Luther was taken aback.What did she mean by that? "They say the picture I posted on social media was fake, claiming you haven't shown your face and that I intentionally posted a photo just to make them think I'm not single. Don't you plan to prove them otherwise?" Isabella spoke earnestly, a mix of truth and exaggeration.That was something Luther had not anticipated. Typically, after Isabella posted on her social media, her friends should have just felt a bit envious.After all, a fantastic girl like her was dating someone like him..."You refuse to show your face, and you won't use your official account to announce that we're together. Are you keeping other options open, afraid they'll run away once our relationship is public?" Isabella accused him.Luther gently rubbed her head, asking, "What are you even talking about?""Will you help me prove I have a boyfriend?" Isabella redirected the conversation back to its core.Luther pursed his lips. After careful consideration, h

These two rascals were so unreliable! They were supposed to stick to the plan, but it seemed like they changed their mind! "Don't be angry; I'll introduce you to someone good-looking when I find one. You've known each other forever, but you still had to pursue him instead of the other way around. Seems like Luther isn't that into you," Annie said, winking at Isabella."Right?" Annie glanced at Luther as she asked this.Isabella answered on Luther's behalf and explained, "Not true. He has liked me since we were young."Luther stared at Isabella. Annie pushed, "If he liked you then, why didn't he confess? There's no need to lie to us." "She's not lying. I have liked her since we were young," Luther chimed in, delivering his longest sentence since arriving.Isabella was stunned, and even Nick was caught by surprise.Only Annie, trying to make Luther more honest about his feelings, continued to stir things up. "There's no need to defend her. If you really liked her, how co

"I understand," Luther replied."I hope your love for her is sincere." Nick glanced at the spot where Isabella had been sitting earlier, continuing, "She may seem carefree, but in reality, she's very delicate. If you lose her due to some reason or someone, she might never recover."Tatiana had said the same thing before, and Luther also realized that Isabella would always appear happy when she met him. Yet, he realized that no one could be happy all the time."As her friend, I hope you treat her well," Nick sincerely said.The previous statement was something Isabella had coached him to say, but that came straight from his heart. Luther nodded in response. He suddenly felt that it was okay for Isabella to continue hanging out with Nick. After all, Nick had no ulterior motives and genuinely cared for Isabella. Hence, Luther harbored no ill will toward him. Luther could not help but wonder if maybe he should restrain himself a bit more and let Isabella return to Nexuria to enjoy

Nick and Luther had already drunk several rounds together. Seeing Luther's cheeks were slightly flushed, Isabella advised, "No more.""He has to! Luther needs to practice his drinking. Take it as practice for your wedding day!" Nick said seriously, though with a hint of playfulness.Isabella and Annie were at a loss for words."Otherwise, is he going to drink halfway and pass out?" Nick deliberately teased.Luther lifted his glass and patted Isabella's hand with his other hand. He assured her, "He's right; I should practice."Luther knew that marriage was the most important event in a girl's life, and he could not afford to mess up at that time. Thus, he had to drink."What's there to practice?" Isabella did not care about that at all and argued, "Just switch your wine to water when the time comes.""No, that won't do. Marriage is such an important matter, so how can you do that?"Nick was determined to get Luther drunk. "Right, Luther?""Mmhmm..." Luther agreed in a melodic

Isabella hugged him, offering him all her affection. "No, you'll always be my baby."Luther remained silent, holding onto her.Isabella alternated between rubbing his head and patting his back tenderly.Isabella cradled his head, her eyes locked onto his. "Lulu, don't feel inferior, and don't doubt my feelings for you, okay?"With teary eyes, Luther nodded. "Okay.""Pinky promise." Isabella extended her right pinky. "From now on, let's be honest with each other. Whoever lies about anything other than surprises will have to bark like a dog.""Alright," Luther agreed, obedient as ever.They hooked their pinkies, sealing the deal.With Luther's emotions stabilized, Isabella felt a bit more at ease."Bella..." Luther, eyes half-open, his voice softened.Isabella responded gently, "yes?""I'm feeling dizzy. Everything seems to be spinning," Luther said."You're just drunk. You'll be fine in the morning." Isabella got off him, holding his hand to help him up. "Come on, let me tak