Travis used to rest his head on Leslie's shoulder and say sweetly, "Leslie, you're the only sister I'll ever have in this life…"
As Leslie was lost in the memory, a basketball came flying toward the three of them at full speed.
Travis reacted quickly, shielding Kiana by cupping the back of her head and pulling her into his chest.
Standing behind them, Leslie had no time to dodge and was hit squarely on the forehead by the basketball.
It made a thud, and the sound alone was enough to make anyone wince.
A boy ran over to retrieve the ball, apologizing profusely and asking if she was okay.
Leslie was already teary-eyed from the pain. But after a while, she waved her hand weakly and said, "It's fine. I'm okay now."
Her gaze shifted to Travis, who was gripping Kiana's hand tightly in concern.
"Kiana, are you sure you're okay? Thank goodness it didn't hit you! I wouldn't know how to explain that to my brother."
Not even a glance—he couldn't spare a single look at Leslie, who had taken the hit directly.
To be fair, Leslie didn't hate Travis. He wasn't the one who had cheated. In fact, she used to think, 'Even if things don't work out between me and Denver, at least Travis and I will always be like siblings!'
But right now, watching him fuss over Kiana while completely ignoring her, Leslie felt like a joke.
Bending down, she picked up her knocked-over water bottle without saying a word and quietly left the basketball court.
The autumn breeze brushed against her face, carrying an unexpected chill.
This villa… there was nothing left in it worth staying for.
Leslie's custom-made wedding gown had arrived at the villa.
The design was exquisite, with intricate embroidery and flawless craftsmanship. Ninety-nine diamonds adorned the bodice, making it shimmer brilliantly.
But holding it in her hands, Leslie felt nothing—no excitement, no joy. She tossed it onto the couch as if it were just any other item.
Coming down the stairs, Kiana spotted the dress on the couch.
"Leslie, this dress is stunning! You're going to look like an actual goddess in it!"
Leslie forced a polite smile. "Thanks."
Kiana's fingers gently traced the sparkling diamonds, her admiration plain as day.
"As an orphan, I never dared to dream about wearing something this beautiful," she murmured. Then, she asked, "Leslie, could I try it on? Just for a little while?"
Leslie looked at Kiana, her heart softening. She nodded.
Anyway, she didn't care about the wedding, so she let someone else wear the dress.
Overjoyed, Kiana grabbed the dress and headed into the bedroom.
About 10 minutes later, she emerged, looking distressed.
"What's wrong?" Leslie asked.
Kiana hesitantly 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 fallen out.
Leslie was stunned. "This is a custom dress worth over two hundred thousand. How could it fall apart so easily?"
Could this really not be on purpose?
Before Leslie could question Kiana, the sound of the front door unlocking interrupted them—Denver had just come home from work.
Kiana seemed to be waiting for this exact moment.
With a dramatic thud, she knelt in front of Leslie, pleading with her repeatedly.
"I'm so sorry, Leslie! I didn't mean to! Please, you can hit me or yell at me, but don't kick me out. I can't lose Denver or Travis. Please, I'm begging you!"
Leslie stared at her in shock, about to tell Kiana to get up, when Denver strode over with a dark 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 cut in first. "Don't blame Leslie! It's all my fault!"
