Chapter 10

“Christopher is impressive, but he's been married before." Lisa frowned and continued, "Leslie, you've never had a boyfriend. It's a bit disappointing." "I don't see it that way. I’m delighted to give my all to someone I love. You haven't experienced love yet, so you wouldn't understand." Leslie smiled and continued, "Plus, Chris didn't plan on getting married again. Various circumstances forced his hand. His ex-wife leaked his sensitive academic information to get her citizenship. “Chris wanted to return and live here afterward. It’s clear he and his ex-wife weren’t meant to last.” Lisa was shocked. She did not expect Christopher’s ex-wife to be such a woman. “His ex never showed up again after that?” "Yeah." Leslie nodded. Lisa sighed in relief. She feared his ex-wife would reappear and cause havoc since Christopher had remarried. The two stepsisters strolled together on the tree-lined path. They were heading toward the apartment complex the university provided for its professors. Despite being over a decade old, the surrounding was peaceful, although many bugs were on the walls. Christopher's place was at the very end, in the elevator-access unit of a small high-rise building. When they approached their destination, Leslie glanced at Lisa and whispered, "There's something I didn't mention. Chris has a five-year-old daughter who used to live with her grandmother. “She's here with us on her school break and hasn’t been in the best mood lately, so try not to upset her." Lisa, walking steadily, suddenly felt her legs go weak. She felt unwell and asked, "Chris has a child, so you're the stepmother?" "Lower your voice." Leslie covered Lisa’s mouth and continued, "The girl is quite cute." Lisa did not feel like saying anything. She had never experienced love and thought it was too chaotic and irrational. After exiting the elevator, Leslie opened the apartment door to reveal Christopher sitting on the sofa. He was reading fairy tales to an adorable little girl. The pajama-wearing Christopher had handsome features, a talented aura, and an elegant appearance. However, Lisa had witnessed his meticulous and academic side. "Lisa’s here." Christopher stood up and asked, "Have you eaten? Would you like me to make you something?" "No thanks, Chris. I had a big dinner," Lisa said politely. Christopher lightly patted his daughter's head and introduced them, "This is my daughter, Chelsea." After a pause, he reminded her daughter, "This is Aunt Lisa. She’s Leslie's younger sister." "They don't look alike at all," Chelsea pouted. Lisa frowned while the little girl pushed her father’s hand away and declared, “I’m going to my room to read.” She ran off to her bedroom as she spoke. "I'm sorry. Chelsea’s young and not very sensible," Christopher sighed, rubbing his temples. "It's okay." Lisa could not let herself argue with a five-year-old child. "Leslie, why don't you chat with Lisa while I prepare her bed?" Christopher turned and headed inside to lay the sheets and gather clean towels and a toothbrush. Lisa engaged in a hushed conversation with her stepsister. "Leslie, your stepdaughter is adorable, but she doesn’t seem well-behaved and has trouble accepting you." Leslie smiled. "It's normal for a child her age to feel insecure since her parents got divorced. I’m an outsider to her, so I need to be patient. It was the same when you joined our family when we were younger. Look at how well we get along now." "I wasn’t like that. I was afraid you wouldn’t like me. Besides, not every child is as kind as I was." Lisa wanted to add a comment about her mother’s teachings. As for her father, he was just an alcoholic who neglected her. However, Chelsea differed. Her mother's ability to disclose sensitive information to others to obtain citizenship showed an issue with her character. ‘Will that kid follow in her mother’s footsteps? Of course, I shouldn’t harbor such negative thoughts about a child.’ However, Lisa no longer thought so after half an hour or so. When she came out of the shower, she encountered Chelsea pouring a glass of water onto the bed she was supposed to sleep in. "What are you doing?" Lisa's tone turned stern as she grabbed Chelsea's hand in frustration. "This is my house. I can pour water wherever I want!" Chelsea glared daggers at Lisa. "I hate you! You’re just like Leslie! You want to take over my house! You have no right to sleep here!" Lisa was so angry that her heart pounded. "Since my sister is married to your father, she has the right to be here. This is your home, but it's also my sister's." "No, Leslie is a homewrecker. If she hadn't seduced my father, my parents would’ve never separated!" Chelsea spat with intense hatred. "How dare you insult my sister again?!" Lisa flew into a rage. Chelsea glared at Lisa momentarily and pursed her lips before bursting into tears. "Chelsea, what's the matter?" Christopher and Leslie hurried into the room. "Daddy, she bullied me!" Chelsea immediately broke free from Lisa and threw herself into her father's arms, choking on her tears. "I just wanted to pour some water for Aunt Lisa but accidentally spilled it on the blanket! Then she scolded me!” Lisa's eyes widened. She would not have believed a five-year-old could pull off such an act so quickly if she had not seen it herself. "Don't lie! You did it on purpose!" Christopher said in a low voice, "Lisa, don't be so fussy with Chelsea. She’s still young, after all. She doesn't mean any harm." Chelsea continued sobbing, "She also said this is Leslie's home, and you'll have many babies. I don't think I have a place here anymore. Daddy, will you abandon me?" "No, Daddy will never abandon you." Christopher bent over and gently wiped away Chelsea's tears. Lisa was speechless. She only intended to find a place to stay and see her stepsister’s married life. However, the situation had taken an unexpected and drastic turn. "Lisa." Leslie gently patted her stepsister’s shoulder, her eyes reflecting a hint of helplessness. "Leslie, I didn't say those things," Lisa clarified as she struggled to contain her anger. Leslie nodded. Chelsea suddenly struggled violently in Christopher's arms, crying loudly, "I'm not lying! It's true! She bullied me! She even hurt my hand!" Christopher tried calming his daughter down soothingly, saying, “Let me see your arm. Don’t cry. How about we go to your room and read some books together?” He gently led Chelsea to the adjacent room. He did not blame anyone and did not say a single harsh word. However, Lisa realized she should not have come at all. "Leslie, I'll go find a hotel for the night."