---- None of James''s previous girlfriends hadsted more than three months. Once the novelty wore off, he''d grow cold and ---- distant. When one got pregnant and came to him, he''d coldly dismissed her with a check. Charlotte remembered when her brother dated a B-list actress two years ago. The woman was stunning, yet James hadn''t shown her any particr tenderness-he maintained his usual cool demeanor. But now, with this college student... They''d been dating for over six months, right?


    Charlotte recalled how her brother had been so dismissivest year, saying he was just having fun and had no intention of marrying. Yet here he was, not only still with her but actually introducing her to them? Could her brother be serious this time? Wow, he must have found true love. Victoria, who loved thrill rides, tried to get Charlotte and Thalia to join her on the roller coaster. Charlotte politely declined with a smile. "You guys go ahead. I really don''t dare.


    I can handle the jungle train, but roller coasters would make me faint." ---- "Tl go with you," Thalia smiled. "I enjoy thrills too." "Tl join," Asher stepped forward. "Wait for me, I''ming too," Sebastian called out. Victoria''s lips curved almost imperceptibly. Sebastian was a scaredy-cat. He had always sworn he would never go on these thrilling rides. Victoria took a seat in the front row-the most exciting spot. Thalia went to the second row, leaving the spot beside Victoria for Sebastian.


    Asher sat next to Thalia. "Lia, nervous?" "A little." Asher''s warm hand covered hers. "Don''t be afraid, I''m with you." Thalia''s heart fluttered. She didn''t pull her hand away. ---- The roller coaster had barely started moving when Sebastian began screaming. Victoria,pletely calm beside him, turned and rolled her eyes. "If you''re so scared, why did youe?


    Aren''t you just torturing yourself?" Sebastian replied, "It''s only because you like it, otherwise I wouldn''t-AHHH!" Before he could finish, the roller coaster elerated, and Sebastian screamed in terror. Victoria also shouted loudly. The difference was that Sebastian screamed in terror while she yelled with excitement. Asher remained perfectlyposed, gripping Thalia''s hand tightly. Though this was his first time on a roller coaster, he wasn''t afraid.


    Thalia''s screams were right in his ear, mixing with the rushing wind. Asher strengthened his grip, silently apanying her.