Lewis' question was too straightforward, and Larissa was not prepared.

"Huh?" Her eyes sparkled with something as she tried to fib. "I just thought that Dad was too much, so I said that to make him angry on purpose!"

"So, you feel nothing for Mr. Rogers?" Lewis pressed her.

Larissa looked down. Her fingernails were digging into her palm. She did not want to let Lewis know how she felt. Still, she did not want to lie either.

Lewis knew what a long silence meant. "I know your answer." His voice was mild. "Next time Uncle Gary does anything else, I'll help you."

Larissa looked up. Lewis was not looking at her, and his expression was still normal.

"Don't tell Uncle Gary about this." He reminded her. "Otherwise, I'll be kicked out of the house."

Larissa teared up because of how touched she felt.

Although Lewis had always treated her like she was his biological sister, their relationship only formed because of Gary.

She never expected Lewis to choose her when she was in conflict wit