Payne is different

★★★★

"Mom, why do you have to buy another house when we have Grandfather's house? We could stay there," Payne asked sweetly, her innocent eyes fixed on her mother.

Jasmine sighed, gripping the steering wheel a little tighter. "It's a complicated story, sweetheart. One thing I want you to understand is that the house is no longer mine. We’re invited for dinner, and we'll leave peacefully after that."

Payne turned to look at her mother, concern etched on her young face. "Are they mean to you?"

Jasmine's heart ached. She couldn't lie to her daughter. "Yes, sweetheart, they have been mean to me. And they might be mean to you too."

"Then why are we going?" Payne demanded, her voice tinged with anger. "If Grandfather bullies you, we shouldn’t go!"

Jasmine smiled sadly. "It's not that simple, Payne. Grandfather is old and not as harsh as he used to be. He’s very ill and asked to see us. It's our responsibility to fulfill his request."

Payne furrowed her brow, clearly struggling with th