CYNTHIA's P O V

As the couple strolled towards us, the waiter came back with our ice cream and I gasped in delight, ignoring Julian’s intent gaze towards me. My banana split looked mouth-watering. The three scoops of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream on it were my favorites.

‘‘Guys, this is Tori…’’ Julian introduced the woman to us, but I didn’t even take a single glance in their direction as I took a spoonful of my ice cream and closed my eyes, enjoying the taste. ‘‘Tori, this is Arnold, and Cynthia. They are siblings, and they are my cousins…’’

Cousins…

‘‘Hi, it’s nice to meet you both…’’ I heard...