Chapter 161

Evelyn's gaze lingered on his face for a moment. "Thank you," she murmured softly before turning to hurry after her sister.

Emily hadn't gone far. She sat in the pavilion near the neighborhood entrance, wiping her tears.

When she saw Evelyn approaching, the younger girl's eyes reddened again. "Sis..."

"Do you really love him that much?" Evelyn cut straight to the point.

Emily bit her lip and nodded. "Yes."

"His grades are average, his family background is ordinary, and his future prospects are limited. Your grades have slipped too—Mom and Dad won't approve."

"Sis, does love need to meet so many conditions?" Emily suddenly looked up. "He might not be as wealthy or powerful as Alexander, but he truly loves me! You married the perfect husband, but are you happy?"

The words struck like a needle, stealing Evelyn's breath.

The night breeze carried a slight chill.

Evelyn studied the little sister who had always trailed behind her and realized—Emily had grown up.

People often said the two sisters were nothing alike.

Evelyn was quiet and reserved; Emily was lively and impulsive. Evelyn was exceptionally intelligent; Emily was innocent and carefree.

She had always assumed the role of the wiser older sister. Yet now, she found herself speechless before Emily's question.

Yes, she didn’t understand love.

Marriage could be weighed by pros and cons, but love defied all logic.

Just like Alexander's devotion to Annabelle—fully aware of her spoiled and willful nature, yet cherishing her all the same.

"Sis?"

"Is it really him or no one else?"

"We made a promise," Emily said, her eyes shining. "No matter how hard life gets, we’ll face it together."

Evelyn gave a soft "Mm."

"I’ve made up my mind—it’s him!"

"I support you."

Emily shot to her feet. "Sis?!"

Evelyn stepped onto the pavilion and took her sister’s hand. "Leave Mom and Dad to me. Focus on your exams."

"Sis, I..." Emily’s voice cracked. "I thought you were here to scold me."

"You’re right," Evelyn said, gazing into the distance. "Love doesn’t follow reason."

Emily hesitated. "But what if he really amounts to nothing...?"

"Then make yourself strong enough." Evelyn gave her sister’s palm a reassuring squeeze.

On the way home, Evelyn advised Emily not to confront their parents head-on. Emily nodded obediently, docile as a little rabbit.

As they passed their building, the white Cayenne was no longer there.

"Sis," Emily suddenly tugged her sleeve, "I saw Alexander earlier."

"Did you speak?"

Emily fidgeted. "I was running too fast... I just heard him calling after me."