The Cheater [JenLisa]

Chapter 28

Lisa stepped into Jennie's apartment again, the faint scent of jasmine and baby powder instantly filling her senses. Gail was in the middle of the living room floor, playing with a set of soft blocks. Her tiny laugh echoed in the quiet space, and Lisa felt a surge of protectiveness that had nothing to do with Jennie and everything to do with the little girl.

"Hi, Gaile" Lisa said softly, kneeling down to meet her daughter's eyes. Gail's arms reached out instinctively, and Lisa scooped her up gently.

"Good morning," Jennie murmured from the couch, her gaze flicking to Lisa as if assessing every movement.

She seemed calm, almost composed, but there was tension in the set of her shoulders.

For the first thirty minutes, the visit was quiet, almost normal. Gail cooed, Lisa played with her, and Jennie hovered nearby, careful not to interfere. Lisa allowed herself a brief sense of peace.

And then the door clicked.

Blake.

He strode in without knocking, eyes immediately locking on Lisa. His expression was the same as last time: cold, calculating, a wall of authority in human form.

"Back so soon?" he asked, voice smooth but icy, carrying an edge of accusation. "I didn't expect to see you here again."

Lisa tightened her grip on Gail, her jaw set. "I'm here for her. Not you."
Blake's eyes flicked to Gail, then back to Lisa. "Of course. But let's be honest... your timing is curious. Again."

Jennie rose quickly, stepping between them. "Blake, please..."

Lisa ignored them both, focusing entirely on Gail. "She's my daughter. I will not be intimidated."

Blake's lips pressed into a thin line, then he exhaled slowly, as if calculating the best move. "We'll see about that," he said softly, almost to himself.

Jennie's eyes widened slightly.

"Blake..."

Lisa's head snapped toward Jennie.

"What?"

Jennie hesitated, and then something fell from her lips that Lisa hadn't expected.

"There's... something you need to know," Jennie said, voice trembling.

"Something about Gail."

Lisa froze, heart thudding. "What do you mean?"

Jennie glanced at Blake, then back to Lisa. "Gail... she's been sick."

The words landed like a punch. Lisa's hands tightened around her daughter instinctively. "Sick? What do you mean?"

Jennie swallowed. "It's genetic. There's a condition—something she could develop if not treated early. I... I didn't tell you sooner because I didn't know how. I was scared..."

Lisa's mind raced. Fear, anger, and disbelief swirled together. "You... you didn't tell me? My child?"

"She's stable for now," Jennie said quickly. "But she needs proper care—tests, maybe treatment soon. You're her Dad, Lisa. She deserves to have you involved."

Blake stepped forward, cold and precise. "We've been managing it. But clearly, the presence of her other parent—her biological dad—changes the situation."

Lisa's chest tightened. "Managing it? You think you can 'manage' my child without me knowing?"

Blake's gaze was unwavering. "I said nothing about you, but let's face reality—you're a part of her now. And that's... complicated."

Jennie's hands fisted at her sides.

"Lisa, please. I'm not trying to hurt you. But this is serious. I couldn't... I didn't want you to worry unnecessarily. I thought I could handle it."

Lisa looked at Jennie, then down at Gail. The baby cooed again, oblivious to the tension, reaching for Lisa's face with tiny fingers. Her innocence was sharp, painful, and fiercely precious.
"I will be involved," Lisa said firmly, voice steady despite the storm inside.

"No secrets. No more lies. If she has a condition, I'm here. I'm her Dad. That's not negotiable."

Blake's eyes narrowed slightly. "Good. Just... make sure your intentions are clear. We all have roles to play. Don't overstep."

Lisa's jaw clenched. "I will not be sidelined. You understand?"

Jennie swallowed, tears brimming.

"Lisa... I—"

"I know," Lisa interrupted, voice cold but controlled. "You made mistakes. But Gail doesn't deserve mistakes. I won't let her pay for the past."

Blake's lips pressed into a thin line, then he backed toward the door.

"Noted," he said, voice low and cold, before leaving without another word.

Jennie sank onto the couch, burying her face in her hands. "I... I didn't want it to be like this."

Lisa knelt beside Gail, letting the baby rest in her lap. "It isn't about you. It's about her. From now on, nothing else matters but her well-being. And I will fight for that, Jennie. You need to understand that."

Jennie nodded, swallowing. "I understand."

Lisa's gaze hardened. "Good. Because from here on... I won't let anyone—no one—interfere with her life. Not Blake. Not you. No one. I will protect her. And I will do it firmly, with everything I have."

Gail gurgled softly, stretching her arms toward Lisa's face. Lisa smiled faintly, brushing the baby's hair back. For the first time that day, a small thread of calm wove through her storm.

Jennie watched quietly, a mix of guilt and gratitude on her face. She had no claim on Lisa anymore—none at all.

Gail belonged to Lisa.

Lisa stood slowly, placing Gail carefully back onto the play mat. She looked at Jennie one last time.

"Remember this," Lisa said softly, yet firmly. "I am her Dad. That will never change. And I will not fall for anyone again. Not you. Not Blake. Not anyone."

Jennie nodded silently, unable to speak, and Lisa turned toward the door.

Outside, the city hummed indifferently. Somi waited in the car Lisa climbed in, closing her eyes briefly as relief, determination, and a quiet fire surged inside her.