Ashley’s words were simple and sincere—but even someone as thick-skinned as Arthur blushed at the praise. The girl beside them watched with a wide-eyed smile. “Miss, is he your boyfriend? You two look so perfect together!” She thought this kind-looking older sister was wonderful, and the sister’s fiancé—who somehow looked a little like her—made her feel like this was fate. She’d never had real friends before. Her life had been lonely. But now, standing here with this couple, she felt something warm spark inside her—something she hadn’t felt in a long time. Ashley nodded without hesitation, correcting her gently. “He’s my fiancé.” She said it with a quiet pride that surprised even herself. Arthur’s smile deepened as he echoed, “That’s right—I’m her fiancé.” The girl watched them, eyes full of admiration and a little envy. “I wonder when I’ll get to meet someone who truly understands and loves me like you do,” she murmured. But then her voice faded. Something clouded her gaze, and her smile dimmed. What am I even thinking? she thought. This life I have—it’s already borrowed time. Even if I met someone, they’d never accept it. Not once they knew the truth. Ashley caught the shift instantly. She let go of Arthur’s arm and stepped forward, her voice warm with concern. “Hey, what’s your name?” Arthur blinked, looking down at his now-empty arm, feeling oddly left out. His fiancée had just let go of him for another girl—and he actually felt jealous. Of a teenage girl. Arthur shook his head and chuckled at himself. Get a grip. The girl hesitated, then smiled again, soft and sweet. “Miss, my name is Nina.” Ashley tilted her head, surprised. “You’re a Gray too?”Nina looked confused. “Why? Are you also a Gray?” Ashley laughed and pointed at Arthur. “Not me. Him. Arthur Gray.” “Arthur…” Nina whispered the name, a faint flicker passing through her eyes. Why does that name sound familiar? Arthur, too, was caught off guard. Same last name. And that resemblance they’d all noticed… It was hard not to wonder—could they be related? But as far as Arthur knew, his grandfather had only one son: John. And John and Raelynn had only raised him and his three older sisters. No mention of another daughter. No cousins. No hidden siblings. Ashley sensed the tension and quickly broke the silence. “I’m Ashley,” she said brightly. Nina smiled back, her eyes curving like little moons. “Miss Ashley, your smile is beautiful.” Ashley blushed again—flustered by the compliment. It was one thing when Arthur teased her, but being flattered by someone younger made her feel extra awkward. She quickly changed the subject. “Alright, let’s get back to collecting seafood!” “Okay!” Nina nodded enthusiastically. The more time she spent with Ashley, the more she liked her. Then, in a quieter voice, Nina asked, “Miss Ashley… can I be friends with you two?” Her big, sparkling eyes were full of hope. There was excitement, but also a trace of caution—as if she was afraid of being rejected. Ashley beamed and replied without hesitation, “Of course you can!” The relief on Nina’s face was almost immediate. Her smile widened, eyes shining. “Really? I’ve got two friends now—at the same time!” Ashley chuckled. “Of course it’s real! You’re so sweet—being your friend is my pleasure.” Nina flushed, all shy and bashful, her lips curling into a goofy smile. Arthur and Ashley couldn’t help smiling along with her. There was something about Nina—something gentle, genuine, and deeply endearing.Arthur, feeling unexpectedly protective, found himself asking, “Do you come out to the beach often? Be careful not to go too deep in the water, alright? It's dangerous once the tide shifts.” He didn’t know when he’d become so… naggy. But there he was, rattling off reminders like an overprotective older brother. Wait, he thought. Why am I being like this? Nina wasn’t anyone special to them—not yet, anyway. They had just met. But something about her made Arthur want to fuss. Like she was a little sister he never had. Nina giggled, sticking out her tongue. “Got it, bro.” Arthur froze. Bro? He turned to Ashley instinctively. She was already looking at him. That single word hung in the air. Bro. Even Ashley had never called him that.