Having realistic expectations meant they wouldn't completely shatter if the worst was confirmed.
"And what about you?" Jimmie turned to look at Shanley, a mocking half-smile on his face. "Juniper said she'd marry you after we find them. If we don't, does that mean you're going to be single for the rest of your life?"
The rest of the siblings turned to Shanley, struggling to hold back their laughter. The heavy tension in the room instantly evaporated.
"I'm not worried. I'm the only man for her," Shanley picked up a fresh apple, turning it over in his hand with supreme, lazy confidence. "Me marrying her is just a matter of time."
"You're awful cocky," Melvin scoffed, trying to sound sarcastic but internally knowing it was true. Even he had to admit that his brilliant little sister was completely hopelessly in love with this guy. She really did only have eyes for Shanley.
"You wouldn't understand. You've never actually been in a real relationship," Shanley drawled, his dark eyes narrowing slightly.
A one-hit KO.
Melvin shot up from his seat, grabbing an empty liquor bottle by the neck and glaring at Shanley like a rabid dog about to take a bite out of him.
Right at that moment, the door to the VIP room pushed open, and Juniper strolled in.
Seeing the weapon in her brother's hand, she blinked in confusion. "Melvin, what are you doing? Are you about to hit Shanley with that?"
"What? Of course not!" Melvin instantly did a 180, slapping on a bright, obsequious smile. "I was just about to pour him a drink!"
He scrambled over to Shanley like an overly eager waiter and aggressively filled every glass on the table.
"I'm remembering this," Melvin hissed under his breath. "When you try to pick up my sister on your wedding day, I'm locking the door and throwing away the key."
"Is that so?" Shanley's lips curled into a wicked smirk. He leaned in and slowly enunciated a single name: "Jane."
"Hahaha!" Melvin's face broke into a painfully forced grin. He whipped out a cigarette and offered it to Shanley with both hands. "Would my future brother-in-law care for a smoke?"
"No thanks. I quit."

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