Chapter 42 Leia froze , her mind blanking at Noelles blunt response .
What was that Leia thought .
Next to her .
Harley couldnt help but let out a low chuckle .
Harley prided himself on being reserved and stoic , not the type to laugh easily .
But when it came to Noelle , she always had a way of catching him .
off guard , making him laugh at the most unexpected moments .
Noelle , noticing their reactions , placed her hands on her hips and raised a delicate brow at Leia Leia she said in a matter of fact tone , This is between Harley and me .
Its personal , so no , Im not telling you .
Harley nodded in agreement .
Lets drop it .
Time to grab lunch .
At the mention of food .
Noelles eyes sparkled with enthusiasm .
Lets go ! Im starving ! TM Harleys gaze softened as he looked at her .
Dont worry , Ill make sure you get plenty of meat .
Really ? Noelle turned to him with a grin so bright it could melt the iciest of hearts .
Harley , youre such a great person .
All it takes is some meat for you to think that ? he teased , raising an eyebrow , Yup Noelle nodded Harley chuckled , his voice dropping to a gentle murmur .
Then Ill make sure you get more next time .
Deal ! Noelle chirped , holding him to his word .
As Harley and Noelle left the classroom , chatting and laughing .
Leia was left behind , her expression darkening with every passing second .
She glared after them , her nails digging into her palms .
Damn .
Noelle .
You think you can embarrass me and get away with it ! Fine .
You just wait In the Anderson family , Leia was always the center of attention , adored and doted upon .
Even Eli , the one person who used to sit by Noelles side , had shifted his loyalty back to Leia after their recent spat But outside of the family home , it seemed the dynamics had flipped entirely .
Harley took Noelle and Leia to a family style restaurant .
The food was excellent , and the portions of meat were generous , more than enough to satisfy Noelles cravings .
The dining tables were the usual square ones youd find at a cozy eatery .
Naturally , Harley sat next to Noelle , while Leia took a seat on her own at the other side .
When it came time to order , Harley handed the menu to Noelle first , saying , Noelle , take a look and see what youd like to love .
Noelle took the menu directly Grilled fries ) chút ken , ribs … Oh , and this roasted beef looks good .
And ooh , crispy sausages ! Leias face went pale .
All meat ! Heally ? y finish so much food ! And Harley wasnt stopping her ! If anything , he seemed amused , letting How could Noelle not see that they couldnt possibly Noelle have her way .
To dour Noelle chirped , handing the clock to Harley .
Got it Harley took the menu and was about to hand it to the waiter when he noticed Leias lingering , slightly wounded expression .
Thinking for a moment , for passed the menu to Leia .
Leia , anything youd like to add ? Lela glanced at the menui , her heart sinking further .
Wasnt this meal supposed to be Harleys apology to me ! Yet somehow , I felt like the third wheel .
1/3 0:30 AM ch Chapter 12 Im fine , she said curtly , even though she preferred lighter dishes , a stark contrast to the heavy , spicy meat dishes Noelle had ordered .
Harley didnt push her .
He simply handed the meni to the waiter and said .
Thatll be all The waiter said Olay , please wait a moment .
The dishes soon arrived , one after another , filling the table with rich aromas .
Lets eat .
Harley said casually Noelle dove in immediately , her face glowing with delight as she thig into the spread of meats .
Leia , meanwhile , stared at the overly seasoned dishes with a sinking heart .
She nibbled reluctantly , barely able to stomach a few bites .
Back at home , this wouldve been unthinkable .
The Anderson family wouldve rallied around Leia , ensuring she had everything she wanted .
But here ! Harleys entire focus was on Noelle .
Leias discomfort went unnoticed and unaddressed .
When they returned to campus , Noelle leaned back , patting her stomach in satisfaction .
That was so good ! Im stuffed .
Harley , watching her with amusement , couldnt hide the fondness in his tone .
Glad you liked it .
That place seems to suit your tastes .
Its great ! Their meat dishes are amazing .
Noelle said with a grin .
Then well go again tomorrow , Harley offered without hesitation .
Harley , youre so silly , Noelle replied , giving him a playful look .
Tomorrow we start military training .
There wont be time for fancy lunches .
Harley didnt miss a beat .
Then we well sneake out Noelle piegled , clearly entertained by the idea .
I like the way you think .

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Leia trailed behind them , her heart sinking with every step .
This scene contrasted sharply with the morning when Eli dropped Noelle and Leia off at school .
In the morning .
Noelle was mostly ignored by Eli and Leia , while now , Leia was being left out by Noelle and Harley .
Noelle , however , had a good mindset and a strong ability to handle things .
Even when Eli ignored her , she quickly adjusted her emotions .
But Leis was struggling she felt suffocated , a mix of discomfort and grievance .
How had she gone from being the one everyone admired to thist When had she sunk so low as to become Noelles sidekick Eli ! Hey , Elir Över here ? Leia turned to see Eli walking toward them , surrounded by a small group of admiring girls .
When Elis eyes landed on Noelle , her radiant smile and warm greeting tugged at something deep in his chest .
Was I too harsh on her he wondered .
hesitated , ready to offer a small nod or word of acknowledgment .
But before he could , his gaze shifted to Leia , whose ryes were brimming with tears .
entire demeanor clunged .
The warmth bed felt moments turned into concern and urgency as he approached Leia .
Whats wrong ? Why are you crying ? asked gently Kill Leia choked out , her voice trembling .
She couldnt hold back anymore .
She tung herself into his arms , sobbing uncontrollably .
The scene frose everyone around them .
Whats going out hot Elis sider supposed to be a freshnant Why are there two girls clinging to him ? Leja amunt be lais sister .
But whos the other gide Who knows ? She manve done something to upset bria Look , shes crying now ? Eli overland the whispers and felt his temper rise .
Ils slurp eyes eyes darted toward Noelle , his voice stern .
Noelle , what did you d you do to Lela ? 2/3 9:30 AM c Chapter 12 What Nothing Noelle replied , utterly baffled .
Noelle thought to herself , Wasnt everything fine just a moment ago ? How did Leia go from fine to crying in the blink of an eye ? I didnt do anything to her Did you do something to make Leia cry ? Eli snapped angrily .
From Elis point of view , since Leia and Noelle had come back together , and now Leia was crying , it must have been something Noelle did earlier to upset her.
Just then , Harley stepped forward , positioning himself between Noelle and Eli , confronting him .
Eli , Noelle didnt do anything.
Instead of blindly blaming her , why dont you ask Leia whats going on Eli shot a cold glare at Harley and asked , Youre Harley ? The guy Leia liked why was he defending Noelle now ? Eli thhought .
Yes , Harley replied calmly , his voice steady .
Both of them stood their ground , a tense stand off between them .
Leia , worried that the confrontation would escalate and make Harley angry , quickly wiped away her tears and shook her head at Eli .
Eli , its not Noelles fault .
Its my own problem .
Leia Eli was about to ask Leia what had happened when , once again , her tears began to fall As more people gathered around .
Eli realized he had to get Leis away from the situation .
He softly said .
Lets go .
Ill take you somewhere quiet to calm down .
Okay : Leia nodded , and with Eli shielding her , they quickly left .
Harley watched them leave , a cold glint flashing in his eyes .
Isnt Noelle also an Anderson ! But Eli he seemed to have eyes only for Leia .
The entire time , he hadnt even glanced at Noelle once as they walked away .