The Enemy in Flesh

As Jia walked towards Madam Han, her confident stride and regal demeanor commanded attention. Daniel’s eyes widened, and Lucas peeked out from behind him, both of them staring at Jia in awe.

Madam Han beamed with pride, rushing forward to greet Jia. “Jia, dear, it’s so lovely to finally meet you again!”

Jia smiled warmly, greeting Madam Han respectfully. “It’s an honor to meet you again, Madam Han.”

Madam Han smiled, gesturing to Daniel and Lucas. “Jia, I’d like you to meet my grandsons, Daniel and Lucas.”

Daniel stepped forward, his expression neutral, while Lucas clung to his arm, his eyes fixed on Jia.

“Welcome, Miss Li,” Daniel said, his voice polite but detached.

Lucas, still hiding behind Daniel’s arm, whispered, “H-hello…”

Jia’s gaze met Daniel’s, and for a brief moment, they locked eyes. Daniel felt a jolt of surprise, but quickly looked away, his expression neutral.

Madam Han smiled, oblivious to the tension. “Shall we head to the car? We have a lot to discuss.”

As they walked towards the exit, Lucas clung to Daniel’s arm, his eyes fixed on Jia. Daniel whispered, “Don’t stare, Lucas. It’s impolite.”

But Lucas couldn’t help himself. He was both fascinated and terrified of the “monster” who had just arrived.

As they drove away from the airport, Lucas leaned over to Daniel and whispered, “Danny, is she really the monster?”

Daniel shot him a warning glance. “Shh, Lucas. Not now.”

Jia, seated in the front, turned slightly to smile at Lucas. “Hello, Lucas. I hope you’re doing well.”

Her voice was soft and gentle, and Lucas’s eyes widened slightly as he smiled back at her.

Madam Han, seated beside her, chatted amiably about the upcoming family dinner, and Jia listened attentively, nodding occasionally.

Daniel observed Jia from the backseat, his eyes narrowing slightly. She was certainly not what he had expected. Her reserved nature and composed demeanor made her seem almost… dignified.

As they continued driving, the atmosphere in the car remained subdued, but Jia’s polite and respectful manner helped to ease the tension.

As they approached the Han estate, Lucas’s eyes grew wide with excitement. “Danny, look! We’re home!”

Daniel smiled, ruffling Lucas’s hair. “Yes, we are.”

Jia’s eyes flicked to the estate, her expression neutral.

Madam Han beamed with pride as they pulled up to the entrance. “Welcome to our home, Jia. I hope you’ll find it comfortable during your stay.”

Jia nodded politely, her eyes scanning the façade of the estate.

As they stepped out of the car, Daniel took Lucas’s hand, leading him towards the entrance. Jia followed, her movements fluid and confident.

Inside, Madam Han led them to the living room, where a lavish spread of refreshments awaited. “Please, Jia, make yourself at home, dear.”

Jia nodded, her eyes meeting Daniel’s for a brief moment before she looked away.

Daniel’s expression remained neutral, his eyes narrowing slightly as he watched Jia. He said nothing, simply observing her.

Lucas, still holding Daniel’s hand, looked up at Jia with wide eyes. Jia smiled faintly, her gaze softening for a moment before she turned away.

Madam Han gestured to the plush armchairs arranged around the coffee table. “Come sit, dear.”

Jia nodded, taking a seat in one of the armchairs. Daniel took a seat in the armchair opposite her, his eyes fixed on Jia with a neutral expression.

Lucas climbed onto the armchair beside Daniel, his eyes fixed curiously on Jia. Madam Han smiled, taking a seat in the armchair beside Jia.

“I’m so glad you could visit us, Jia,” Madam Han said, her voice warm and friendly. “I hope you’ll feel at home here.”

Jia smiled politely, her gaze drifting around the room as she took in the opulent décor.

Madam Han chatted on, asking Jia about her trip and her family. Jia answered politely, her responses brief but courteous.

Lucas, growing restless, slid off the armchair and wandered over to the refreshments. Daniel’s eyes flicked to his brother, a hint of a smile on his lips.

Jia’s gaze followed Lucas, her expression softening slightly as she watched him. For a moment, her guard seemed to drop, and Daniel caught a glimpse of something more beneath her polished exterior.

Just then, a soft mewling sound came from the doorway. Lucas’s eyes lit up, and he exclaimed, “Kitty!”

A servant entered the room, carrying a luxurious cat carrier. “I apologize for the delay, Young Miss. Your lovely kitten is ready to join the gathering.”

Jia’s face lit up with a warm smile as she rose from her seat. “Thank you so much. I was worried about her.”

The servant set the carrier down, and Jia opened the door, revealing a stunning white kitten with bright blue eyes. Pearl stretched, arching her back, and then padded out of the carrier, tail twitching.

Lucas squealed with delight, dropping to his knees beside Pearl. “Can I pet her, Please?

Jia smiled, nodding. “Of course, sweetheart. Go ahead, she loves making new friends.”

Lucas’s eyes widened with excitement as he reached out to pet Pearl. The kitten nuzzled his hand, purring contentedly, and Lucas giggled with delight.

“What’s her name?” Lucas asked politely.

“Her name is Pearl.” Jia said, petting the kitten.

Daniel watched the scene with a hint of amusement, his eyes crinkling at the corners. Madam Han beamed, pleased with the warm atmosphere.

As Lucas continued to play with Pearl, Jia watched with a warm smile, her eyes shining with affection.

Pearl, sensing Lucas’s enthusiasm, began to playfully pounce on his fingers, sending Lucas into fits of giggles. Jia laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Daniel’s expression softened, and he couldn’t help but smile at the sight of his little brother having so much fun. Madam Han smiled warmly, pleased to see her grandsons bonding with Jia.

As the afternoon wore on, the atmosphere in the room grew more relaxed, with Lucas and Pearl becoming fast friends. Jia chatted with Madam Han, discussing everything from fashion to books, while Daniel listened quietly, observing Jia with interest.

As the conversation flowed, Jia effortlessly charmed Madam Han with her wit and poise, discussing the latest literary releases and sharing stories of her own favorite authors. Daniel found himself drawn into the conversation, surprised by Jia’s insightful comments and sharp intellect.

Lucas, meanwhile, was completely enamored with Pearl, chasing after the kitten as she darted around the room, pouncing on toys and strings. Jia laughed, watching her kitten’s antics with delight.

As the afternoon sun began to wane, casting a warm glow over the room, Madam Han suggested they take a break for refreshments. The servants entered with trays of delicate finger sandwiches, petit fours, and steaming tea, which they set out on the elegant coffee table.

As they sat down to enjoy the refreshments, Lucas’s eyes sparkled with excitement as he played with Pearl, who was chasing after a ball of yarn.

Jia smiled warmly, watching the two interact. “Pearl loves playing with yarn, doesn’t she?”

Lucas nodded enthusiastically, his attention focused on Pearl. But in his enthusiasm, he accidentally knocked the delicate china vase.

The vase teetered precariously on the edge of the coffee table, and Lucas lost his balance, tumbling forward.

Jia’s swift reflexes kicked in, and she quickly scooped Lucas into her lap, saving him from a nasty fall. The vase, however, crashed to the floor, shattering into a hundred pieces.

Madam Han’s eyes widened in alarm. “Lucas, what have you done?” she scolded.

But before Madam Han could continue, Jia intervened, her voice soft and soothing. “It’s okay, Lucas. You’re safe now.”

Jia wrapped her arms around Lucas, holding him close as he buried his face in her shoulder. Pearl, sensing Lucas’s distress, rubbed against Jia’s leg, purring softly.

Daniel watched the scene unfold, his eyes fixed on Jia as she consoled Lucas. He felt a pang of surprise at Jia’s gentle nature, and his expression softened ever so slightly.

Madam Han, however, looked like she was about to scold Lucas further, but Jia’s calm demeanor seemed to diffuse the tension. “Madam Han,” Jia said gently. “Lucas is shaken. Perhaps we could get him a glass of water?”

Madam Han’s expression softened, and she nodded. “Yes, of course. Let’s get Lucas some water.”

The servant hurried off to fetch the water. Madam Han smiled warmly at Lucas. “It’s okay, dear. Accidents happen.”

Madam Han then turned to the others. “Why don’t we call off the tea party for now and have dinner a bit later? I think we’ve all had enough excitement for one afternoon.”

As the group began to disperse, Jia gently stroked Lucas’s hair, comforting him. Lucas, still shaken, clung to Jia’s hand.

After a while, Madam Han suggested that everyone take some time to rest before dinner. Jia helped Lucas settle down, then asked herself to be excused to freshen up.

Madam Han turned to one of the servants. “Please show Jia to her room, and make sure she has everything she needs.”

The servant nodded and gestured for Jia to follow him. “This way, miss.”

Jia smiled and followed the servant, Pearl trotting faithfully by her side.

Meanwhile, Daniel gently guided Lucas to his room, speaking softly to comfort him. “It’s okay, Lucas. You’re safe now.”

Lucas nodded, still looking a bit shaken, but relieved to be in the safety of his own room.

Once Jia was settled into her room, the servant bowed slightly. “Is there anything you need, miss?”

Jia smiled and shook her head. “No, thank you. I’m fine.”

The servant nodded and withdrew, leaving Jia to rest and freshen up.

On the other hand, Daniel helped Lucas settle in his room, getting him a pillow and a blanket. Lucas looked up at him, his eyes still wide with worry.

“Danny?” Lucas asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Yes, Lucas?” Daniel replied, sitting down beside him.

“How is she…a monster?” Lucas asked again, his brow furrowed in confusion.

Daniel’s expression turned serious, and he hesitated before answering…

Lucas looked up at Daniel, his eyes wide with curiosity. “How is Jia a monster, Danny?” he asked again.

Daniel’s expression turned serious, and he leaned in close to Lucas. “Lucas, let’s just forget about that, okay?” he whispered urgently. “You must never say that again. Do you understand?”

Lucas nodded, looking a bit confused but also scared. “Y-yes, Daniel. I won’t

say it again.”

Daniel’s eyes darted around the room, as if he feared being overheard. He kissed Lucas’s forehead. “Good boy, Lucas. Let’s just focus on getting you feeling better, okay?”

Lucas nodded, still looking a bit uncertain. Daniel smiled and handed him a glass of water from the nearby table.

“Drink this, Lucas. You’re probably thirsty after your fall,” Daniel said, trying to distract him from the earlier conversation.

Lucas took the glass and sipped the water slowly, his eyes never leaving Daniel’s face. Daniel could sense the unspoken questions still lingering in Lucas’s mind, but he was relieved that the boy seemed willing to drop the subject… for now.

Daniel smiled softly at Lucas. “Why don’t you rest for a bit, Lucas? I’ll come check on you later, okay?”

Lucas nodded, already looking sleepy. Daniel tucked the blanket around him and quietly left the room.

Later, in Jia’s room, a soft knock on the door broke the silence. “Miss Jia, dinner is ready,” a gentle voice called out.

Jia smiled, smoothing out her dress as she made her way to the dining room. She entered to find Madam Han and Daniel already seated.

“Ah, Jia, welcome,” Madam Han said warmly. “Please, have a seat.”

Jia scanned the table, noticing Lucas’s empty chair. “Where’s Lucas?” she asked, a hint of curiosity in her voice.

Daniel’s expression turned slightly awkward. “Lucas is feeling a bit… overwhelmed. He’s resting in his room.”

Jia’s face lit up with a gentle smile. “I’ll go make friends with him, then,” she said, pushing her chair back.

Madam Han’s eyes widened slightly, but she said nothing, watching with interest as Jia excused herself from the table.

Jia made her way to Lucas’s room, Pearl trotting faithfully by her side. She knocked softly on the door, and when there was no response, she slowly turned the handle and slipped inside.

Lucas lay on the couch, his eyes closed, and his chest rising and falling with slow, deep breaths. Jia smiled, noticing how peaceful he looked.

She approached him quietly, Pearl staying by her side. As she reached the couch, Lucas’s eyes flickered open, and he stared up at her, a hint of surprise on his face.

Jia’s smile widened, and she sat down beside him, Pearl snuggling up against her leg. “Hi, Lucas,” she said softly. “I came to keep you company.

Jia gently brushed a strand of hair out of Lucas’s face, her touch soft and gentle. Lucas looked up at her, his big brown eyes studying her intently.

He tilted his head to one side, his expression curious. Was this woman the monster his brother had warned him about, or was she the fairy princess from the fairy tales his nanny used to read to him?

Lucas’s gaze lingered on Jia’s face, searching for answers. Jia smiled softly, her eyes crinkling at the corners. Perhaps, It was the beginning of their new friendship.