I shut my eyes for a moment, then shot Zoe a threatening glare.

I have mix feelings about this, but I was sure as hell that it was not a happy feeling!

Lawrence is just a twelve-year-old kid! It’s even considered a crime!

For heaven’s sake!

I was about to lash out at Zoe when Lawrence walked in front of her and faced me.

“Sis. It’s not her fault! I was the one who’d done the deed.”

GASP!

“No! It was my fault; I was the one who seduced him!”

GASP!

“Easy . . .” Cain supported me as he pressed my head against his broad chest as my body limped in his embrace.

“Z-Zoe . . . you two . . . you did . . . a one-night stand.” My voice was barely a whisper as the realization forced its way into my brain.

Zoe stepped up and pointed at herself.  “It’s not just going to be a one-night stand! I promise it won’t remain that way. I want to have an official relationship with him. One of these days, I’ll tell him I love him!”

GASP!

Eh? Lawrence’s head snapped at Zoe, eyes wide.

Eh? Zoe’s mouth flung open when she realized what she just said. Colors drained from her blank face.

. . .

. . .

Aghh . . . Zoe, you brainless girl.

“Oh my . . .” My mother clasped her hands and circled Zoe as she ran her scrutinizing eyes over her. She then nodded her head while my father held his face high, emanating with pride.

I was wholly convinced that my parents have a few screws loose in their heads.

“C-could you . . . leave us for a moment . . . ,” I said with difficulty as I couldn’t handle this kind of conversation anymore longer.

“Alright. We will leave first . . . it’s good that you’re alright now, Leanna.” Zhander shot me a timid smile before he dragged Estela by the shoulder as the girl tried to protest.

“B-but, I’m Leanna’s best friend. I’m her sister to be. I’m family. I have the right to remain here.”

“Not today, Estela.” Zhander pulled Estela and grabbed Emery with his other hand and ushered them outside.

“Let’s go.” Zhander nudged the stunned Emery whose sparkly blue eyes remained fixated on Lance, not budging even for a second since the moment she saw him.

“I want to stay,” Emery mumbled her words in finality which made Zhander dragged her by the hand. “What’s wrong with you two? This is a family affair. Let’s go!”

Zhander pulled the two unwilling women out of the room using a bit of force. I still heard their whining in the hallway. Even they were already meters away.

“I-I want to talk to you . . . ,” Zoe said, breaking the awkward silence, “g-give me your number.” Her voice grew weak at the end while her eyes shifted left and right with cheeks painted in red.

Lawrence grinned and replied, a bit teasing, “I don’t want to.”

Zoe’s expression fell right off her face. The hurt was evident in her downcast lips.

Then Lawrence brought out his phone. “Give me your number. I’ll be calling you later.”

Zoe’s downward lips turned into a droopy smile like she was floating on cloud nine. And with full open reluctance on her steps, she went out of the room with a love-struck smile on her face.

I have goosebumps all over!

I couldn’t believe that my brother flirted in front of me! I felt like I didn’t know who this kid was anymore!

What happened when I was away?

The changed was too much of a drastic I refused to accept it.

“And you?”

Lance high sneer at Cain made me think, somehow . . . there is something wrong with the way I guided the twins.

Cain didn’t budge at my brother’s crass remarked as he looked me in the eyes before he stood to his feet.

I grabbed his shirt.

“Stay.”