?Chapter 1296:


    At dinner, Nina sat next to Jasper. Every time he couldn’t reach something, she leaned over and served him herself, extra attentive.


    Jerome noticed. He didn’t say a word, just kept his head down and quietly ate.


    After dinner, when Donna was getting ready to leave, Jerome couldn’t hold it in anymore. He thought back to how Nina had treated him all day, then pressed his lips together and said softly, “I need to talk to you. Can we go somewhere for a minute?”


    “Sure!” Nina chirped, still cheerful as ever.


    None of the adults interrupted. They let the kids wander off to talk in private.


    Nina tilted her head, eyes wide and innocent. “What did you want to talk about?”


    “If you had to pick between me and my brother to y with,” Jerome asked bluntly, “who would you choose?”


    He’d always thought of Nina as his very best friend.


    But after today, it didn’t feel like she thought the same.


    Nina’s big eyes sparkled with confusion as she looked up. “Why can’t I y with both of you?” she asked softly. “Don’t I get to choose more than one friend?”


    Jerome’s face stayed serious. “No, that’s not how it works,” he said.


    “But why?” Nina pressed, her voice curious.


    Jerome shrugged. “You can have many friends, but only one best friend. That’s just how it is.”


    Nina tilted her head, thinking hard. “Are you upset because I spent my time with Jasper all day and didn’t y with you?”


    Jerome stayed quiet, his silence saying more than words. That was as good as a yes.


    All summer, he had been her ymate, always ready when she called—unless he was mad. But today, she was supposed to make up for missing his birthday. Instead, she spent it with Jasper. Anyone would feel left out.


    “I yed with Jasper because it’s his first time here,” Nina exined, her voice earnest. “He’s new, and I didn’t want him to feel alone.”


    Jerome muttered, “You didn’t have to.”


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    “I have to,” Nina said firmly. “Mommy told me when I invite a friend over, I have to take care of them and not leave them out.”


    “What about me?” Ellis chimed in, curious.<fn8d92> Content originallyes from F?ndNovel</fn8d92>


    Nina’s smile was bright and warm. “We already yed house together. You’re family now. That’s different.”


    Those simple words melted Jerome’s frustration like ice in the sun. He pressed his lips together, unsure what to say.


    Nina waited patiently, her round eyes fixed on him.


    “Then don’t treat Jasper specially,” Jerome said. “That’s just for me.”


    Nina blinked. “How should I treat him, then?”


    “Just like a normal friend,” Jerome said, rifying he wanted to keep their bond special.


    “Okay,” Nina agreed easily.


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