Ms. Sutherland, what a coincidence running into you here! Are you doing some holiday shopping too?
In the underground parking lot of the shopping mall, Roland steadied Mila, who had nearly fallen, with a warm smile.
Thank you.
Mila expressed her gratitude, stepping back slightly to create some distance. But then she realized it might seem too deliberate, especially since he had just helped her. She decided to continue the conversation a bit more.
You and your brother are here for holiday shopping too?
She glanced at Ryan, who stood beside Roland, glaring at her since they met, and quickly looked away.
Great, just what I needed, she thought.
What are you doing?
Roland noticed Ryan’s barely concealed hostility and gave him a light slap on the back of his head.
His clueless brother!
Come on, I didn’t do anything! I didn’t even say a word, and you’re hitting me in front of her! Ryan protested, holding his head indignantly.
He couldn’t understand why his brother was always so polite to Mila when he knew how much Ryan disliked her. It felt like a betrayal of brotherly loyalty!
Roland ignored him and turned to Mila with a friendly suggestion. Since we’re all here to shop for the holidays, why not join forces?
Mila, who had been refusing to engage with him over the phone, found it hard to decline in person, especially after he had just helped her.
And so, the three of them entered the mall together.
Ryan, the sole objector to this plan, found himself with no say in the matter and soon became the designated cart pusher. As he maneuvered the cart, piled high with purchases, he shot angry glances at Roland and Mila, who walked ahead, chatting amiably. He felt a deep sense of betrayal from his own brother.
It’s like he’s choosing her over me, he fumed internally.
Wait a minute…
A sudden realization struck Ryan. Could it be that his brother actually liked Mila? That woman had nothing worth liking! Especially since she was already married!
He would never accept his brother marrying a divorced woman, especially Mila! She wasn’t worthy!
Hey, Roland!
The Lockwood brothers might squabble, but they genuinely cared for each other.
As for her…
No, she wouldn’t dwell on it.
Mila loaded her shopping into her car and drove back to her home in the Willow Estates.
……
After handling the compensation, Roland returned to the car with Ryan, who was nursing a bump on his head and moaning about the pain.
As soon as they got in, Ryan couldn’t hold back any longer.
Why are you so nice to Mila? Do you like her? I swear, I won’t accept her as my sister-in-law! She’s just a divorced—
Roland cut him off with an exasperated sigh, finally losing patience and giving him another light slap on the back of his head.
You’re such an idiot! Is that all you think about? How did I end up with such a clueless brother? Besides, you have no say in my affairs. You’re getting ahead of yourself. Want to challenge me?