3#03

3

Who would take Leslie's word seriously anyway?

What should have been a pleasant meal turned into an uncomfortable and tense situation.

Exploiting the Dillahunt brothers' support, Kiana feigned kindness, saying, "Denver, Travis, don't be hard on Leslie. I'm certain she didn't intend any harm."

This only exacerbated the situation. Travis retorted, "If it wasn't deliberate, Leslie ought to apologize to Kiana. Simple as that."

Leslie slammed her utensils down. "Me? Say sorry?"

She wanted to add, 'She's the one who initiated this! Not me!'

Unexpectedly, Denver set his cutlery down too. His tone was composed but resolute.

"Darling, you're not in the right this time. Why is it so difficult to apologize?"

Leslie gazed at her fiancé in shock, only to be met with a detached, cold look.

It dawned on her then—whenever Kiana was present, regardless of the circumstances, Leslie was always deemed the culprit.

She let out a cynical chuckle. "Alright, I'll apologize," she conceded. "I'm sorry for upsetting Kiana and spoiling your dinner."

Placing her napkin on the table, she added, "I'm finished. Enjoy your meal."

Without waiting for a reply, she stood up and left the table.

At that moment, Travis produced two basketball tickets from his pocket.

"This Friday is the college basketball tournament. I'm starting for our school's team," he announced. "You all must come and support me!"

Leslie paused and instinctively reached for a ticket.

However, Travis handed one to Denver and the other to Kiana.

"Sorry, Leslie. I could only get two tickets," Travis said with feigned regret. "Besides, you don't really understand basketball, do you? I'll invite you next time."

He smirked at her, clearly relishing her discomfort.

It was true that Leslie wasn't well-versed in basketball.

But because her fiancé's brother was passionate about it, she had quietly researched NBA and CBA games to learn more.

Despite feeling a pang in her chest, she forced a nonchalant shrug. "No problem. You all go ahead."

Denver checked the date on the ticket and turned to Leslie. "Sweetheart, I have a meeting that day. Why don't you attend with Kiana instead?"

And that's how Leslie found herself seated next to Kiana at the basketball game on Friday.

The match was thrilling.

Travis's attractiveness and prowess on the court made him the focal point, especially for the female spectators.

Observing him play, drenched in perspiration, Leslie couldn't help but reminisce about four years ago.

Back then, he was just a high school student who consistently lost to Denver in basketball. The younger man would pout and complain to her.

She would laugh, mess up his hair, and tease Denver for not going easy on his little brother.

Now, in what seemed like an instant, Travis was no longer that boy.

When the halftime whistle sounded, Leslie grabbed a towel and a water bottle and approached him.

Kiana followed closely.

They both offered Travis a water bottle simultaneously.

He glanced at Leslie but accepted the one from Kiana.

Before Leslie could react, the towel in her hand was taken away.

Kiana stood on her toes, using the towel to wipe the sweat from Travis's face.

"Wow, Travis, I had no idea you were such a talented basketball player!" she exclaimed.

"Thanks," Travis replied, blushing and beaming like a child.

Watching them laugh and converse, Leslie felt a void in her heart.

One of Travis's teammates nudged him playfully, joking, "Hey, Captain, with so many attractive girls around, why not introduce us to one?"

Travis's expression turned serious as he put an arm around Kiana's shoulders.

"Back off. She's my sister. Don't even consider it."

'She's like my sister...'

Not long ago, Travis had introduced Leslie to his team in the same manner.