, | must bring
my A-game, treat her right, and make sure she feels the warmth and love of our family!"
Her brother kept walking, so Cathy quickly added, "Before | met her, | always thought Serena wasn't good enough for you, but from
the moment | saw your fiancée today, | felt like it was fate, that she was meant for you. She outshines Serena in every aspect, it's
like she was born to be with you. You two look so good together, like a perfect match! Letbe the first to wish you both a
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmlifetof happiness and unity."
"Ten times."
"Thank you, Romeo, but can we do less." Cathy saw her chance as he lowered the count, pleading, "After dinner, we're supposed to
watch the show and fireworks with her, right? If I'm absent, she might think | don't like her. Just letwrite it once, one tis
already a lot, a hundred rules, you know."
"Any more bargaining and you won't reduce a single word."
"Romeo." Cathy watched helplessly as her brother entered the dining room, feeling defeated. Ten times, she'd be writing until who
knows when.
At the dinner table, Phillip and Shirley sat on either side of Arabella, fussing over her and urging her to eat more.
Tomas and Donna had never seen their parents shower so much affection on a younger relative before.
Even Jennifer, who was usually so aloof and shrewd, had lowered her guard. She seemed eager to heap every delicacy on the table
into Arabella's plate.