“I… I don’t… I don’t like her. She’s as dangerous as a snake. I wouldn’t mess with her.”

Braylee tilted her head, a playful glint in her eye. “But aren’t her legs stunning?”

Rafael bit his lip. “They are, but…”

“Isn’t that the most beautiful pair you’ve ever seen?”

“That is, but…”

“Isn’t she stunning?”

“She is, but…”

“Then you must appreciate beauty, right?”

“I do, but…”

“Then why the hesitation with Fernanda?”

Braylee’s persistent questions left Rafael stunned and speechless. He stared at her in silence, his mind racing, before he finally blurted out, “Braylee, have you lost your mind?”

“You couldn’t even argue with me just now, could you?”

“I don’t like Fernanda!” Rafael’s voice cracked as his frustration bubbled over.

“Wasn’t it you who couldn’t stand her before? What’s changed?”

“I’ve never had a problem with her. There’s no grudge on my end.” Braylee sighed dramatically, rolling her eyes. “I used to think she was just another pretty face, but I’ve changed my mind. Honestly, who wouldn’t admire a beautiful and capable woman?”

Rafael couldn’t believe what he was hearing—was his sister losing it? “She’s cruel!”

“How is she cruel? And you’re blind since you don’t see how bad Ava is,” Braylee shot back with disdain. “All this mess started because of Ava, not Fernanda. You’d see the truth if you weren’t so clouded by your feelings. I think Fernanda is far kinder than Ava.”

“Can you just stop lecturing me for a second?” Rafael groaned, feeling a genuine sense of injustice.

Braylee stood up with an air of finality, her heels clicking sharply on the floor.

With a gentle pat on Rafael’s shoulder, she leaned in close, her blackcurrant perfume filling the air, clearing his mind with its cool, crisp scent.

“This is just another way to reach your goal,” Braylee said gently. “If you win Fernanda over, won’t she let Ava go? She’ll definitely listen to you after that.”

Rafael stared at Braylee, confusion written all over his face. “What exactly are you getting at?”

Braylee said with a nonchalant shrug, her eyes wide and sparkling, “Just go after Fernanda.”

For a moment, Rafael thought his sister had completely lost her mind. However, despite his disbelief, something in her words struck a chord. Her logic was oddly compelling, and for a second, it actually made sense.

As Rafael mulled over Braylee’s advice, an image of Fernanda flashed in his mind, and suddenly, things shifted.

Fernanda didn’t seem as awful as he had once thought.

.

.

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