"You are young girls. It is inevitable you would want to hang out at night for fun. But this isn't safe. You need to take care of yourself. The world is dangerous." Grace's voice was filled with concern.
Sophie patted on her chest, acting reliable.
"Aunt Lu, Lillian worried you. Don't worry. I am there. I can protect her well. You shoudl I have seen how I beat up the bad guys today," Sophie said enthusiastically.
"Bad guys?" Grace enunciated, looking for an explanation. "Did anyone trouble you tonight?"
Before Sophie could spill about everything, Lillian cut in, "Few of my classmates I don't get along with. It's not a big deal."
Sophie nodded.
"Then, Aunt Lu, I will be heading back now," Sophie said.
"It will be too inconsiderate for me to let you go alone this late at night. Did you have dinner yet?" Grace brought up.
Sophie's eyes brightened. "Does that mean I can spend the night here?"
Grace smiled. "You're Lillian's friend. You're welcome here anytime."
In her joy, Lillian grabbed on to Grace's hand, walking forward with her. Lillian shook her head, following behind them.
"Aunt Lu, you're the best. You know, I thought you wouldn't like me." Sophie acted coquettishly.
"Oh? Who wouldn't like a lovely child like you?" Grace softly asked.
"Mrs. Chen. She hates me. Also, my father and stepmother. They kicked me out of the house." Sophie's voice was filled with grievances.
Grace sighed. "You, poor thing. Your father isn't a decent being. How can he kick you out? Come over to my place anytime. The door is always open to you."
"Aunt Lu," Sophie voiced out, "You're really Lillian's mother. You're as generous and pretty as her. Those genes definitely couldn't be from the Chen Family.
Those beautiful eyes, the sharp nose, those charming features- Lillian truly inhirted all her beauty from you. Everyone can tell you're mother and child."
Even Lillian was amused by Sophie's tone.
Sophie was used to contradicting the adults, not getting along with them. Seeing her flatter Grace meant that oddly Sophie liked her.
"You, child," Grace said, "You have a sweet mouth. I really like you."
Sophie giggled.
"By the way, Aunt Lu, I noticed you have really good skin, even better than me. And I am barely in my twenties. I need to learn your tips."
Seeing both of them chattering in front of the door, Lillian stepped forward to unlock and open the door. Entering the house, her eyes fell on the groceries on the table.
"Sophie, dear, why don't you go and play with Lily in her room? I will make dinner for you two."
"I will do it," Lillian volunteered- her voice decisive. She couldn't trust Grace with the kitchen. "You two can carry on with your conversation."
About half an hour later, Lillian was done preparing the dinner. The food was presented on the table. Sophie helped in setting up the table.
Once everyone sat down around the table, Sophie picked up the pair of chopsticks in front of her. Steam came off the food, accompanied by appetizing scent. This made her mouth water.
Her chopsticks reached out for the sauce glazed chicken and picked it up. Her greediness made her place the entire thing in her mouth. However, soon the heat burned her tongue.
"Hot! Hot!" she exclaimed, waving her hands.
Her silly friend made Lillian feel helpless. "Eat slowly. No one is snatching food from you."
After swallowing the food, Sophie's dark eyes stared at her friend with admiration.
"Baby, how come I didn't know you could cook so good? From now on, I am coming to your home daily. Aunt Lu, don't mind me being a bother!"
Grace was used to her children being solemn, quiet, and reserved. Lillian happened to be the same as well. However, Sophie's liveliness made her heart soften, brightening up the atmosphere in this house.
Sophie carried on eating enthusiastically, relishing the food. In comparison, Lillian and Grace was slow and elegant, maintaining their manners.
"Aunt Lu, don't mind Lillian being so taciturn and cold," Sophie brought up.
Placing down her chopstick, she sighed and carried on, "Although she wears a long face all the time, Lillian is fragile at heart. Petty too. Whatever you say to her, she will keep in mind for long time. You don't know how many times she took revenge for little things I did to her."
Sophie chuckled.
"But similarily, she never forgets even the slighest act of generosity towards her and tries to reciprocate. Although she will never admit it, Lillian is kind at heart, or else even after being punished by the Chen Family, why would she continue to help me," Sophie added.
Lillian's eyes fell on Sophie. Her heart felt heavy with emotions.
She understood why Sophie tried to warm up to Grace the entire time today. It was for her sake.
"That's why, Aunt Lu, please take good care of this delicate friend of mine." Sophie's voice was almost pleading.
"I understand, Sophie," Grace responded gently. The corner of her sharp eyes softened.
Lillian picked up the chicken with her chopstick and placed it on Sophie's bowl.
"Eat," Lillian stated, "and keep your mouth shut."
Sophie pouted but obediently carried on eating.
Once they were done with meal, Grace took over the duty of washing the dishes, not letting Lillian and Sophie interfere.
Hugging the pillow in her hand, Sophie expressed, "Baby, your mom is truly sincere towards you, the type that is not faked. She likes you."
Lillian nodded hesitatingly.
"That's a relief then," Sophie spoke out, "I thought you will be going from the wolf's den to a tiger's den. Forget about the Chen Family. Live a good life with your mom."
"The Chen Family won't let go of me," Lillian replied.
Sophie furrowed her brows.
"Why? You have now cut all ties with them. The matter of identities being swapped isn't your fault," Sophie voiced out, "there is no need for them to go this far."
"That's how fate is."
"What are you going to do if Chen Family takes action against you? No matter how smart you are, Chens are one of the major families in the country. They have power, connections, and wealth. They can easily crush you." There was anxiety in Sophie's voice.
Lillian smiled.
"Go to sleep," Lillian said, "everything will be alright."