So no matter what's going down, you've gotta let it go first., Susie was this pure, almost angelic kind of girl, but with a heart so tender, I couldn't bear the thought of dragging her down with me., By the time her and her brother wrapped up their chat, I had already polished off my pudding and even sneaked some from Ernest's bowl. Caught red-handed in the act of sneaking a bite, it was such a scene that nobody would guess it was done in a foul mood., And since I had raided Ernest's share, Susie naturally assumed that Ernest and I were no longer at odds., Both Ernest and Susie seemed taken aback by my maneuver, staring at me., I spooned another mouthful of the pudding into my mouth, then said,

"I want more.

",

"Ah, I'll whip up another batch right now,

" Susie said, first surprised, then slightly annoyed.,

"No need, let her have my share,

" Ernest offered, sliding his bowl towards me., I couldn't possibly eat another bowl, so I winked at him and scooped up another spoonful,

"No worries, just a few more bites for me.

",

"Then let's share,

" Ernest said, opening his mouth to take in the spoonful of pudding I had prepared., I froze for a second, but Susie burst into laughter on the side,

"You lovebirds and your sweet nothings are even sweeter than my pudding.

", That's when I got it. Ernest was playing along, understanding my cue., Fooled by our little display of affection, Susie was once again all smiles, while Ernest and I carried on with our act, taking turns spooning the rest of the pudding until the bowl was clean., As Ernest went to clean up, Susie pulled me aside,

"Licia, I've got your bed made and your toiletries all set. Let me know if you're missing anything.

",

"Thanks,

" I replied, overwhelmed by her kindness and attention to detail., I could tell Susie really took to me, so fulfilling her wish by making sure she knew I was indeed going to be her sister-in-law was my way of returning her affection., Then Susie turned to Ernest,

"Bro, you better make her officially part of the family soon. Wouldn't want anyone else sweeping her off her feet.

",

"Right, I'll make it official once you're better,

" Ernest replied smoothly., Just as Susie was about to say something else, Ernest added,

"Licia will bunk with you tonight. Try not to kick her in your sleep.

", Both Susie and I were taken aback. He actually didn't want me sharing his bed, but instead, had me bunking with Susie., Susie glanced at me, then remarked,

"Bro, Licia should be sleeping with you.

",

"We're not married yet. It wouldn't be proper,

" Ernest's response nearly made my jaw drop., The nerve of this guy., Before coming here, he wouldn't dream of sleeping without snuggling up, but now, back at his place, in front of his sister, he's playing the upright gentleman card, insisting on sleeping in separate rooms?

"Ladies need to protect themselves,

" Ernest threw in another one of his lines., I got it then. He was using me as an example to teach Susie a lesson about not rushing things with guys., But, but..., When Susie was quizzing me about whether her brother and I had kissed after catching me reading her romance novels, I had already spilled the beans...,

"Bro, no need to use this as a teaching moment. I get it. Besides, if Licia shares my bed, are you really gonna be able to sleep?

" Susie's quick wit put Ernest on the spot, his gaze shifting to me. His ears turned red as he muttered,

"I'll manage.

",

"Oh,

" came my reply,

"Well then, goodnight and sweet dreams, Mr. Collins.

", Ernest immediately looked at me, but I linked arms with Susie,

"Let your brother handle the cleanup. We're off to bed.

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