Paradise, Paradise-always Paradise.


    Layna was seething, jealousy ring hot in her chest. "What''s the point of knowing Russian anyway? It''s not like you''re moving there. Justin, just talk with me for a bit,


    will you?"


    Justin shook his head. “Layna, you should read more and pick up new things. Knowledge is never a waste. Someday, when you need it, you''ll wish you''d learned more. By the way, I heard Wesley signed you up for calligraphy?"


    "He did," Layna mumbled, feeling guilty. "I go every day."


    "How''s it going? Show me some of your writing tonight when we get home," Justin said.


    “... Sure,” Layna said, forcing a smile.


    Truth was, she barely paid attention in ss. With Juliana recovering from her miscarriage, Scott didn''t have time for her. Layna went to lessons, but her mind was always somewhere else. It was pointless.


    Soon, the car pulled up outside the restaurant.


    Justin and Layna stepped out. Among their friends, they were both good-looking, but Justin especially stood out he had this quiet confidence that made people notice him, even though he was still so young.


    A server approached, all polite smiles. "Good evening, are you here for dinner?"


    "We have a reservation under Andrew," Justin replied.


    “Oh, the Livingston party? You''re expected on the third floor. This way, please." The server had sharp eyes anyone associated with the Livingstons had to be important.


    If Layna was with any other kids, she''d be the standout, but next to Justin, she just didn''t measure up. Their looks didn''t quite match-he was on a different level.


    The server, assuming, smiled at them. "Your little sister is adorable."


    Before Justin could say anything, Layna jumped in, "I''m not his sister, I''m his—" future wife.


    Juliana had filled her head with those ideas, and Layna was certain only someone like Justin was good enough for her.


    Justin said, expression steady, "She''s my uncle''s niece."


    That hurt. Was that all Justin saw her as? Not even a friend-just his uncle''s niece.


    The server, still smiling, said, “Sorry, my mistake. Please follow me. Master Livingston and Miss Foster are already here."


    "Miss Foster?" Layna''s voice went up an octave. "Justin, Paradise is here too?"


    Until that moment, Layna had only known Andrew was hosting dinner-she hadn''t realized Paradise would be there.


    Justin nodded, "Yeah."


    Layna felt a wave of annoyance. Then she remembered something. "Justin, you know my cousin and Paradise go to the same school, right?"


    "I know." Justin followed the server upstairs.


    "They''re really close. Makes sense


    he''d invite her. Hey, Justin, let me tell


    invite


    you a secret my


    cousin likes.


    Paradise. He even wrote her a love


    letter."


    Justin looked surprised. "A love letter?"


    Back in London, he''d noticed Andrew was nice to Paradise, but he hadn''t thought much of it. They were an kids just goofing around. It was just friendship, he figured.


    Justin was the oldest of the group, his thoughts already edging into the grown-up world.


    Layna kept going, “Yeah, my cousin really likes her. He''s given her a ton of gifts, and even argued with my aunt about her. He really looks out for her."


    She wasying it on thick, making Andrew sound head-over-heels for Paradise.


    Justin just said, "Paradise is amazing. It''s normal for the boys to like her, want to be friends, treat her like a little sister."


    "Justin, that''s not what I—" Layna started.


    "We''re here," the server announced, opening the private dining room door.


    Justin went in without looking back, ignoring Layna''s protest.


    Layna trailed behind, quietly stomping her foot in frustration.


    ustin a&


    "Justin, there you are! Paradise beat you here," Andrew called out, his voice full of hostly cheer. He gave hug, then caught sight of rayna, surprise flickering in his eyes. "Layna, what are you doing here?"


    He sounded anything but pleased.