Chapter 285

“I’m fine,” Shanley said, his lips curving into a gentle smile as he saw the girl’s
concern.
“Oh.” Juniper’s suspended heart slowly settled back into place now that she’d confirmed he wasn’t newly injured.
“Hey, sis,” Melvin called out from the side, his brow furrowed in a pout. “Aren’t you focusing on the wrong person? Your brother’s hurt, too.”
Juniper glanced at Melvin’s sullen face, then opened her backpack and pulled out a small bottle of ointment. “This stuff works really well. A couple of days and you’ll be fine.”
Melvin was bruised, but Shanley had held back, so it was mostly just swelling. Shanley’s injuries were different. Her brothers had gone all out, leaving his cheek swollen and his lip split. He’d nearly been disfigured.
“Thanks, sis,” Melvin said, taking the bottle, a smile breaking through his gloom. She gave it only to him, not to Shanley. That had to mean her brother was more important.
“We can discuss the racing club later,” Melvin said. “You must be tired after class. Why don’t you come home with us for now?”
Home? At his words, Juniper’s brow, which had just relaxed, furrowed once more. She looked at Shanley, her cheeks puffing out in silent, obvious anger. Did he agree to this?
“Your brothers said they want to take you home to live with them,” Shanley said, deftly passing the buck.
“That’s right,” Melvin added earnestly. “Before, it was because Jimmie was too busy with work to take care of you. But I have time. I can look after you.”
Juniper remained silent, her expression unhappy.
“Come on. We’ll have an assistant pick up your luggage later,” Melvin said, confidently reaching for his sister’s hand, only for her to pull away.
“Juniper Melvin’s hand froze mid-air. He stared at her, hurt. What did this mean? Between Shanley and her two brothers, she had chosen Shanley?
“Just give me some more time,” Juniper mumbled, her voice low. “I’m used to my current routine. Living with you guys would mean getting used to something new all over again. I don’t adapt well to change, and if I don’t rest well, my performance suffers. And if my performance suffers, it’ll affect my exams.”
“Affect your exams?” Melvin frowned. “Didn’t Jimmie say you’re an amazing student? Perfect scores in every subject?”
“Yeah,” Juniper replied, her expression flickering as her flimsy excuse was exposed. She quickly recovered. “I can’t get perfect scores if I don’t sleep well.”
Melvin fell silent. He had a strong feeling his sister was making things up.
“If Juniper doesn’t want to leave, let her be,” Jimmie said, stepping forward.
Though they were her brothers, they had just met and were still practically strangers
to her. It was clear that Shanley was taking good care of Juniper, and that she enjoyed being with him. Forcing her to come home would only strain their new relationship.
Besides, he trusted Shanley’s
character. If he said he wouldn’t
cross any lines, he wouldn’t. At least,
not before Juniper’s exams. As for
the future… his sister was an adult
and could make her own choices. As long as she was happy he would respect and support her.
“You agree?” Melvin wanted to object, but Jimmie’s placating look silenced him. He finally understood This wasn’t about Shapley tricking. his sister. The infamous J could never be so easily fooled. The blame lay with the old fox’s incredible skill; he had effortlessly captured his sister’s heart.
“Fine,” Melvin sighed, his tone heavy. “Stay if you want. But if you’re ever mistreated
or unhappy, you tell me. I’ll have your back.”
“Okay,” Juniper nodded, quietly moving to stand beside Shanley.
“This is a little something from me,” Melvin said, handing Juniper a package his assistant had rushed, over. His eyes were red-rimmed. “From now on, whatever you want, I’ll get it for you. He’d heard her first eighteen years had been hard. He would do everything he could to make up for it.
“Thanks,” Juniper said, taking it. She paused, then added, “Thanks, bro.”
Having brothers felt good, but after fifteen years of being alone, she needed time to adjust.
“Your mock exams are next week. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. It’s okay
if you don’t do perfectly,” Jimmie added, not wanting his sister to be overworked.
“There’s no pressure,” Juniper said with a slight pout, her tone casual.