Chapter 62
Natalie’s casual compliment made James‘ face lit up,and eventually even his ears turned red. “Am I really as good as you say?”
Natalie chuckled, surprised by just how pure–hearted James was. She nodded firmly. “Of course! Don’t doubt yourself. You’re the best, the finest, the most outstanding gentleman!”
Hearing this, James almost wanted to grab a braid himself–if only he had one.
Once he was sure he hadn’t been overthinking things, James faced another dilemma.
“Nattie, what am I supposed to do about Phoebe? I don’t have feelings for her, but if I stay close, she might misunderstand it. If I distance myself, she’s sensitive and might think I dislike her. Then my parents will definitely start nagging me about it. It’s… exhausting.”
Natalie noticed the dark circles under his eyes and it was clear he’d been troubled by this and hadn’t slept well. Meanwhile, Phoebe seemed completely unbothered, enjoying her days as if nothing was wrong. Some people really do seem to enjoy life shamelessly ahead of everyone else.
As women understand women better, Natalie decided James needed a bit of guidance. Seeing his innocent expression, she advised, “James, if Phoebe had thought about how things might get awkward between you two, she wouldn’t be acting this way. So why should you have to worry? Just keep treating her the same as before. But–don’t give her any chance to be alone with you again.”
James understood the first part but the last sentence left him wide–eyed and confused.
Seeing his confusion, Natalie patiently broke it down for him. “Phoebe’s testing your boundaries. First, she gets close, then she leans in. If you keep allowing it, who knows what she’ll try next?
“She might even hug you or go in for a kiss. And in a more extreme case, she could pull something shocking, like taking off her clothes in front of you. Imagine if your parents walked in at that moment. What do you think would happen?”
James followed Natalie’s words and imagined the scenario, and the thought hit him hard. His parents would surely give a severe scolding and force him to take responsibility for Phoebe, pressuring him into marriage.
His face went pale and he broke into a cold sweat. Marriage was a lifelong commitment, and he wasn’t about to settle with just anyone.
Natalie reassured him, “Phoebe will be heading off to Commonwealth College soon, so she’ll be at home less often. Just avoid any one–on–one time with her, and you’ll be fine.”
James nodded, still shaken. “I am definitely going to keep my distance.”
Lost in their conversation by the entrance gate, James and Natalie didn’t notice a few soldiers in flight suits approaching until the men were right in front of them.
One of the soldiers recognized James and greeted him.
Only then did James notice. James returned the nod. “Hey, Bennett, Zander, Wesley!”
Natalie didn’t know these people, but out of politeness, she turned to them with a friendly smile, two small dimples naturally appearing at the corners of her lips as she nodded in greeting.
James proudly introduced her, “This is my sister, Natalie.”
The three soldiers were stunned. They had heard that the Locke family had two new sisters but hadn’t expected one to be so charming.
Her large, expressive eyes seemed to sparkle as they looked back at them. Her lips were as red as ripe cherries, and her skin was delicate and fair, like fine porcelain.
The pink blouse she wore complemented her slender waist and graceful curves, making a subtle yet striking impression that only men could fully appreciate.
Natalie was used to seeing this look in men’s eyes. She smiled gently and greeted them.
Instantly, their faces turned red, blushing all the way to their ears.
Natalie thought to herself that they seemed almost too innocent, making her feel a bit embarrassed to keep smiling.
