The Step Between Us

The growing rift between Leo and me was starting to drive me crazy.

One moment, I considered just giving up and letting him be. The next moment, I thought about the 500 million. Maybe I could endure this for a little longer.

So, I started buying every parenting book I could find on a popular shopping site.

After reading for a whole day, my resolve was stronger than before.

According to the books, Leo’s behavior was a classic case of “Adolescent Syndrome.” In simpler terms, he was just rebelling.

I couldn’t continue to fight him directly. I had to try a different approach—become more patient and gentle.

That evening, I called the driver to check if Leo had returned home, only to find out that he had gone to a bar.

Why would a high schooler go to a bar? That was so dangerous!

I hesitated for a moment, quickly changed into something more presentable, added some makeup, and set off in pursuit.

I arrived at the bar and immediately saw Leo surrounded by a group of glamorous girls all vying to feed him fruit.

A young boy out alone in such a place was a recipe for trouble.

I was about to intervene when I overheard his friends talking.

“Leo, I heard your father found a new wife, and she’s not much older than you. She’s also pretty attractive.”

“Do you have a photo? I could use a stepmother like that.”

“Quit watching so many dramas.”

“Shut up,” Leo snapped, and his friends quickly fell silent, looking somewhat afraid of him.

Leo lifted his head, and the indifference in his eyes hit me like a cold wave.

I stood there, unsure whether to stay or leave, feeling awkward and out of place.

But then I gathered my courage and walked over to him.

“Who’s she?” one of his friends asked curiously.

“Leo, is she your stepmother? She’s hot…”

“Hot?” I thought, slightly taken aback by their words. At least, it was a compliment, though I wasn’t sure how to feel about it.

“Hello, I’m… his step… caretaker,” I stammered, managing to force a weak smile.

“So, Leo, is this your stepmother?”

“Holy crap,” one of them exclaimed, and the group burst into loud laughter, making me feel both embarrassed and slightly self-conscious.

I glanced at Leo, but he had already turned his attention back to his drink.

“What are you doing here?” he asked coldly, without looking at me.

“Of course, I came because I was worried about you. I’m here to take you home,” I said, trying to sound calm.

“Go back by yourself if you want to.” His eyes were sharp as he glared at me before returning to his drink.

“Hey, isn’t it a little early for you to leave already? Come join us for a bit.”

“Yeah, what would you like to drink? I’ll order it for you.”

Several of the guys grabbed my arms, refusing to let me go.

“If I sit here, I won’t ruin your fun, will I?” I asked, feeling uncomfortable with the situation.

“Of course not, sit next to me,” the guy next to me said, pulling me down beside him.

I looked up at Leo, but he finished his drink, stood up, and muttered, “You guys are really insane.”

He turned and walked off, disappearing into the crowd without another word.

“Look at this, you’ve gone and made a mess. Getting too close to Leo’s girl. Now he’s upset,” one of his friends said, lightly bumping another on the head.

“I was just… trying to lighten the mood,” the boy replied, his face showing a bit of hurt.

I watched Leo’s figure retreating, a deep sigh escaping me.

He was angry again. It seemed like he always got upset every time he saw me.

“He went to the bathroom. What do you want to drink?” one of the boys asked me.

“Watermelon juice,” I replied, my mind still reeling.