Lue: [I like it. Ask for a billion.]


    Juniper: [?]


    Lue: [Wait, a personal check can only go up to nine hundred and ny million.]


    Juniper: [.]


    Lue: [I know it''s a little low, but don''t worry.]


    Juniper: [??]


    Lue: [That old man ispletely wrapped around your finger. He won''t be able to leave you. When he begs you toe back, ask for ten billion.]


    Juniper: [...]


    Lue: [Aren''t I a genius?]


    Juniper: [You should probably stay inside during a thunderstorm.]


    Lue: [?]


    Juniper: [You alwayse out on top. Going to sleep.]


    After sending the message, Juniper ced her phone on the nightstand and stared intently at the bathroom door, lost in thought.


    Soon after, Shanley emerged, wrapped in a bathrobe and drying his hair with a towel. He found Juniper staring at him, her expression dark and her beautiful face scrunched up in a frown.


    Was she in a bad mood?


    "What''s wrong?" He put the towel down and leaned over her, his hands nted on either side of her, and asked gently, "Who upset you?"


    "Your breathing is annoying me," Juniper snapped, pushing him away. She rolled over, turning her back to him.


    Shanley was baffled. He touched his nose. Even his breathing was wrong now?


    Fine. If she said it was wrong, it was wrong.


    Deciding to let her cool off, he finished drying his hair and slipped into bed.


    "Juniper..." he began, lightly touching her shoulder.


    She didn''t respond.


    "Asleep already?" Shanley asked yfully, a faint smile on his lips. He knew she wasn''t; she could never fall asleep unless she was curled up in his arms.


    "There''s a fantastic bakery on Westwind Avenue," he continued ying his trump card. The head cheffust got back from advanced training. I pre-ordered something for us, we can pick it up tomorrow."


    As expected, she turned back around, her voiceced with frustration. "What would


    you do if your mother threw a check at me and told me to leave you?"


    "Hm?" Shanley paused, surprised that this was what had been bothering her. Was she this concerned about him?


    "What are you smiling at?" Juniper frowned. "You haven''t answered me."


    "Right, right," Shanley said, taking her hand. The smile in his eyes deepened as he adopted a serious expression. "I''d leave with you."


    Juniper stared at him, still processing his words, when he added, "And don''t forget to take the check before we go."


    "Oh." Juniper was satisfied with his answer. Shey back down, her expression returning to normal. "Time for sleep."


    "And what about you?" Shanley moved closer, his voice a low whisper. "If my mother offered you a check to leave me, what would you do?"


    "Simple," Juniper yawned, closing her eyes. "I''d just buy you." Shanley didn''t understand.


    "If she can try to buy me off, why can''t I buy you?" Juniper''s voice was husky but


    firm. When it came to throwing money around, she had more than enough.


    A pleased chuckle rumbled in Shanley''s throat. "Right," he nodded inplete agreement. "Go to sleep."


    But he knew that scenario would never happen. Who wouldn''t fall in love with someone as beautiful, brilliant, and charming as Juniper? He loved her, and he was certain his parents would love her even more.


    At Era University, Juniper had be a campus celebrity after her victory with


    WKL eSports.