4#04

4

Travis used to lean his head on Leslie's shoulder and whisper affectionately, "Leslie, you're my one and only sister in this world..."

As Leslie was immersed in this recollection, a basketball suddenly hurtled towards them at high velocity.

Travis acted swiftly, protecting Kiana by cradling her head and pulling her close to his chest.

Leslie, who was standing behind them, had no chance to evade and was struck directly on the forehead by the basketball.

The impact made a loud thump, a sound that would make anyone cringe.

A young boy hurried over to reclaim the ball, apologizing profusely and inquiring about her well-being.

Leslie's eyes were already watering from the pain. After a moment, she waved her hand feebly and said, "It's alright. I'm fine now."

Her eyes drifted to Travis, who was clutching Kiana's hand tightly with concern.

"Kiana, are you certain you're alright? I'm so relieved it didn't hit you! I'd have no idea how to explain that to my brother."

He didn't even glance at Leslie, who had taken the direct hit.

To be honest, Leslie didn't harbor any ill feelings towards Travis. He wasn't the one who had been unfaithful. In fact, she used to think, 'Even if things don't work out between Denver and me, at least Travis and I will always have a sibling-like bond!'

But now, watching him fuss over Kiana while completely disregarding her, Leslie felt like a complete fool.

Bending down, she picked up her toppled water bottle without uttering a word and silently left the basketball court.

The autumn wind caressed her face, bringing an unexpected chill.

This villa... there was nothing left here worth staying for.

Leslie's bespoke wedding gown had arrived at the villa.

The design was exquisite, featuring intricate embroidery and flawless craftsmanship. Ninety-nine diamonds adorned the bodice, making it glitter magnificently.

But as she held it, Leslie felt nothing—no excitement, no happiness. She tossed it onto the sofa as if it were just another piece of clothing.

Descending the stairs, Kiana spotted the dress on the couch.

"Leslie, this dress is breathtaking! You'll look like a true goddess in it!"

Leslie forced a polite smile. "Thanks."

Kiana's fingers delicately traced the sparkling diamonds, her admiration evident.

"As an orphan, I never dared to imagine wearing something this beautiful," she murmured. Then, she asked, "Leslie, could I try it on? Just for a moment?"

Leslie looked at Kiana, her heart softening. She nodded.

Anyway, she didn't care about the wedding, so she allowed someone else to wear the dress.

Elated, Kiana grabbed the dress and headed into the bedroom.

About 10 minutes later, she emerged, looking troubled.

"What's the matter?" Leslie asked.

Kiana reluctantly opened her hand, revealing a diamond lying in her palm. The front of the dress now had a large, gaping hole where the diamond had detached.

Leslie was astonished. "This is a custom dress worth over two hundred thousand. How could it fall apart so easily?"

Could this really not be intentional?

Before Leslie could question Kiana, the sound of the front door unlocking interrupted them—Denver had just returned from work.

Kiana seemed to be waiting for this exact moment.

With a dramatic thud, she knelt in front of Leslie, begging her repeatedly.

"I'm so sorry, Leslie! I didn't mean to! Please, you can hit me or yell at me, but don't make me leave. I can't lose Denver or Travis. Please, I'm begging you!"

Leslie stared at her in disbelief, about to tell Kiana to stand up, when Denver strode over with a grim expression.

Grabbing Kiana by the arm, he pulled her up and glared at Leslie with hostility.

"What's going on here?"

Before Leslie could explain, Kiana interjected first. "Don't blame Leslie! It's entirely my fault!"