Love at First Novel by Gu Lingfei

Sonny nodded solemnly. "Mom, I understand. I'll ask Dad to hide the stuff so Aunt Chelsea won't take it. Why does she always come to Dad's house and take things away? Back then, Brother Lucas used to take my toys too. I cried, and Grandma said he'd return them after playing with them for a while. But he never gave them back."

Even though Sonny had only been two years old at the time, he still remembered how his grandmother favored Lucas.

"Sonny, that's grown-up business. You're still a child; don't let it bother you," Liberty said gently.

Chelsea had always been selfish, taking advantage of her parents and, by extension, Hank. Hank had enabled her behavior for years, favoring his sister over anyone else.

Whenever Chelsea visited the city, she made sure her favorite dishes—always the expensive ones were prepared. Liberty would cook lavish meals, often including pricey seafood like lobster and king crab, just to appease Chelsea. And Chelsea never came empty-handed to contribute, not even bringing a small treat for Sonny.

Liberty used to vent to her sister Serenity about how Chelsea would come as a guest but never as a considerate one. She'd arrive empty-handed and leave with leftovers packed to the brim.

this up to Hank, he'd brush her off, saying it wasn't her money being spent. "I pay for the groceries," he'd snap. "Just cook whatever Chelsea likes.” Yet, whenever Liberty asked him for grocery money, he'd lash out,

pushed those thoughts

divorced for two years now, and her life had completely changed. She was remarried to Duncan. Duncan wasn't Hank, and he never would

She owned a successful restaurant and company, was financially independent, and finally lived on her own terms. No one could criticize her choices anymore, and she didn't have to tolerate anyone taking advantage of

Duncan? The gifts he gave her ensured she'd never have to worry about her material needs again. Her life now was one of security

tell his dad to keep

family of three set off for the

in the house he and Liberty had shared during their marriage. Returning to the community where she'd spent three years

she walked through the familiar neighborhood, many of the residents recognized her and Sonny, greeting them