Zuko took a step forward but held Lina’s hands tightly.

“Desiree, there are some things I must clarify with you. We had a childhood connection, but we’ve grown up now.” Zuko paused and enunciated each word. “There’s a difference between men and women!”

“You—”

“Also, I don’t have any ‘bros’ or ‘buddies’, only one younger brother, Toph. I do have a few close friends, but they’re all male.”

Zuko smiled. “Do you understand what I mean now?”

Desiree could not help the twitching of her lips.

“Zuko, I know you’re dating Lina, but you can’t not be friends with the opposite *** just because you have a fiancee, right?”

“Are you trying to say that pure friendships exist between men and women?” Zuko smirked. “But I think that’s the most irresponsible thing to do in a relationship!”

“Zuko…”

“Of course, normal interactions are completely reasonable, but anything that exceeds the normal range…” There was a pause before Zuko uttered heavily, “Have some self-respect!”

Desiree took two steps back and looked at Zuko in disbelief.

Growing up in a family like the Harpers, Desiree was used to seeing elders who had families outside their marriages. The legitimate wives had to endure and coexist peacefully with their husbands’ mistresses.

Even the most dominant legitimate wife had to bow her head before her husband. If a woman liked a

even think there was anything

Zuko delivered a decisive blow that shattered her lifelong beliefs today He confronted her directly, challenging her views on relationships and exposing them

think I’ve made it clear. Don’t blame me for falling out if you

“You—”

be having a drink.” Zuko smiled. “Lina and I

of the

she felt his palm’s warmth and knew she had everything she needed in the world. She tried to walk steadily but was so

leaving the bar, Lina stopped

“Zuko…”

matter?”

polite and saying, “You offended Desiree because of me. That equals offending the Harpers. Is

say, “Desiree has been your friend for so many

be so hypocritical? What is there to be

words expressed exactly what

all she wanted

burst into

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