"It''s... It''s not me." I hurriedly averted my gaze elsewhere. "Don''t make things up."


    "I''m not," L insisted. "Serena, I think I know you pretty well. You can''t hide what''s on your mind from me. Those little secrets of yours? I''ve already figured them out."


    "W-What?" I nervously touched the back of my neck.


    She leaned close to my ear and whispered, "You like Alex, don''t you?"


    "I..." My first instinct was to deny it, but the words caught in my throat.


    "Don''t deny it just yet." Her face was full of smugness. "Serena, I know it''s the truth."


    "I..." I was flustered after being exposed. "Alex is my brother, L. I..."


    "By blood?" She raised an eyebrow at me.


    I shook my head.


    "Then what''s the problem?"


    "I-I just..." I stuttered, my mind aplete mess.


    "Serena, I can see that you like Alex. You''re not his biological sister, so don''t set such strict ethical standards for yourself, alright?"


    I froze on the spot, unsure of what to say. After a long pause, I finally turned to her. "If he knew about this, he''d be so disappointed in me."


    After all, he would surely despise me for harboring feelings for him, especially because of Mom.


    "Why?" L''s emotions red up instantly. "Does Alex think he''s too superior to be liked? He''s a CEO now. Does he not even have the confidence to handle admiration?"


    I couldn''t help but be amused by her unique perspective. Her bluntness warmed my heart as well. Only a true friend would believe that I was worth of anyone, including Alex. They would also insist that everyone else didn''t deserve him.


    "Serena?"


    I turned around instantly and was met with a familiar face.


    "Lucas?" Shock flickered in my eyes. "What are you doing here?"


    "I happened to pass by." He was dressed casually today in a white shirt and jeans. His smile was bright and refreshing. "What brings you here?"


    "Oh, I''m here for a meal." I pointed toward the restaurant.


    A hint of surprise shed in his gaze. "Really? Me too."


    "Then join us! I never properly thanked you for helping mest time."


    A sh of joy crossed his eyes, but it was quickly followed by hesitation as he nced at L. "But... you already havepany. Wouldn''t I be intruding?"


    "No, not at all!" I pulled her over. "This is my best friend, L. L, this is my friend, Lucas."


    She was never one to be shy or


    reserved. On the contrary, she was a social butterfly. Lucas, equally gracious, stepped into the restaurant with us After we ced our orders, I discovered just how talkative he was.


    "I''m still in grad school," he said with an ever-present smile. "But I''m graduating soon."


    "Grad school?" My eyes lit up. "That''s amazing! What''s your major?"


    "Psychology."


    L was so in awe that she nearly leaped out of her seat. "Psychology? Oh my god, a master''s student in psychology? That''s amazing! You''re my idol now."