Chapter 3

Chapter 3

[1]

The adults were deeply engaged in a lively conversation, and the welcome feast was truly a lavish spread. There were lobster, abalone, roast pig, lamb chops, chicken, and beef brisket-all without a single potato in sight.

Kimberly, trying to suppress her craving, smiled and asked, "With all this meat, how do you all manage to stay so slim?"

Upon closer inspection, I realized that although my parents were dressed in luxurious clothes, they were actually gaunt and pale. My grandfather was little more than skin and bones. I was the only one with any noticeable flesh on my arms, but even that was barely enough to grasp.

Domenic and his father, less perceptive than the women, were startled once it was pointed out. Especially Clint, who was always suspicious by nature.

I quickly added, "Aunt Kimberly, our family has only become well-off in the past two years. Our elders are used to hardship and still practice frugality. We only prepare so much food when we have important guests. Here, try some of my mom's cooking."

With that, I picked up a piece of crispy roast pig and placed it on Kimberly's plate. The exquisite flavors burst in her mouth, and her face lit up with delight.

"Oh my, it's delicious, truly delicious! I've lived half my life and never tasted such wonderful roast pig! Domenic, Clint, you must try this!"

Seeing her reaction, Domenic quickly picked up a piece with his chopsticks. The next second, his eyes widened with an unprecedented taste experience. Even after finishing it, he was still licking his lips.

"Laura, your mom's cooking is incredible. I've never had such delicious meat. Being your son-in-law would be a real treat."

My mom beamed. "I'm glad you like it. I'll make more for you tomorrow."

Then, she turned her gaze to Clint. "Why aren't you eating? Is it not to your taste?"

Clint, noticing his wife and son devouring the food, felt a bit embarrassed. That ridiculous male pride always seemed to surface during times of humility, highlighting his inadequacy as the head of the family.

At this moment, my grandfather raised his wine glass. "It's fate that brought these two children together. From now on, my granddaughter will be entrusted to your family. I toast to you."

Clint downed his drink in one gulp. My dad also toasted him, and one after another, the alcohol began to break down Clint's guard.

Soon, the three members of the Elliott family were feasting heartily, red oil dripping from the corners of their mouths as they savored every bite. Their eyes gleamed with pleasure and satisfaction.

In that moment, they looked more like contented souls than we did.

[2]

11:30 PM, Clint, smelling of alcohol, was being helped upstairs by Kimberly. I led Domenic to the guest room to sleep.

Domenic was in high spirits today. My parents, gentle and kind, seemed to approve of him.

Just as we were about to ascend the stairs, a round object came hurtling towards Domenic, hitting him squarely in the chest. He clutched his chest in pain. When he looked up, he was horrified, unable to speak.

"A g-g-ghost..."

At the top of the stairs stood a little girl, exuding an eerie aura. She wore a blood-red dress, her eyes glaring with a piercing stare. The ominous ball had been kicked by her.

The girl looked at Domenic and gave a sinister smile.

Domenic immediately clung to my sleeve.

I turned on the light. "Don't be so scared. That's my little sister, Lisette."

The light softened the shadows on her face, revealing a ten-year-old girl with rosy cheeks and pearly white teeth, endearing and lovable.

She rushed over and hugged me. "Big sister, you're finally back. I missed you so much."

Lisette's gaze locked onto Domenic, absentmindedly licking her lips. I quickly pinched her, reminding her to be a bit more reserved.

Domenic, now at ease, came over to comfort her. "Are you hungry? Why didn't we see you at dinner?"

Lisette lifted her chin. "Hmph, who wants to eat gross food?"