Annabelle was waiting for Eva's answer about what qualities she found appealing in her brother. Her main concern was still that Eva truly had her heart set on him, and if that was the case, she would at least be able to Discover more novels on NovelHub - your gateway to endless stories.
And Eva? Now the center of attention for both siblings, she paused to consider her words, as she had her own thoughts about Christian, after all. But, after considering the very root thing that had drawn her to him in the first place, and setting aside her current feelings, she finally spoke with a voice filled with conviction.
"Well, he is special."
'If anyone's going to confess first, it should be the man, right?'
'Not to mention, this setting is the farthest thing from ideal for making one.'
While Eva thought to herself that she had handled the question pretty well, Annabelle, hearing her answer, which she sensed was actually filled with many emotions, was initially a little surprised. Still, she waited.
She waited to see what would follow after mentioning the word "special," but noticing her sudden silence and then the expression on her face, indicating that this was all she intended to say, left Annabelle feeling a bit irritated.
After all, if Eva hadn't raised her expectations with the word "special," it might have been easier to let go. But now, not knowing the full answer left Annabelle feeling somewhat uncomfortable, unsatisfied, even, like an itch that wouldn't stop bothering her.
'What kind of answer is that?'
Christian, sharing Annabelle's lingering doubt over Eva's vague answer, also couldn't help but complain a little internally, as Eva still didn't elaborate in the end and instead asked a question in return.
"If we're satisfying our curiosity, then I'm also curious about the relationship between you two. After all, not all siblings are ."
Eva looked directly at Annabelle as she asked her question, then followed up in a light tone.
"It's just that my relationship with my younger sister doesn't seem as close as yours."
Christian looking at Eva, decided to listen quietly in the end. He was naturally pleased to hear her call him special, but he was even more curious about what made him special in her eyes, was it love, or something else entirely? He didn't know, but after calming down, her answer left him a little satisfied, as just the possibility that she might like him was enough for now.
Regarding Eva's other question about his relationship with his sister, Christian knew that maybe he had not shared everything, but it should still be plenty concerning this topic. So, her asking now suggested she was more interested in hearing his sister's perspective, and with Olivia's name also brought up, he felt even less inclined to get involved and decided to leave the response to his sister.
Annabelle looked between her brother, who seemed to lose interest, and Eva, who had steered the topic away. For a moment, she considered pressing a little further, as her answer was by no means enough to satiate her curiosity. But in the end, she decided against it. At least, Eva didn't seem like the type who would trouble her brother. Still, there was a tinge of worry because of her family, as things shouldn't be that simple.
For now, she could answer her. After all, it was something she enjoyed talking about, and maybe she could get back at her a little.
"Well, if I want to talk about my relationship with my younger brother, there's a lot to say. But if you're curious because of your younger sister, then things change."
"I want to point out one thing first: upbringing plays a big role in it, along with the attitudes of the parties involved."
"While our parents were not strict, they were religious people, and there were still some things they expected us to abide by. They didn't force their convictions on us, but they did raise us by teaching us what's wrong and right."
"Then there's my attitude toward my younger brother and how I'm always trying to do my best for him."
"And how he tries to reciprocate."
"That's about it, I think."
'Even previously, when there was some kind of wall between us, he would still show concern for me.'
'But if you're doing something while expecting something in return, that's also wrong.'
Annabelle felt she could talk about her younger brother and their relationship for a very long time, but in the end, she didn't say much, keeping some of her thoughts to herself.
Depending on Eva's response, she was prepared to say more, wanting her to show some genuine enthusiasm rather than simply changing the topic.
'Ehh, but sister, why don't I remember what our parents told us to do and not to do?'
Christian at the side was questioning his sister internally, as he just remembered how excessively kind their parents were. Still, he felt that bringing up upbringing in front of Eva was a misstep, as she was Olivia's mother, not an older sister. Just a quick glance at Eva also made him confirm his suspicious, as she seemed a little provoked? But he decided to stay quiet.
"You mean it's the influence of the parents?"
Against Eva's slightly sharp question, Annabelle replied calmly.
"That's when the son or daughter is still a child. When they grow up, they develop their distinct personality, their own belief, and the influence of their parents becomes much less significant."
"So, it will then depend on the efforts of either party, on.."
Annabelle still wanted to continue, but Eva suddenly interrupted.
"Of course, I did my best efforts. I even…"
And wanting to repay her back, she interrupted her in return.
"Did you try hard to get along with her but still failed?"
"Or was it just you feeling that it seemed a little hard to get along with her?"
While Annabelle continued to challenge Eva, whether unknowingly or now knowingly, Christian felt as if he should grab some popcorn; it was just too exciting to watch.