Chapter 25
The Vance residence was lively on Christmas Eve.
As Judy was in a great mood, she insisted on cooking. Kathleen felt awkward doing nothing and went to offer her help.
“Just keep Shawn company. I don’t need any help here,” Judy replied with a smile.
“Are you sure?” Kathleen asked, feeling obligated to help.
“Absolutely. I haven’t cooked in a while, and you helping would disrupt me,” Judy assured warmly.
Hearing that, Kathleen left the kitchen.
Shawn was playing chess with Henry while Colin prepared drinks nearby.
Despite deeming it inappropriate to sit too close to Shawn, considering their strained relationship, Kathleen sat beside him anyway. She felt it would be odd not to do so at the Vance residence.
“Do you know how to play?” Henry asked, noticing her interest in the chessboard.
Kathleen smiled sheepishly, “No.”
“Our family doesn’t have strict rules or expectations,” he reminded. “Just relax and do what you like.”
She
She nodded appreciatively and continued observing the game. She didn’t understand much but could grasp the basics.
Shawn moved decisively without hesitation, each of his moves forcing Henry into lengthy contemplation, demonstrating Shawn’s remarkable intelligence.
Kathleen wondered whether Shawn’s children would inherit his sharp mind.
Just then, her phone suddenly rang. It was Chelsey who had mentioned earlier that she’d be having Christmas Eve dinner with her boyfriend and his family.
Kathleen quietly stepped away to answer the call. “Hello?”
“I want out,” Chelsey blurted out immediately.
Kathleen was startled. “What happened?”
Chelsey sighed deeply. “You wouldn’t believe how ridiculous it is! I arrived and found the house full of relatives staring me down Worst of all, his mom expects me to cook tonight’s dinner. It’s absurd!”
Kathleen could hardly believe it. Chelsey had always described Damian Wallace as nearly perfect, never hinting that his family would behave this way. “They said they already consider me family, but it felt more like a way to get me to do things,” Chelsey vented. “I’m leaving.”
“Did you tell Damian?” Kathleen asked.
“I did. He promised to help, insisting that his family was excited about us and wanted me to feel included. He even said they really liked me, which is why they asked me to do the cooking. But honestly, that’s just nonsense!” Chelsey sounded frustrated.
“Just being around his relatives makes me uncomfortable. I’m not afraid of them, but I feel really uneasy. Damian’s great, but I can’t deal with his family.
Kathleen understood completely. “Then, just be honest with him. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t force it.‘
Chelsey sighed again. “I’ll leave soon.”
“Talk to Damian nicely. Don’t be too hard on him,” Kathleen reminded gently, considering it was Christmas. “I know,” Chelsey replied.
